Posts by Granny Linda

35

How do ex-JW's actually choose another religion?

by buffy in

jw
friends

ok, here's my question.

how do you go from being a jw to being a whatever (methodist, lutheran, etc.

) i've been invited to go to many churches with friends, but, i have no desire to ever set foot in any church.

Granny Linda

I do not believe the Bible is inspired by any God...didn't get there overnight either. Geezzzz, I'm laughing at myself because I remember years ago while sitting in an A.A. meeting, telling them all that my next step was studying to become Athesist.

I had too accept that my personality might very well be inclinded to go from one control group to another...that was a real fear for many years, and kept me away from any religion. Just didn't want to risk the possiblility of it happening all over - ya know, the "I've got it, you don't" syndrome that many suffer from as a result of their religious entanglement.

Now that I've matured some from those old days and trust my own decisions, I've found great enjoyment in attending different religions because I enjoy the music. Those occasions are rare indeed...because sitting through the sermons is more then I care to be subjected to. Some of hubby's and my fondest memories are when we visited black gospel churches in Selma, Alabama. My gosh, those people know how to rock and roll. I think a person would have too have been dead not being uplifted by that music. But, that's as far it goes for me.

Today I've found the magic in just being me. Something I questioned about myself for years. Would I ever be able to know and be true to thine self...Yes, it happens. I believe much of it comes about through the aging process...but then again, maybe I'm wrong. Maybe I was just a late bloomer.

Don't push yourself...be gentle...time has a way of bringing to us what is necessary for our emotional growth. Perhaps you will never choose another religious belief system. It's no one's business either way...SHOULD any God exist, as already mentioned, know your own heart; that might be a greater saving grace then attending church. Either way, I certainly wish you well in your journey. It's a wonderful adventure - follow your bliss. Not what others think is necessary.

cheers,

Granny

31

The Old the Young, and the Forum

by forgetmenot in

jw
friends

i was just wondering the age of most people on this forum.

i am only 18. i was just wondering if there is anyone else out there who posts and is so young.

or how old you were when you (1) left/faded from the jw organization, (2) how old you started posting here, and how old you are now.

Granny Linda

I was df at age 19. I'm now 51. I had no interest in anything JW related, just glad to be done with them. Last year my older sister who is inactive had made mention of her doubts, and I took it upon myself to do some research for her. I've been hooked on these type forums ever since.

Here, too, I'm so very happy when I read of the younger one's leaving the borg by whatever means. I wasted many years after the fact in mental and emotional turmoil. I have absolutely no contact with any of my JW family, and like it that way. I've found real freedom.

Granny

14

D you meditate?

by Lost Diamond in

jw
friends

i went to a seminar yesterday for work on how to manage stress.

the speaker was great...he is dr. mees, author of "wake up, america".. he stated how our diet, exercise, and meditation are very important for our own health.

he described the damage cocaine does to the heart muscles, which cannot be repaired and compared it to the damage stress does as well.

Granny Linda

I enjoy long, hot soaks in the tub while just trying my darnest to relax. Sometimes I feel rested and mentally restored by listening to Pink Floyd of all things. Music is one of my greatest saving graces. It takes me out of myself, which is a good thing.

I've been known to concentrate rather heavily on those imaginative wax dolls - ya know, the kind you stick little pins into. I save that for those times when some one has reallllllllly pissed me off big time. Is that a form of meditation? teehee. :)

G.L.

3

Questionairre !!!!

by johnathanseagull in

jw
friends

hmmmmm ok had a lil ole too many red wines here but:.........what really pisses you off about your jw family?..here are mine in reverse order:.

in 3rd place - they build up a wall as soon as you start to question their org .

2nd - they look at you as almost "satan" like.....and........... wait for it.........and the winner is:.

Granny Linda

Just about everything concerning the JW's can irritate the heck out of me...even moreso, this pedophile sickness.

Granny

33

Lawrence Hughes Class Action Website

by Simon in

jw
friends

http://www.watchtower-victims.org/.

pretty simple for the time being but no doubt it will change and develop over time.. i will do a banner ad to link to it and would encourage anyone who can publicise it to do so.

feel free to copy the banner when it is posted on here.

