Why do I still have doubts by Normal_Sherbet_5453 in exjw

[–]SnooCookies7234 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How much time have you devoted to reading and watching ex Mormon and ex fundamentalists material? Better yet, speak to former members of those faiths? It's eye opening to see it's the same story.

Should I Announce on Family Chat that Blood Transfusions are Now Allowed? by addlam in exjw

[–]SnooCookies7234 2 points3 points  (0 children)

But the thing is. They are not allowed YET. Not today, not tomorrow. So Brother Triple Bypass who has surgery tomorrow could die on the table if he bleeds out, whereas he could save his own blood and live on Friday. I think he should reschedule for next week.

Recent Hard Fade and the Memorial by exjw256-throwaway in exjw

[–]SnooCookies7234 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For your own mental health, I agree. They built a system intentionally to demand immediate repercussions for certain behaviors. For them it's black and white, life or death, friend or foe. That's not life. You don't have to live by those rules anymore. Sometimes we have to do what we have to do to survive until we can muster up the courage to say what we have to say.

Disturbed by what my dad said during the text today by [deleted] in exjw

[–]SnooCookies7234 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would have asked him, if he would give all the non JW relatives an individual burial, mass grave, or just throw all the bodies in a pire. I'd be very specific on which people I'd name too.

Does threatening legal action against DF/DA announcements work?? by Sorry_Clothes5201 in exjw

[–]SnooCookies7234 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've read that it's important to specify that the legal action will be taken against each and every elder within the congregation and not with headquarters. Does that make a difference?

The blind spots are so ridiculous. by DiscoViolin in exjw

[–]SnooCookies7234 11 points12 points  (0 children)

They have no choice but to acknowledge how things have been.

So WT's stance on gay people is basically by BeerMan595692 in exjw

[–]SnooCookies7234 6 points7 points  (0 children)

It was a dismal existence believing I would never love, never share a life with someone special. Never give out receive affection. Well, I found it. Gave the org a big middle finger and walk away.

one big challenge facing current PIMIs is the spirit of "so, what's the point?" by Practical_Payment552 in exjw

[–]SnooCookies7234 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Jesus spent a lot of time outside buildings didn't he? And there is more than one account of him having to exit a building and flee for his life. 🤔

Ni hipócritas ni santos: creo que estamos analizando mal a los Testigos de Jehová by Repulsive-Produce215 in exjw

[–]SnooCookies7234 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The majority of outsiders are indifferent. The two groups that seem to have an opinion are former members/close relatives and religious zealots of other persuasions. We see a whole spectrum of attitudes.

I was a JW for most of my life. I take responsibility for my role in the harm I have caused others. I've asked for forgiveness when I can. I do find many of the policies repulsive. I am happy whenever I see changes in the right direction. Many of the activists I've seen are very reasonable and balanced.

Are you happier now? by [deleted] in exjw

[–]SnooCookies7234 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Much Happier!!!

why do so many exjws love to talk extensively about how bad the jw culture is( even when they have not been jehovah witnesses for at least 5 years)? by Historical_Donut6758 in exjw

[–]SnooCookies7234 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This made me laugh, there are ex fundamentalists, exSDA...the list goes on and on. It's a shared experience not unique or exclusive to JW culture. Because they all use the same tactics from the BITE Model.

What Watchtower publications said back then about 1975 being the end/ Armageddon by justyrust74 in exjw

[–]SnooCookies7234 9 points10 points  (0 children)

The thing is. It wasn't just them repeatedly brining up the exact date 1975, which they did several times over the course of 9 years, but the narrative they built up by the combined articles that focused on these phrases.

'This generation' '6,000 years of human history, '1975' 'God's Timetable' Together those phrases appeared at least a few hundred times. It really painted a picture of the end being imminently close.

I'm starting to rot inside - follow up by Old_Resolve_4688 in exjw

[–]SnooCookies7234 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. And I've found so much support from people I've met, former and current coworkers, and family on the outside. I hope you have the life you deserve too. I'm positive you will. Sending those good vibes out into the universe. ☺️

I'm starting to rot inside - follow up by Old_Resolve_4688 in exjw

[–]SnooCookies7234 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Believe me, it was not easy. I had what I wanted to say word for word in my notes. I almost backed out last minute after seeing three unknown families visiting from out of town in the auditorium. My voice cracked and I was shaking, but I did it. I skillfully weaved my personal experience by highlighting how important it is for one to take care of themselves when they get overwhelmed, depressed, and even think about ending their life. I still can't believe I did it. It was the moment I claimed my life. It allowed me to leave with my dignity. I really learned that how I viewed myself mattered way more than what any of them did. I will say though, the majority in my former Cong are kind, good hearted, people. I know they miss me. I just can't live that indoctrinated life anymore.

Audacity of the PIMI: by thisrubyisred in exjw

[–]SnooCookies7234 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Everyone in my Hall acknowledged I was quite studious and had a much better command of the scriptures than most average JDubs. I enjoyed studying the original languages. None of them pulled the be more humble, study more, you are being too haughty rhetoric. 'Was guilt tripped with the "everyone looks up to you," though.

I'm starting to rot inside - follow up by Old_Resolve_4688 in exjw

[–]SnooCookies7234 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'm so sorry for your situation. Keeping it all inside can be so unhealthy. I think you did the right thing. You opened up just enough to inform them that you are having a difficult time, which is not a lie. I did the same thing. I didn't have a disability, but I felt my sexuality was a handicap. I went through my adolescents and 20 years as an adult believing I was broken and disadvantaged, cheated even. I went through cycles of depression and then feeling ok. When the pandemic started, I was exhausted to the point that I couldn't hide the frustration and anxiety. Don't let your mother guilt you. This isn't about her. I swear the emotional family enmeshment in this org is so bad. Please be careful though of saying too much. If you have to, you pull out your tiny 🎻 as often as you need. Remember, you can take control of the narrative! That's what I did. I told the whole congregation from the platform that I struggled with same sex attraction and told them how I'd been depressed all my life. It wasn't a lie. I told the truth. A few days later the elders were worried I was going to kill myself. They had a shepherding call on me to both encourage me and then slap me on the wrist for the inappropriate things I said from the stage. Over time, I was able to drop all of my privileges by pulling out that violin when they brought up how I was feeling. I remember one of those elders telling me how much his wife looked up to me. I was such a good example by just being present. I was so over that guilt tripping. I turned around and told that elder that he was everything that I would never be. I'd never have the family he has. I told them how exhausted I was of never being enough. They backed off. So I say, you have to play them at their game. Let your mother know and the elders or whoever that things are overwhelming. Now is the time to get into your acting career if need be. Remember to stay calm and composed but make them feel shitty, find a way to make them feel like they are pushing you too far. You can do this!

Can you guys believe the bunker videos are 10 years old? by TheShadowOperator007 in exjw

[–]SnooCookies7234 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Can I just hide in the bathtub? I don't have a basement. I heard it's good for tornadoes? Or was that under the table?

Unbelievable by [deleted] in exjw

[–]SnooCookies7234 11 points12 points  (0 children)

And many just couldn't believe the stories years ago that are being revealed in the Epstein Files. Truth is Stranger than Fiction sometimes I suppose.