Hey folks. This is my first post, and I figured I might as well tell my story and state why I'm here.
I'm the offspring of a elder and ex-pioneer. Being so raised, I was very serious about the truth as a youngster. I got baptised pretty young, and had Bethel as a goal for a long time. Through public school, I was really closed off to worldly kids, and since our cong was almost all old folks, I was kind of an introvert. Nevertheless, I liked the org and had no problem doing what I was supposed to. However, around Junior high, I experienced my first trauma with the Way when my brother (basically my closest friend) DA'd. The elders and his cong handled it VERY badly, and essentially it was like he was DF. My parents did their best to be there for him, but even so, they were still very distant and kind of cold. Sort of the "if you just come back, this'll stop" idea. This still ticks me off, and even at the time I saw it was a raw deal for him. What happened to having love amongst ourselves, I thought?
Later, in high school, I got a life and much needed friends. I was barely surprised to find that they were far from how my parents described worldly kids. "They'll get you doing this, that. Pressure you to do this". What? I was doing nothing I felt was wrong. Hell, the only pressures I had were coming from the cong and my parents. I was getting disilliusioned with the idea of servitude to a religion that was exerting so much control over its members, frustrating and depressing them, holding out that magic carrot. A future that was NOT coming. I had good things that were verifiable, right in front of me. Opportunities for a great life without the Truth. I made plans that didn't center on the things I'd been taught, and it felt so good to think for myself, prepare to live my own life. However, I knew that the consequences would be enormous. I'd effectively lose everything I ever knew, especially my family, including my brother who could'nt stick it out in the world and returned. This was and will be the hardest part of my decision. I love my whole family, they love me and I know it's going to be rough on all of us. But, if they choose to shun me for living my life, I will just have to carry on. As a friend of mine put it so succinctly: "You won't miss any Christmas cards from em."
Where am I now? Just graduated, moved out, and planning a career that clashes with the org (Military related). My parents know, and despite their disappointment and hostile stance have said they'll stay in touch unless I get DF'd. That probably won't happen, as I plan to quietly move away when I get called up and never give the org a second thought. In the meantime, I go to meetings just enough to keep the elders at bay, go in service never, and basically live my social life outside the truth and as I please. I kinda feel a little hypocritical doing this, but it won't last. Soon, I'll be totally free of the religion that I now feel so alien in. The road ahead will get rocky, but I know it'll be better than what I left behind.
I thank everbody on these boards who shares their stories. It means a lot to know you are not alone in your choice to reach for a better life.
