rip van winkle

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Posts by rip van winkle

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  70

  Knowing the Real Truth about the "truth" when you're stuck inside...

  by OneDayillBeFree in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  ...sucks.

  (warning: this could get lengthy but i have to vent and i could really use some advice).

  i know ttatt and have known about it for almost 2 years, yet i'm still stuck inside.

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  rip van winkle

  Hi ODIBF

  You really have alot to deal with and I am very sorry that you are in such pain.

  Please don't hurt yourself.

  You have been very strong for the 2 years that you found out TTATT and to be able to stay silent about it. I know it has to be difficult.

  But at this point, while still living at home, you need to take your time and plan your exit strategy.

  Many here have given you good advice to move forward planning while still appearing to stay under the radar.

  You have friends that are here and willing to listen, who empathize with your situation and that are concerned for you.

  And some of them can offer you the benefit of what they learned during their process.

  Try to step back and take a breath and get started on making a plan.

  It will help you to feel more in control of your situation and you will have a goal to work towards.

  Stay strong!
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  48

  I called Bethel about shunning family, unexpected response.....

  by EndofMysteries in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs
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  rip van winkle

  I wouldn't believe a word they say from either sides of their mouth!
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  41

  Did You Expect To Live Thru The Great Tribulation & Never Die At All?

  by minimus in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i always had my doubts about that but i was at least hopeful that all would work out as they said.

  i saw so many "faithful ones" who were true believers expire before they got the prize, that i started to think it probably wouldn't happen in my lifetime.. what a bunch of suckers, huh?.

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  rip van winkle

  Collectively as a group, Jehovah's people would live through the trib.

  I never thought I would live through it.

  Just figured the horror of it all would cause me to have a massive heart attack and die!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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  26

  The Fear of Regret & Apostasy

  by Emery in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  first off a big thanks to everyone here, you have received me with much love and support.

  i appreciate all that have contributed their time and hardwork over the years here at jwn.. this post here is directed to those who are on the fence like i was.

  i hope this helps you in some way to understand both the doubts and indoctrination.. i am also currently an active jehovahs witness and have been for almost 20 years (26 years old).

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  rip van winkle

  Joyfyl Fader- Welcome. I look forward to your thoughts and experiences.

  Maybe you can your start your own post to introduce yourself.

  This way everyone will Welcome you and get to share with you their pearls of wisdom.
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  71

  Were You Ever Comfortable Going From House To House?

  by minimus in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  because i was raised a witness, i don't think i was "uncomfortable" knocking on strangers' doors.

  (weirdo).. but as i got older, i simply didn't want to bother anyone so i was at there door for no more than 30 seconds.

  at the end i hated being there..

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  rip van winkle

  Varian-ttatt is The Truth about The Truth. And the Kool-aid refers to a drink that cult leader Rev. Jim Jones laced with cyanide and had his members commit a mass-suicide in the late 1970's in Guyana.

  I'm only an extrovert with people I feel comfortable with. So, unlike LWT who looked forward to a surprise behind every door, I hated surprises!!!

  And there was always someone who would over-ring peoples bells. It was so inconsiderate.

  (I always said that if any JW came and rang my bell, I would have never opened the door.) (I met a JW at work)

  But I did enjoy informal witnessing. No surprises there!!! I could see who I was gonna speak to.
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  67

  What Are The Funniest Sitcoms That You Have Enjoyed?

  by minimus in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i was watching the beverly hillbillies the other night and i have to say, the writing and the acting was terrific!.

  another classic is all in the family.

  loved that show!.

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  rip van winkle

  Oh, I forgot Taxi! Just thinking about the episode when Elaine goes out on a date with Louie!!! Anyone remember Soap? And how did I forget the Golden Girls!!!
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  82

  Is the Governing Body EVIL or IGNORANT?

  by cedars in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  some of you will have noticed that i've been paying a lot of attention to the governing body recently.

  this is because most jehovah's witnesses venerate them collectively (even if they can't name them individually), and i feel this makes it important to understand this group of men properly and expose their mindset as individuals.

  as the saying goes, i feel it's important to "know your enemy".. i realize it's very convenient to think of the governing body as being "evil" when we consider that they are ultimately responsible for all the damaging jw teachings and beliefs.

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  rip van winkle
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  67

  What Are The Funniest Sitcoms That You Have Enjoyed?

  by minimus in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i was watching the beverly hillbillies the other night and i have to say, the writing and the acting was terrific!.

  another classic is all in the family.

  loved that show!.

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  rip van winkle

  In no particular order: 3rd Rock from the Sun, Seinfeld, Arrested Developement, Roseanne, Mary Tyler Moore, All In the Family, The Office, Frasier, Cheers, Malcolm in the Middle, Friends. I forgot- I LOVE LUCY!!!! So Many!!!!
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  40

  just need encouraging words... elders came over and breifly stopped by to encourage me back to hall

  by Butterflyleia85 in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  well i was kinda cut of gaurd when i saw them.

  it was the two elders from the local congregation.

  they said they just wanted to come over for encouragement to come back to the meetingsm one of the elders i knew me sence i was a baby and saw my son in my arms and asked how old he was.

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  rip van winkle

  Hi Butterflyleia85,

  When I think of butterflies, my first thought is they are beautiful, gentle, delicate, wispy, creatures!!!!!!!!"

  When they were caterpillars~ not so beautiful.

  But they have their time in the cocoon and when they emerge- they are flowers that fly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  You were a caterpillar in a cocoon when you were a witness.

  Now you are a beautiful butterfly!!!!!!!!

  Stay beautiful Butterflyleia85.

  ~Best wishes for your family~
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  14

  Would you ever go back for the fake friends ?

  by Pitchess Co-Gen in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  to quote the great rapper t.i this statement hit home : "never forget the people who stayed when everyone else left.. stay true to your team".

  i had a lot of people leave my side three years ago; because some of my "phony homies" began to listen to my ex-finance spreading rumors about me and my family.

  so to make a long story short i lost a lot of "friends" from my old way of life, but i picked up some true homies , and reconnected with a true homie in the long run.. i just had to ask that question because some of us were popular while we were in or we weren't the social butterflies.

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  rip van winkle

  I found out some time ago just how many real friends I had with JW's.

  That being said, there are 2 or 3 that I would stay friends with, but when the sh*t hits the fan, they won't be mine.

  I WILL NEVER GO BACK.

  Better to be alone than to live a LIE!!!