I've just read through most of the topics you started. Looks like you had a birthday yesterday. Wishing I could do something to help. I live in Florida, too. PM me.
Gypsy Sam
JoinedPosts by Gypsy Sam
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52
I'm new here...
by Demokan ini'm 15, and i'm an unbaptized publisher... so i've been what you call "lurking" here for the past few weeks and i have some questions.
i hear you guys constantly mentioning ttatt so where can i go to learn more about this (links please)?
also i've already told my mom that i don't believe in the governing body and she is making me do even more!
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Gypsy Sam
Welcome. My daughter was 15 (just turned 16) when she expressed her dislike of attending meetings. She pointed out how redundant they were and that she was bored. I started having doubts late last year, after being a born-in. Although I was learning TTATT I wasn't sure I should stop going as I still thought it best to raise her with JW morals etc. of course, now I know better about religion not making anyone more moral etc.
She took a semester of Psychology last year and last spring asked me if I knew what cognitive dissonance meant. I was surprised, as I had recently learned about it. Needless to say, we made the Memorial our last involvement with JW's. I did let her cease going to meetings before that, but I went sporadically until I was sure I could no longer swallow the nonsense spooned out. Be respectful and ask questions. Make sure you are diligent in your school studies and start to plan for your future. Do you have friends outside of JW?
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A sad day for a JW- they lost a study 'cause of me.
by Gojira_101 ina few weeks ago i posted a topic about a deaf woman studying with the jw's.
the deaf preacher from the woman's parents church contacted me to know more about the jw's because the parents were allowing their daughter to study with the jw's because "they are such nice people.
" anyway the deaf preacher contacted me because he knows i just left the jw's last year and he wanted information.. i was more than happy to provide it.
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Gypsy Sam
Great job!
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Monica Jaramillo sex abuse case
by joe134cd inwhen i first became aware of the sex abuse cases about 12 months ago.
i thought they could perhaps be isolated cases.
now i'm just wondering how big this thing is going to get.
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Gypsy Sam
I feel the same way. Those I did speak about it to, don't want to accept it is a problem. They went straight to denial mode.
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Off to tell the family...
by Gypsy Sam inthe day i've been waiting for is here.
i'm flying home to see family and some old friends, most of whom are jw.
since learning ttatt a few months back, i came to the decision i would have to tell my parents that we are no longer active and don't have any plans to return.
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Gypsy Sam
Just a quick update. Vacation was awesome! Spent time all around New England and the weather was perfect.
Things did not go as planned with my family. No matter what I tried to bring up they would not respond to any JW comments. This was perplexing as I was expecting to be scolded and reprimanded for not setting a better example in "the truth", for my teenager. I live far away from my parents and only told two people about what I was finding out about TTATT last winter. One is my best friend, who is also now completely out of JW. The other is acquaintance of my parents, who was visiting where I live. I likely said a bit too much, as I didn't know about this site yet and hadn't read Steve Hassan's books or learned to ask more questions instead of telling. So, I'm guessing he said something to my parents as they acted odd and when I unexpectedly ran into this brother, while up visiting his hometown (near my family), he acted so guilty and uncomfortable to see me. Now, we've had long, serious talks over coffee and walking the beach. He feels "the truth" saved him 20+ years ago from a messed up childhood that led to drugs and anxiety issues. He would never have normally acted like that to me.
So, I'm guessing my parents are in denial and going to pretend my daughter and I are active or at least not doing anything that requires shunning. not quite what I'd like, as I want it to be clear why we left and not leave room for saying we were offended, stumbled, worldly etc. They sure made "to thyne own self be true" difficult. Thanks for the advice and input.
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Off to tell the family...
by Gypsy Sam inthe day i've been waiting for is here.
i'm flying home to see family and some old friends, most of whom are jw.
since learning ttatt a few months back, i came to the decision i would have to tell my parents that we are no longer active and don't have any plans to return.
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Gypsy Sam
The day I've been waiting for is here. I'm flying home to see family and some old friends, most of whom are JW. Since learning TTATT a few months back, I came to the decision I would have to tell my parents that we are no longer active and don't have any plans to return. I'm planning to keep the focus on the fact I can't In Good conscience witness any longer. Based on the child abuse policy that continues to protect a pedofile over a child, I have to take this stand for my own peace of mind. I'm aware of jwfacts and other sites. While I only plan to keep it on a few topics and stick asking questions, instead of telling them things, I'm a bit concerned what their reaction might be. My teenager is completely unconvinced organized relgion can possibly be the only way, so we are united in a sense. Whatever the outcome, I have a good network of unconditional friends so I have good support. There are several inactive members in my extended family and while I'm not sure of their reasons, they aren't being shunned. The key seems to be not pointing out too many errors or conflicting info regarding "the society". Wish me LUCK, lol. Tips welcome.
