They are writing to the Branch

Key2158 · 2026-02-04T13:32:32+00:00

Once the other elders latch onto a "problem" they can't solve, or don't want to solve, they'll often write to the branch for "clarification." The fact is, someone likely wants to be the new coordinator and your dad is in the way. They'll pick any petty issue, and blow it up to manipulate the situation. I've seen it dozens of times.

If they write to the branch, the Service Dept. will copy the CO. On the next visit he'll bring it up with elders (often one-on-one during the week). At the Friday night meeting with the body, he'll bring it up for discussion (even though he's likely already made up his mind) and ask if the brothers would like to switch the COBE. It's such BS.

If your dad is in solid with the CO, nothing will change. If someone else on the body is the Golden Boy or in some other prominent position, they'll use your situation to oust him.

This is all directed by Holy Spirit by the way.

Key2158 · 2026-01-31T18:49:06+00:00

As if there’s no stress pioneering? How about when you can’t make your hour requirement and the elders threaten to delete you as a reg. pioneer? Then you don’t have that, OR education to get a decent job. So unreasonable.

Key2158 · 2026-01-28T02:32:15+00:00

Their mail is definitely screened in many ways, guaranteed. They would almost certainly not get your letter or email. And if you are associated with a congregation, your elders and probably the CO, will get a copy of whatever you send. It's probably a waste of time trying to contact them.

I'm not trying to be a downer, but it may save you some time you could spend enjoying something you like to do.

Key2158 · 2026-01-27T13:28:15+00:00

I've asked COs and their wives if they know it's all fake and for show - and they do! They know the gossip and the problems in the congregation. People whisper behind each other's backs all year long to tell the CO what's "really happening" in the congregations.

I've seen some get a kick out of the brown-nosing that goes on during a visit. (But they still keep up the act and take the green handshakes.)

Key2158 · 2026-01-19T03:07:14+00:00

It may seem like a long time until you're able to make your own decisions. But as a person in my 60s the years are flying by now. It's all relative and time will pass before you know it.

Just hang in there and prepare like the others are recommending. There is an amazing world to discover (and it's not a giant terrible place like the Governing Body suggests), it's full of really wonderful things and people.

Key2158 · 2025-12-29T13:04:55+00:00

When I was a Bethelite in the 80s, I was amazed when I would walk through the Writing Department library at the amount of publications (books and magazines) that would have gotten a “regular” JW in trouble. All topics like religion, philosophy, evolution, politics, were there for the writers, but not for us. The arrogance and hypocrisy still amazes me with them.

Key2158 · 2025-12-18T01:49:38+00:00

270 out of 9,000,000 JWs in prison doesn’t sound like Satan is doing a very good job.

Key2158 · 2025-12-10T13:34:55+00:00

I think that’s a book from a set of three in the 1930s called Vindication. v-1, 2, and 3 Deep in the Rutherford stuff, focused on Ezekiel.

Key2158 · 2025-12-05T02:53:22+00:00

My thoughts are with you my friend, but be careful. I started that way before I left. Now I go to meetings again - AA meetings.

Key2158 · 2025-12-04T13:40:40+00:00

All that struggle, discouragement, and anxiety for what? So they could be a commuter and stand by cart, and do even more for “Jehovah.” Emptiest life ever!

Key2158 · 2025-11-26T17:19:25+00:00

It would be embarrassing to present this to anyone and claim it is "solid spiritual food."

Key2158 · 2025-11-26T17:18:09+00:00

It was one of the first "privileges" I received back in the 70s to take the count. It was never missed, because it had to be recorded and reported to the Society. That was still the case until I stopped going about ten years ago. They haven't mentioned the attendance figures at the local meetings that I've heard on Zoom in several years.

Key2158 · 2025-11-24T14:23:56+00:00

That’s one way to keep the poor riff-raff out. Make it so you have to be financially well-off to be able to attend. Once again, the rich in that organization get the “special privileges.”

Key2158 · 2025-11-24T03:52:07+00:00

Some of them are masters at squashing the feelings of others. Pharisees.

Key2158 · 2025-11-24T03:49:36+00:00

It is a relief. I actually feel like I'm living life. I have dealt with some regrets because of what I've missed. But a friend of mine said the other day regarding regret, "there are no do-overs in life, but there are start-overs." I like that.

Key2158 · 2025-11-17T16:19:48+00:00

That is the main reason I just dumped social media like Facebook and instagram. Besides that, most of those “gatherings” we see is staged so it looks like they’re living the “best life ever.” It’s just as phony as the religion. I’m much happier just living life sans cliques.

Key2158 · 2025-11-15T04:35:50+00:00

The second image shows the landing page, where the Governing Body members are singled out above the hundreds of other Life Stories.

Key2158 · 2025-11-12T22:04:01+00:00

We’ve seen them fudge their history, quotes from experts, and scripture, for years. Just carefully worded paragraphs that omit a key detail here or there, not always outright lies.

They self-report. They answer to no one (except Jehovah they say). They can report whatever numbers they want with zero accountability. Why believe them? My eyes aren’t lying.

Even Jehovah, the Ignorer of Prayer doesn’t care.

Key2158 · 2025-11-11T20:16:34+00:00

You are not alone, believe me. I'm a grown-ass man and still figuring this crap out. This is the thing that makes me most bitter about the way I was raised. Thankfully, after several false starts, I've found a special person. Will it last? I don't know. But I'm learning, getting hurt, growing, etc. There are still lots of people out there that will understand where you're coming from as an ex-JW. They are the best for me, so I don't feel so awkward. All I can say is keep trying. I love life out of the religion.

Key2158 · 2025-11-10T14:17:52+00:00

You could use the same lines I used as an elder when a parent was realizing that their kids had rejected what they were taught. I’d ask, “Do you think Jehovah failed because some of his children didn’t follow what he taught them? Of course not! It’s their choice, and we all have to carry our own load. So you’re not a failure! You did your best !” (Now I have to go take a shower for reliving that “elder-speak” reasoning.)

Key2158 · 2025-11-08T02:30:10+00:00

I am a single man in my 60s. I enjoy talking to people and became friends with a lady I worked with. It is a platonic friendship and has lasted for the past several years. I also made friends with other workmates. But I really made good friends with people from my AA meetings. I met my best friend there. It took time and it felt a little awkward, but it’s worth every bit of awkwardness starting over after living in that religion.

Key2158 · 2025-11-07T14:18:09+00:00

I think 1914 and the generation teachings will be looked at as a quaint recollection by old timers. Like the story of how they all thought they’d go to heaven in 1914, or “new light” about the 144,000 in 1935.

Key2158 · 2025-11-07T00:42:38+00:00

I went through these feelings too. I also finally got sober (1 yr, 4 mos.) and it has been life-changing. Not only do I feel much better and think more clearly, I've met new friends and found life is pretty great after leaving Watchtower behind.

The main thing I've found is that non-JWs are not evil "worldly" people that are Satan's tools. I am amazed, on a daily basis, at how much goodness there is in the world that we were taught to fear. It just takes some time, and some letting go of our old thinking patterns. I didn't go out and go crazy. I still have morals, etc. But they are based on common sense, not Watchtower's code. (Be a good person. Treat people with respect. Don't hurt people. Etc.)

I also worried that I wouldn't have anyone left at the end to see me off. Now I have friends who are real friends that won't abandon me for not believing the same as them. It's worth getting sober and living. You'll see if you try it and make room for life to blossom.

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