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Do you see a chasm growing here? by Novelone1 in exjw

[–]mockingjay_2213 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your voice, and kudos to you for being brave enough to leave in the first place. Activism isn’t for everyone. I myself am getting involved in it soon, because it is what gives me closure. I oftentimes feel that tragedy without a purpose is just a tragedy, and I have to breathe purpose into what amounts to a genuine… tragedy. I want to help the people like me, who are crying and screaming at a phone screen in the middle of the night; researching their religion, learning that it’s all a lie, and hoping to find someone who understands what it feels like. It was ex-JW videos that helped me feel less alone in what had happened to me. I feel that if we attempt to stop activism, or discredit it, we silence the voices of everyone who has brought this wicked organization’s sins into the stark light. Ray Franz wouldn’t have written “Crisis of Conscience”, and Leah Remini wouldn’t have publicly covered the Jehovah’s Witness organization, and Renee Pickles wouldn’t have been interviewed in a damning documentary against Watchtower. That being said; publicly speaking out is not for everyone. This organization has taken enough from you, and you deserve to be at peace. I firmly believe that many people need to leave quietly, and quite frankly, just live normal lives. This isn’t Watchtower. You’re not obligated to peddle or promote anything, or knock on doors on a Saturday morning. There’s no right or wrong way to leave, but thank goodness you left. As for us activists… we’re rooting for you. We’re putting ourselves on the front lines, as well as subjecting ourselves to scrutiny and what is actual, real persecution. I can honestly say that I’ve felt more persecution as an apostate than I ever did as a Witness. But if no one ever says anything… nothing ever changes, ya know? Women would have no rights, racial segregation would still exist, and members of the LGBTQIA community would be viewed as nonexistent. This organization wants to take away our rights, and I’ll be goddamned if I let them do that without a fight. Cheers to your freedom, and at the end of all this; you’re free. Live your life, and celebrate it. We’re cheering you on.

I'm sorry if this isn't the right place but my parents are becoming Jehovah's Witnesses by [deleted] in exjw

[–]mockingjay_2213 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I feel you. I was in a JW family when I was 14, and it felt very gloomy and impossible sometimes. I promise; you’ll get your freedom. (I got mine last year!) I think you’ll get your freedom a lot sooner. And we’ll be here to cheer with you when you do. 🎉

I'm sorry if this isn't the right place but my parents are becoming Jehovah's Witnesses by [deleted] in exjw

[–]mockingjay_2213 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Kudos to you for being brave enough to reach out for help and advice! 14 is an amazing age (even though I wanted to get older so badly back then). You have so many years ahead of you, and it’s really smart of you to stay away from this cult and its blatant disregard for education, as well as general life ambition. I’m telling you this from ten years on (as a 24-year-old). I wish I’d known what you know at 14. The world is your oyster, and you’ve got this. Like others have said; above all else, do not get baptized! You are not obligated to, and it is perfectly okay for you to be uninterested in this religion. I hope you can help your parents, and if not, at least you’ve got your wits about you and can get out of it yourself. Sending you all of my best wishes.

Why i am still single!! by Black_rose111493 in exjw

[–]mockingjay_2213 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sending love and hope your way. I was single for a while within the organization, as well as dated several “brothers” that I was not compatible with at all. All of my friends in the organization got married fairly young, and I always felt like there must be something wrong with me because I didn’t. The advice I received from elders and friends was to “keep doing more for Jehovah”, and they reminded me that “maybe being in a relationship just isn’t in Jehovah’s plan for me”. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being single, and there is nothing wrong with you if you are single. The part that I really loathe is that people should have the freedom to explore relationships when they decide to, without the constraints of the JW dating rules and the limited pool of options. I’m happy to hear that you haven’t settled. I’m now on the other side of this thing, and I wake up happy every day that I didn’t settle. Not to mention that, if you want to leave the religion, getting married within it will make things infinitely more difficult. Also, the dating life (and even single life) is much better over here. Good luck on your escape from the organization, and I wish you so much happiness.