Carpe Diem!
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Since leaving watchtower what has been your biggest act of rebellion?
by 3rdgen ini'm in a pissy mood and would love to hear your stories.
personally, i'm thinking of getting a tatoo on my rear end saying wbt$ kiss this!.
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Gypsy Sam
Yoga! On my birthday I'll be donating blood and getting registered to vote.
Oh, and becoming an organ donor.
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Considered for Recommendation as Elder but Declined
by ProfCNJ inhi folks.
one of the elders was sent to our house to talk to me the possibility of being recommended as elder.
he did not know however that one of the elders who is a friend of mine had already divulged this future meeting.
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Gypsy Sam
Wise decision. Now celebrate!
Carpe Diem!
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Another Suicide
by Billy the Ex-Bethelite inthere wouldn't have been any good way to hear the news i suppose.
it's just so strange to recall the conversation yesterday.
my "still in" parents are with me and my inactive sister having a pleasant conversation.
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Gypsy Sam
Billy, I'm sorry to read of your news. You comments and insight are always something I enjoy reading. Maybe you can find solace in being there for his spouse, as a friend. She may need a realistic, caring person in her life right now. Not everyone within JW is automatically comforted by the thought of a resurrection hope and I've met a couple who eventually left after the death of someone they loved. The lack of comfort in JW expressions and resurrection thoughts just didn't matter to them. I'm not sure if you're in a position to socialize with JW's, as I can't remember if your status is faded or d'fd, but at least letting his wife know you care as an unconditional friend could mean a lot to her now. No doubt, it would be a comfort to your friend who passed knowing you made the attempt to help his wife.
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Britain | Jehovah's Witnesses hushed up child sex scandal | July 16, 2013
by jwleaks inchurch officials hushed up a child sex scandal in their ranks and refused to co-operate with police.. .
jehovah witness ministerial servant gordon leighton admitted sexually abusing a child when he was confronted by his church elders, a court heard.. but during the official police investigation, the 53-year-old who made headlines in the 1990s when wife yvonne, 28, died after refusing a blood transfusion after childbirth on religious grounds denied any illegal wrongdoing.. and when detectives asked elders simon preyser, harry logan and david scott to make statements about the confession, all three refused and said what they had heard was confidential.. for three years, the elders refused to co-operate with the criminal investigation and kept up that stance when the case was brought before newcastle crown court after the victim made a complaint to police.. each was issued with a witness summons which they fought to overturn before being ordered to testify by judge penny moreland citing public interest.. their barrister richard daniels said the men had a duty to god not to breach confidence.. he added: privileged communication between members of the congregation and ministers is an absolute right and duty and there is no power in law to breach such a confidence.. judge moreland said: it is apparent that the three elders who were present when this conversation took place are in possession of relevant evidence as to a point which is of real significance in this case.. they claim the right of confidentiality, they claim that what they heard said by the defendant during the course of that meeting ought to be subject to privilege, as ministers of religion.. judge moreland refused to withdraw the summonses and said: public interest is clearly in favour of this evidence being given.. what was said by the defendant on that occasion is of great significance in the trial.. despite the judges ruling, the men still refused to make statements to police until just hours before they were called before the jury.. leighton, who has since been expelled from the church at lambton kingdom hall in washington, denied two charges of indecency with a child and seven of indecent assault.. he was yesterday found guilty of two charges of indecency with a child and six of indecent assault.
he was found not guilty of one indecent assault charge, on the direction of the judge.. he was remanded in custody until he is sentenced next month but warned he is facing a lengthy spell behind bars.. prosecutor katherine dunn told the court the victim, who is now an adult, broke her silence in 2009.. the court heard how at a special church meeting, leighton admitted sexual abuse and made excuses for his behaviour.. miss dunn said: the elders conducted their own investigation.
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Gypsy Sam
This is one of three cases in two weeks. Would be great to get this on a news site witnesses do use. On Facebook, plenty repost from yahoo, msn, the guardian and wsj. Some should start thinking!!