Uzzah

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Posts by Uzzah

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  10

  Uzzah Interview - Bethel Elder to Agnostic to Humanitarian

  by Uzzah in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  tell us a little about yourself and your family.. mother was baptized while carrying me.

  father and two older siblings raised as witnesses.

  mother and father divorced in the 70's.

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  Uzzah

  In our article, we took the position to stop trying to guess the day and the hour and concentrate on living a Christian life. The GB insisted on inserting a 'new understanding' which as we know has flip flopped several times since. It shouldn't matter if we are "the generation' or not. But it is tough to recruit and maintain membership without it being 'any day now'
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  10

  Uzzah Interview - Bethel Elder to Agnostic to Humanitarian

  by Uzzah in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  tell us a little about yourself and your family.. mother was baptized while carrying me.

  father and two older siblings raised as witnesses.

  mother and father divorced in the 70's.

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  Uzzah

  Thanks for the thumbs up and responses.

  Regarding the 1995 Generation article. It wasn't "open dialogue" rather it was between one of the senior people in Writing (Mike Layton) who started the piece and then challenged me to prove the current understanding using only the Bible. He then shared his first draft of the article and it was a back and forth effort before sending it to Brooklyn's Writing Dept. The article came as much as a surprise to most in the Bethel Family as it did the rank and file.

  Brooklyn agreed with the premise that we had it wrong but came up with their own 'new understanding', dismissing what we submitted.

  The only writing I did of which I am still proud were a couple of Watchtower articles (circa 1993/94) and a Kingdom Ministry article admonishing elders to be compassionate with the flock. To be loving Sheppards rather than being known more as rule enforcers and strict disciplinarians.
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  10

  Uzzah Interview - Bethel Elder to Agnostic to Humanitarian

  by Uzzah in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  tell us a little about yourself and your family.. mother was baptized while carrying me.

  father and two older siblings raised as witnesses.

  mother and father divorced in the 70's.

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  Uzzah

  Tell us a little about yourself and your family.

  Mother was baptized while carrying me. Father and two older siblings raised as Witnesses. Mother and father divorced in the 70's. Father re-married and had a son 20 years my junior. Mother became an alcoholic kicked our us kids (ages 13, 16, 18). Three kids stayed with the Org. Both parents out.

  Were you a born in or a convert?

  1st gen born-in.

  Are your parents / family JWs?

  Father was df'ed and mother became inactive for 25 years. Just recently start becoming active again. Older sister still a Witness. older borther currently disfellowshipped but working to become reinstated. Brother hasn't spoken to me in 10 years (father's funeral). Minimal contact with older sister.

  Pretty much alone.

  How many generations have been JWs?

  2

  Did you hold any position in the WTS? (MS, Elder etc...)

  I was an auxiliary pioneer in my senior year of high school and reg pioneer immediately upon graduation. Served where the need was great and learned French. Accepted into Bethel a year later. Became a MS from age 20 workjing in magazine mailing dept. Transferred to Legal Department after 4 years, transferred to Admin which included reception, ans support for Service desk and Writing Dept. Became an elder and Bethel Elder. Wrote articles fo the Kingdom Ministry and for both the Watchtower and Awake. Was one of the few people named in an experience in an Awake article "A Good Samaritan"

  Did you *really* believe in the bible, in spirits (angels, demons)?

  Yes I did. Until I was challenged to prove the "This generation" belief using only the Bible (circa 1994). Helped write the new understanding article in 1995. Left Bethel in June 95.

  Did you get baptised? When and why?

  Aged 15

  What was the initial trigger that made you start questioning things?

  Disfellowshipping. Couldn't understand how my father (no longer smoling) could be annihalated by God simply because he smoked for a while but yet was a great man. Kind, generous, gave back to community, loving father yet he was to be shunned).

  Where did you find information? Internet sites? Books?

  Questioned on my own and did my own research. After deciding to leave Bethel found H20. Moderated it for a while, then came to JWD after it was created. Read and challenged the Bergman-esque type of apostate while in Legal, but was stumped by my own research into Scripture and historical facts.

  How difficult or painful was the process of leaving?

  It was pretty much like a divorce of a childhood sweetheart after being together for 20+ years adding the whole God is Love aspect. In a word devastating and very much alone.

  Was it a big dramatic exit or a careful quiet fade?

