Posts by Uzzah

25

Would you give up one year at the end of your life if you could relive any one day in the past?

by Esse quam videri in

like the question asks: if you could relive any one day of your life, any age, any place and remember everything about it afterwards, would you be willing to live one year shorter at the end of your life?

one day for one year?.

i realize that someone well on in years would think twice about it, but, what about you younger ones?

Uzzah

Yes. I would have kissed/made love to the love of my life regardless of impacts. One of the only regrets I have ever had.

28

Were You Ever A True Believer?

by minimus in

jw
friends

i was raised in the religion and for the most part believed that my religion was truth.

i recognized some mistakes were occasionally made but felt that nobody is perfect.

then i smartened up and realized how dumb so many of the beliefs are....was there ever a time that you truly believed you had the "truth"?.

Uzzah

I was raised as a JW. My mother started studying while she was pregnant with me. Firmly believed it (despite temptations from 'the world'). Believed it as a pioneer, as a Bethelite, MS and as an Elder. I regularly drank the kool-aid. Started questioning while working in the Legal Department at Bethel. Child abuse, blood issue, 'theocratic warfare techniques' protecting the brand over what was right/just. It was a devastating revelation but am better for recognizing the lies.

8

Trustworthy JW Lawyers????

by Uzzah in

i will reserve comment but mr. pole has regularly represented the canadian branch of the jws'.

he is their go to lawyer when needing non-direct society representation.. disappointed at how slimy he has become.

he and i used to be friends.

Uzzah

I will reserve comment but Mr. Pole has regularly represented the Canadian Branch of the JWs'. He is their go to lawyer when needing non-direct Society representation.

Disappointed at how slimy he has become. He and I used to be friends. I have no respect for him now. Fortunately his ex-wife and at least two daughters have seen the light and have enjoyed a real life

http://www.canadianlawyermag.com/legalfeeds/1439/judge-criticizes-lawyer-for-failing-to-disclose-connection-to-church.html

25

Thirty problems only a Canadian would understand

by jgnat in

i got 29. how many do you get?.

http://www.tickld.com/x/30-problems-only-canadian-people-will-understand.

Uzzah

LOL I relate to all of them.

The burnt toast reference is to an old "Heritage Canada" TV commercial highlighting a Canadian doctor who was the first to map the brain.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNdM9JhTPJw

50

Anyone here close to Grace Gough/Mouthy?

by satinka in

jw
friends

if anyone knows mouthy/grace gough, it would be awesome if someone would look in on her.

she is feeling the effects of the ice storm and is all alone and it is christmas eve.

i just sent her an email and received this reply back:.

Uzzah

Merry Christmas Grace. Love ya lots. Big hugs

24

WTS Legal department ghouls

by stillin in

the society has certainly had their share of financial setbacks, especially in the pedophile department.

the legal department must actively save face and do damage control!.

i can't help but wonder how many wts attorneys are flying around to be present at estate hearings, bequeathment hearings, probate court, reading of wills, etc.

Uzzah

Brooklyn and the Canada Branch have legal departments made up of both lawyers and administrative help. Many years ago Brooklyn had a least 5 lawyers who were either Bethelites or moved their families to Brooklyn and were financially supported by the WT.

Last I heard in Canada they had John Burns, Shane Brady, and Linda How as lawyers. Both John and Shane were Bethelites sent to law school by the Society. They also sent Russell Agar to Law School but he got himself DF'ed before he finished. He remains loyal to them however. They regularly used Daniel Pole who lives in the general area of the Branch Office. Also a JW lawyer in Edmonton. A non JW lawyer whose wife is a JW (David Day) is also used often.

They try to do as much in house as possible but have a few lawyers in their back pocket across the country as needed. Note even if they hire an outside lawyer, most of the admin work is done by Bethelites to keep the costs down.

10

Uzzah Interview - Bethel Elder to Agnostic to Humanitarian

by Uzzah in

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.

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'

10

Uzzah Interview - Bethel Elder to Agnostic to Humanitarian

by Uzzah in

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.

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.

10

Uzzah Interview - Bethel Elder to Agnostic to Humanitarian

by Uzzah in

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.

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.

148

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

by mouthy in

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.

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.