Granny Linda

What about the minor children raised in self defeating, shame based dogma just because the parents thought it was truth? Even if one is never baptised it seems they still suffer ramifications due those who are df. It's all sickening to me. I detest religion, period.

Granny

3

Silly mormons, lmao

by Legendary U.2.K. in

jw
friends

i got luv for all religions, but my respect can only go so far when it's nonsense.. "joseph smith born 1805, he saw god the father & his son christ jesus and had visions at the age of 14, and mr.smith was a prophet just like in bible times" lolloooooooooolhahahahaha.. check their site http://www.mormons.org/ the mormons are not real servants of god and christ..... i still love them tho.

Granny Linda

My husband's ex wife got pregnant by a Mormom High Priest...married with 6 or 7 kids already. Ya'll really don't think anything was done about that little bit of...hummmm. Wonder if Mr. H.P. bothered to take off his "holy undergarments" for that action.......

Granny, who's husband is a former Mormon elder that had started asking to many questions before said occurance. Yeah, gotta love those Mormon's...NOT.

13

We visited the assembly hall today!

by Golden Girl in

jw
friends

continued from my post about hubby having cancer.

we talked to the dr that is going to install his porta vein for the chemo he is going to get.he mentioned special papers he will have to sign because of the "no blood".

well hubby freaked out.

Granny Linda

Snoozy,

I'm so sorry hearing about your husband, and understand your love and concerns all the way around.

As for your going to meeting, etc...damn, I'd want to tell you NO, but that is a very personal decision. Of course I do have my opinions and will state such as lovingly as possible.

You already knew, and it's been confirmed, that you are nothing but a second class citizen in the eyes of JW's. That your husband cries tears of "joy" because on the one hand you go along with what he wants...and cries tears of "sadness" because you cannot play the hyprocrite - well, it makes me heartsick for YOU!

Please, please, know I'm not making light of a serious medical condition, BUT (there's always a but it seems like) if the tables were turned -if it were the non-believer that is in need I seriously doubt the JW would respect your wishes. You are dealing with people who have no respect for anyone or anything that goes contrary to their expressed belief. Period. It's the rare JW that will put the GB dictates aside when it comes to life and death situations. We "apostates" didn't just make up this shit about that religion.

I'm really pissed, truthfully. Pissed at yet another way that that filthy religion tears families apart at a time when unity should prevail. Hell, whether or not it's a life and death situation doesn't even matter to those people. They have no qualms about any of their behavior or speech. They will always be right - you will always be wrong. Screw em.'

Only you can know yourself...why would guilt be necessary should you chose to not be a part of JW meetings, etc? You've already seen how they try and use such unloving tactics to get what they want. And too willingly place yourself in emotional, spiritual harms' way by submitting to the elder's dicatates...GRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!! Bastards.

OH, Snooz - my heart just goes out to you in such a big way. Do you still have my e-mail address?

And remember, please, your beloved husband's belief about you two "being together" is his belief, not yours. In the finale who of us can KNOW the real truth of what awaits. We stand on our own merit free of fear that consumes the JW's. We no longer fear any god because we have been honest with ourselves. You cannot be responsible for your husband's belief, or lack of, no matter how many years spent together. It's just another JW controlling tactic. In turn, where is the love towards you expressed because you do believe differently? Get my drift. Sorry if that sounds mean about the husband you love deeply and UNCONDITIONALLY. Not going to meetings, not playing along with the JW scenerio that will be laid out for you by the elders is absolutely no reflection upon the love you hold so dear. And please, do not allow them to place any doubt in your mind otherwise. You, and many others already know how evil and unloving they are. Stay strong, dear lady.

Love,

Linda

6

Be honest . . .How many people did YOU...

by Prisila in

jw
friends

i have finally started telling people inside the "org".

they both have jw's all over their families.

yet, they claim they will not shun me.

Granny Linda

I don't have advice, just my thoughts.

Maybe it's easy for me to say "who cares" what others might think of you for sharing...after having been asked. You apparently did not push your viewpoint, you were ask an honest question. At any point the receiver does'nt like what they are listening to, they have a choice; sorta like, "tell me no more."

