I was born a third generation Jehovah’s Witness, and lived that life for just over 35 years. When I went through a heartbreaking divorce from a 17 year marriage, a major shift happened. It resulted in me being able to truly examine the JW organization, which resulted in an unexpected paradigm shift of my belief systems.
I’m now what some call an ex-JW, (or a recovering Jehovah’s Witness). It hasn't been easy as there isn't a lot of support when you leave a life-long religion and/or cult. Life as you knew it is forever changed, and your community and friends are quickly no longer your tribe. It’s a road not easily walked, and I know there are others out there that have gone through similar life challenges. I'm inspired to share my story and experiences, if even just to let others know they aren’t alone. "Helping one person might not change the world, but it could change the world for one person."
Thank you both for this interview. I faced these issues 20 years ago as an active JW. Brenda, did you say you wrote a book? Please share how I can get your book. I felt like you are someone I could speak with easily. I am longing to make new friends outside of the Org after leaving two years ago
I always thought they never had a casket in the ceremony just a urn o nothing at all as they think the body is no more so the body or the ashes is alway in the ground before or in the crematory or wherever the keep the body or ashes before the interment
I faded because I'm scared of getting the coronavirus again. I had it twice and my mom died from it years ago. I never got vaccinated because I don't believe in vaccines. But I have avoided large indoor gatherings since it started.
We have many friends that we love so much but they will not associate with us, simply because we have recognized that "Savage wolves (GB) have risen, distorting the truth to draw away disciples after themselves. Be alert. I never stopped warning you night and day with tears." See Acts 20 29
Jw org was a horrible thing to experience as a child and a teenager. In 1998 I learned the "real truth " of this org. I was raised in it and ran away from home at 17. Felt lost and confused for years. Lost all my childhood friends after leaving the org at 17. I'm 62 now. Your video caught my attention because your so young and telling your story. I enjoyed hearing it. Keep up telling the real truths about this mind controlling, life destroying cult org.
Since I disassociate myself in 2018 my son told me he can't associate with me since I decided to leave the organization. So I really appreciate u in telling your story
We were out every Saturday morning 8:00 - 10:00. Mocha at the Pie Company.. a few dollars for the homeless. Picking up the Cart took time. Then an elder from your congregation was on our doorstep… letting the 12% know they are not allowed to be on the Cart. I call it ‘the Cart Edict of Discrimination’. Not meant for the Ubermenchions, or subhumans. Was ready to leave so many years ago anyways, but wife was so indoctrinated, since ‘78. She could quote the Bible as the best of them, having the Pioneering Spirit. True, banging on doors was offensive to me, and the householder. We then sat at McGuire Lake at a picnic table after the Edict without a Cart. What do you think Tammy? I wrote the GB to complain, but like the elders, they didn’t respond, or answer why. Clean up the streets I gather. I cannot stand them, and their bad attitudes. Being shunned now is not so bad. Was told I’m not DFd recently, even after sending them JW Facts?
We said we didn’t want a shepherding call. They called anyways. Made the mistake of letting them in. Was told I should not do any research on the Borg, before they bolted for the door, with the standard expression… “We aren’t getting anywhere here.”. Now that was rude.
Hi Tammy. We were in the same Shoeswapper congregation so many years ago. Me finding some company, newly homesteading out in the bush. Was always open and welcoming. So this explains my easy indoctrination. Your X husband and you picked me up, as my vehicle was broken down. Can’t say we had a real conversation though as the ride was short. Thanks again for the ride. Anyways, Stan phoned me. Said he and Leila will visit. Maybe not now that I may be DFd for sending Chris ‘the truth about the truth’. Would be good to reminisce on the old days. Message me okay ✅. What are you doing now? Stop by with your husband if in BC. I have never been into shunning people. I tried to reach out on your channel, but maybe you have stopped reading comments? Most of the exchanges are like from 5 years ago. Cheers!
A lot of it is the emotional blackmail Tammy. No one in my family was in the cult, so it would have been very easy for me to leave when I was baptized. I only stayed for my wife. Tortured for thirty years for love and respect for a mate. It wasn’t a comfort for me being shunned for thirty years. Cognitive dissonance kicks in, to tolerate such a toxic social environment.
I used to refer to the Shoeswappers elders as ‘the Bad Boys Builders Club’. A parody on the RBC. Even told them that. Wow 😯! I was told to take down my Loftus Lake Fen sign, or face disfellowshipping. Should have kept it there. Loftus Lake, your Supernatural Sewer. It was the truth. Getting DFd for speaking the truth about the truth came early.
I sent the news article on petitioning the court for your hidden Cong records Greg, to L Goodytwoshoes. Last I heard the request went to the Privacy Commissioner. Any update on ‘the Condemnation Files’? Just curious.
Hi Tammy. I like your life experiences. I go through the same thing. As you say, live your life without paying back evil for evil. I liked Ray and Phylis a lot. So many I couldn’t stand. They me for sure. I wasn’t into shunning DFd ones. Even phoned Richard to have a chat, but was saddened when he didn’t want to. I also understand that he wasn’t trying to shun me. Just emotional awkward pain that hurts.
But, Ps. In my last year or so, I had a good number of affairs with some single sisters, some much older than me, some much younger. The wildest was a “pioneer sister” who was the biggest fanatic in the hall. She always gave me a look. I asked if she needed a ride home. We ended up in the backseat. I would pick her up a block from the hall so no one would see. We would go to a hotel. 😂
The serious subject matter (and your smart treatment of it) aside, I will admit that I give nicknames to many of the former Jehovah's Witnesses that I like online. Your nickname is Farrah Fawcett. Lol.
CONTROLL of mind by brain washing also FEAR of being DfD and SHUNNED as they controll your heart, mind, body and soul. CONDITIONAL as in doing what your are told, say what you are told to say, think what you are told to think. CONDITIONAL LOVE is not real love in any form. Yes, this also applies to love shown to his creation of mankind if his love is "CONDITIONAL".
That's exactly the attitude I love to hear, yes you are a thriver and not just some defunct jw survivor, this life is a really big experience, and it's your to live. Now live it beautiful girl ... live it.