  I pretty much faded but with a twist. I told my Cong I was nmoving to Massachussetts and gave them my father's address as the mailing location for my service records. Once mailed (and they were along with a cautionary letter about my being weak) I disappeared. No elders were looking for me and previous elders washed their hands.

  Did you convince anyone else to leave with you?

  No But over time I have helped dozens intheir departure.

  How were your family relations affected by your decision?

  I only have a real relationship with my step mother and kid brother (half-brother).

  Were you or are you still being shunned by those who didn't leave?

  Yep.

  How long have you now been out?

  Mentally 20 years or so – technically 15 years.

  Was there anything you looked forward to doing when you left?

  Peace of mind or else suicide

  What are you most proud of achieving since you left?

  Have created a REAL life. I am known as a humanitarian. I help people in real emergencies to get better.

  Is there anything you miss about life in the congregation?

  I miss family and some of the social aspects of being in a large communtiy.

  Red pill or blue pill? Do you regret waking up to reality at all?

  No regrets. "To thine own self be true". I fell better about 6 months of my new life helping people than I do about my entire history as a JW

  Did you become an atheist or transfer your faith elsewhere?

  Agnostic or else combo of Aboriginal/Celtic belief structure. Very connected with nature.

  How do you now feel about religion in general?

  It is a crutch and for the most part a scam. Very little time or patience with organizaed religion. I do however respect people's choice to belief as they wish.

  Do you feel any guilt celebrating xmas or birthdays or doing any other JW "no-no"s?

  NOPE

  Have you attended any face-to-face meetups of ex-JWs?

  Lots – Some are awesome, some are needing support and some are just way out there. Welcome to the human race

  Describe your circle of friends - mostly other ex-JWs or regular people?

  I stay in touch with a few EX-JWs but mostly it is a part of my past. Most friends are through mutual interests.

  Do you tell people about your JW past?

  Rarely

  Do you feel animosity or pity toward current JWs?

  I pity those still trapped in the mindset but have animosity about the Organization itself.

  How do you respond to witnesses when they call at your door?

  Most of the time I am "Not interested" I have engaged them once at the door for 2 hours. Haven't been back since.

  Storm the barricades or tend to the wounded? (do you favor activism or support)

  I am more the tend to the wounded. I have been on TV and have testified in court against the WT. But for the most part I would rather just be there to help others as they figure out their path.

  What do you think is the most effective approach to reaching people still in?

  Demonstrating Unconditional love. I have supported DF'ed people as they sought reinstatement. Most have trouble dealing with the paradox of having to shun the one person who was there for them while they were down

  Do you think the WTS can or should be destroyed, will continue on as-is or grow / change?

  I would love to see them come to an end but it would leave a lot of vulnerable people open to other, potentially more dangerous cults.

  How has your life been impacted by your JW past?

  Everything one experiences impacts their current life. I have taken some great things (public speaking) and used that experience in my new life. It has crippled me in how I approach some social elements but I am working on that

  Are there things in your life you blame the WTS for?

  Normal relationships. Am still distrustful and awaiting evidence of conditional love Knowing every relationship can end if you make a single mistake does impact how you go into new relationships.

  JW upbringing - a protection or a curse?

  Curse

  How do you fill your time now it's not filled with meetings and field service?

  Living. Enjoying time, people and new experiences.

  Do you still have an interest in JW beliefs and doctrines?

  None

  How much of your time is still spent on JW related matters?

  As I stumble across people leaving or thinking of leaving more time is spent. Just found out a cousin was disfellowshipped and I wil lbe spending significant time with her..

  What do you think of the ex-JW community?

  Some are extremists, some need psychiatric help most most are just big hearted people who have been betrayed.

  Do you see yourself still being associated with the ex-JW community in 5 or 10 years time?

  I will always make myself available to help but it is nowhere the preocuupation it was 10 years ago

  Do you fear the future?

  Not in a JW sense. Ifear what upsets and 'course corrections' our evolution will be facing soon.

  What advice would you give to anyone starting the journey of leaving the WTS?

  Keep an open mind and be confident in you. There is a reason who are doubting and you need to trust that gut instinct. Prepare for a soft fall by making new friends outside the faith. Social support makes all the difference.

  What would you change in your life if you could go back and talk to yourself?

  If I could go back I would tell the High School version fo me to accept the Scholarships, get the education.

  Do you have any regrets about life since you left?

