I am new to this board and as I read the stories it really saddens me. I was fortunate enough to be out of the org. at 17 yrs old . I can't imagine being an adult and having to deal with the pressures of family, etc..as well as the added pressures of being a JW. Before I realized the "truth" about the organization I can remember looking back and having tremendous guilt about being a "bad" witness or a "weak" witness and always feeling unworthy. Thank God I can now look back and realize that I was not a bad person, just a normal teenager. I am now happily married and a mother of 3 and I am so happy I can raise my children free from the entrapments of being a JW.
I am so sad for the people who must lead a "double-life". While I can completely understand why people do that it seems so sad to me, I don't think it is hypocritical, just sad. It is terrible that an organization can enslave people even when the people are out. Family ties are so important and while I know breaking them is terrible. (My father and other family members are still JW's) I think the feeling of being completely free from the org. has helped me tremendously.
When I researched the org. as an adult and realized the "truth" about it, I felt it was so importantfor me to let my dad know that the reason I was not a JW. (I was df'd at 17). I wanted him to know that I was not a JW because I didn't believe in them, not because I was ashamed to come back. I just wanted to share my thoughts. This board has been a great help and inspiration to me.
Thanks LisaK3