I have a lot of components to my life. My work, my hobbies, my friends, etc. These are all important to me in varying degrees.
I spend a portion of my life on this web site. I have come to care about many of the people here. We share something in common. We have a common history that we talk about.
I agree that is would not be good to allow one's history as a Jehovah's Witness or any other history to rule one's present or future. But I think everyone looks back on their history as a way to determine what they want to do the same and what they want to do differently in their future in order to make it as rewarding as possibly.
I speak about my past, my present and my future here on this web site. I get emails from people who enjoy my posts and to let me know they agree or disagree with me on something. I love a discussion with people who share a common background. I have no friends away from this site who are former JW's so this is where I come to share my thoughts, hurts, joys, etc. with those I consider my brothers and sisters through shared experiences.
I think most of us are here for a similar reason to mine. At least this is the feeling I get reading most of the posters.
I would turn the question around to those who are still JWs? Haven't you got anything better to do? The great majority here have made up their mind that their spiritual path does not include being one of Jehovah's Witnesses, at least, in connection with the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. However, having been witnesses we know that if one has chosen the Watchtower as one's spiritual path, that path does not include posting to exJW web sites.
Indeed, the counsel that we are aware that you receive is to spend as much time as you can studying the Bible and preaching to others. If you came here to preach the good news of the kingdom according to the Watchtower society, I suppose I could understand that to some degree.
But, really all you do is come here to call people names. I find that an odd use of one's time and in the end unfruitful.
I still wish you peace. I think JW's that come here, even if just to call names, are searching for something that is missing in their lives. I wish them well on their journey as I do those exJWs here.
peace hugs
Joel