  None. I have had a very fulfilling life since I left. I received my paramedic designation, I have been to multiple International disasters and helped people. I have helped feed, provided water, shelter to literally hundreds of thousands. I have saved lives not with some dream of everlasting life but have provided life saving treatment and items NOW.

  None.
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  148

  Well it is time for me to say GOODBYE!!!

  by mouthy in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  it has been nice talking with you.but i seem to upset a few because of my faith.. so have a great christmas.... & be good, i wont be here to send you to your rooms .

  i have grown close to many of you.... if i have ever said anything to hurt you sorry!!!!.

  when i kick the bucket i am sure "mary" who ssometimes post will let you know.. mouthy grace gough.

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  Uzzah

  Did someone call security?

  Who's been messin with my Granny Grace?

  Grace: You are loved by so many here. Don't let the idiots get to you or else point them my way. I've got your back as always.

  Uzzah - Grace's personal security guard.
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  68

  EX JW teen just signs with legendary producer!!!!!

  by Lady Liberty in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  dear friends,.

  it has been a long time since i have posted.

  time heals much pain, and finally, my family and i have been able to move on with our life outside of jw land.. many of you became our friends, our support system, and you know very well our exit story...we were labeled, slandered and disfellowshipped for having questions regarding the date 607. we sent out letters exposing the elders and circuit overseer to over 200 families.

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  Uzzah

  Just posted a link to her video on my Social Media networks. The least I can do to help out an Ex-JW rising star. Very nice voice, very pretty and well mastered music video.

  Imagine how many voices, musicians, biologists, mathematicians and scientists the world has lost due to the control tactics of the Borg. They complain about abortion yet the Witnesses suck the life out of the living children.

  I look forward to great things from Ashley's music career.

  Why not give her a shout out on your Facebook and Twitter accounts.

  Uzzah
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  16

  Ros

  by Gorbatchov in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  today i read at the xjw.com forum that ros died.. since the start of my internet connexion in 1997 i remember the topics of ros.. ros, thanks for sharing your thoughts.

  you helped me getting ttatt.

  i pray for you and your relatives.. gorbatchov.

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  Uzzah

  This post has sucked the breath out of my lungs and am sitting here mouth agape in shock.

  Ros has been pillar in the ex-JW community for at least 15 years. Well researched posts, defending those not capable of defending themselves and a person with a huge heart

  I will do a quiet tribute tomorrow for the life of such a tremendous soul. She did it right. RIP Ros. (tear running down my cheek)
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  63

  CANCELL MY REQUEST FOR MEMBERSHIP I HATE APOSTATES

  by Simon in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  lol, just received this email:.

  idiots!

  you of weak minds that have chosen to leave the truth!

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  Uzzah

  How about this response?

  ****************************************

  Dear permanent Member. You have aleady been sullied by your choice to search out association on the Internet despite the advice of the Mother-like Society. Your rebellious spirit has been manifest.

  Your name and IP address has been logged and forwarded to Brooklyn for their handling. You will get to witness first the loving hand of appointed shepperds. Welcome to the dark side.

  MUAHAHAHA

  Simon
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  28

  Cognizant Dissident says Hi!

  by cognizant dissident in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  just thought i'd pop in after a couple of years and say hi to all my old discussion mates if any are still posting on here.. how you all doing?

  anything new in jwdland i should know about?.

  cheers.

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  Uzzah

  If you have any contacts with Municipal, regional or Provincial governments I might have an employment opportunity for you. We are connected by LinkedIn. let's talk.

  Muah
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  28

  Cognizant Dissident says Hi!

  by cognizant dissident in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  just thought i'd pop in after a couple of years and say hi to all my old discussion mates if any are still posting on here.. how you all doing?

  anything new in jwdland i should know about?.

  cheers.

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  Uzzah

  Hey Cog. You are one of the most awesome peeps I have met off this discussion board. And I say that without any views of 'the girls'!! LOL

  Strange we are both back on JWD tonight.

  Big hugs
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  11

  Here comes September 11, 2013 (9-11) What do you predict will happen?

  by Nathan Natas in

  1. social
  2. current

  september 11, 2013 will fall on a wednesday this year.

  as you know, the peace-loving people of islam are seldom more peace-loving than they are on wednesdays.. what are your predictions, speculations and expectations for that day?

  should we share our thoughts with president clueless or let him golf without tedious interuptions?.

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  Uzzah

  Considering I am flying to NYC that day, hopefully nothing will happen.