People are gonna think about us, and others, as they see fit- no matter the situation. Most folks although we don't always state our opinion, have an opinion. We could continue living our life in some sort of fear of what others would think, but we are not responsible for their thinking...any more then will would be responsible for their actions.

Really, just wondering here, how many people really take someone else's experience to heart? We can talk till we're blue in the face, know without a doubt that the "truth" is NOT the truth; so having been given an opportunity too simply SHARE your experiences, your perception of given book - what do you have to lose? What might the other person who asks in all sincerity have to lose...I believe it's a good thing to question our belief system periodically. Things change, we change.

Wishing you well with whatever your decision. Don't allow fear to stop you from being honest.

Granny

21

Shunned - a cycle of pain and hate

by refiners fire in

jw
friends

guess what?

shunning isnt just a dub problem, it goes on out in the" world "too.

its used as a weapon to punish and hurt people.

Granny Linda

I'm not proud of the story I'm about to relate, but there was a great learning lesson in it for me.

I used to go around telling everyone how I hated children...sad, I know. One day while driving to work this "vision" so clear and articulate (reminded me of how Newton might have looked) seen from quote, the "third eye," and spoken in a very calm, loving manner, "do not talk like that." Hey, that got my attention, but not in a scary way.

What I was forced to accept was my dislike for most parents. Or at least too many parents I'd been witness to. Their emotional and oft times physical abuse of their children sickened me. It was never the children I hated...it was the way parents poison their innocence. To this day I have little respect for most parents I encounter.

Having been one of the emotionally unstable parent myself, I'm eternally grateful that today my son and I have a good relationship. And I preach the "love the children no matter what" mantra all the time. Adults...it ain't just religious abuse that creates low self esteem, obviously. My gosh, just thinking about some of the parents I know of makes me angry. What the hell do some of these parents think their behavior will produce?

Today I'm a softy for kids. Oh, I believe in discipline for sure, but what would I do if I had unlimited wealth...? Hubby and I would buy alot of acreage and bring those unloved, often unwanted children to a place of unconditinal love and time out from neurotic, abusive parents that need too deal with their personal issues. Issues that probably arose from their childhood.

I don't care how many years my mom has spent in the wonderful company of JW's...at age 50 she told me she never felt loved by her parents....and I knew then I didn't want to get old like she had. Self esteem issues can still haunt me, but at least today I'm aware, and have "tools" that can be used when necessary.

Granny...who is so glad something got through and altered my negative thinking and speech regarding our precious children.

25

Those 'Mean' JW's

by Larry in

jw
friends

remember when elders took pride in dfing someone - like they got a notch on their judgmental belt of righteousness?.

remember when parents would brag about kicking their kids out if they did want to serve jah or if the kid got dfd and the father didnt want to lose his position in the k-hall and threw the kid out?.

remember when catastrophes would happen to other people/nations and jws would laugh about it and consider it just part of the last days?.

Granny Linda

Beck, what you shared just makes me sick! Damn those people.

I'm so very new to this site and it's difficult sorting through and remembering who experienced what. The legal system holds citizens responsible because ignorance is no excuse, so too, JW's and their ilk have no valid excuse for their current behavior. It's one thing to actively take part in such nonsense, it's quite another when we awaken from the nightmare and change or thinking...we might even have to make amends along the way. So, is ignorance a valid excuse...something I ponder at times.

I was in 7th grade when I walked out of art class stating I was going to kill myself. Looking back those where horrible years for me. You'de think the red flag would have gone up, but not so with my JW mom who's only recourse was dragging me before the elders. I'm sickened each time I hear of stories about JW family love....they don't have a clue.

Realizing most families have some level of "dysfunction" I listen and look for tale-tell signs of low self esteem from my grandchildren. Heaven help the bastard that would shame those precious kids. I have such a soft spot for our children. No, it doesn't take a village to raise children, but it can take someone who has been there to reconise the damage done early on from adults who never dealt with their own issues. If any of that makes sense the way I write. Oh well.

Granny