I had started to feel that something wasn't right in my heart. I started having doubts during studies and the meetings when certain things were said or discouraged. I didn't agree with what was being said, but at the same time I knew I couldn't really question because then it would start the elders wondering why I was even questioning.
So I would bring these uneasy feelings to my husband and he would try and give me answers but I also knew it made him start to think, but he wanted to be the strong one that didn't lead us astray so to speak.
Personal problems started in our congregation with a family member and she was brought before a committee of four elders and other witnesses. This involved an elder who was very popular in our congregation and of course nothing was done to him, but my relative was chastised in front of all her family and friends that were called in as witnesseses. It was sickening.
That was the straw that broke the camels back for me. I told my husband I couldn't live a lie anymore and felt we were not doing our children any favors by staying in. I couldn't believe what he said.
He said "THANK GOD" I thought you would never want out because all your family is in and being 4th generation it would be unthinkable.
We are so much happier now our children are doing fine and were excited to get out. They play sports now for 6 years and haven't fallen to the world as the witnesses lead you to bellieve. We still believe in God, Jehovah or whatever you want to call him. we pray before meals and bedtime, go to church on Sunday's, we belong to a volleyball league and have met some wonderful people who like us because were us, not because of what we believe. Tucker