My EX JW story (bethelite, pioneer, MS, foreign language)
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- Опубліковано 11 вер 2024
- (Also check out my music video: "Cost of Doin' Business" • FIFTH - Cost of Doin' ... )
I was a very active Jehovah's Witness my whole life. Baptized at 9, former pioneer, ministerial servant, bethelite, and served in two foreign languages before I discovered the truth about the truth earlier this year. I am now being shunned essentially by everyone I've ever known
/ exjwfifth
Great video! I'm honored to have played some small part in your awakening process! As I'm sure you're now discovering, freedom is great! :)
John Cedars absolutely! Thanks again Lloyd and I'm looking forward to supporting your book as well
John Cedars you helped me with my awakening too!! Your videos are life to me. Thank you!
Dat X ur job... in fact we are warned Abt thrushes lik u pple......
Milli Ansah that spelling tho
HELLO,JOHN,YOU'RE AWSOME,I PLAN TO GET YOUR BOOK NEXT MONTH!
Fantastic video. I work (psychologist) with cult survivors; I'm recommending your channel - hearing others' stories makes a huge difference. You mention periods of depression - it's SO difficult to leave a cult! You're left with so many feelings - depression, anxiety, fear, doubt, loneliness, insecurity, distrust of others, difficulty making decisions, and more. In many ways, it's grief, but a messed-up kind of grief. It takes enormous courage and character to leave a cult and I have so much respect for that. People come to me with depression, anxiety, and OCD symptoms and most of it is because of the cult history. It DOES get better - as you know.
Your sharing your story and interviewing people are so, so powerful. You are helping more people than you can know.
Thank you! xx
I am a born- in...jw's doomsday cult. I woke-up early. I was abused physically several times a week by "my parents/mostly the father " CSA victim from birth until I was 13. I was blackmailed into baptism at 17 just to be able to go to college, etc... They lied to me once more... please help the people who are leaving the cult like never before. 🙂
I recently got out of a 16 year marriage to a malignant narcissist and after grieving that and realizing what I was dealing with, going through flashbacks of all the trauma I experienced in the marriage, I now have started going through the same process having flashbacks and realizations about my childhood and especially the religion and how it actually led me to that relationship with a malignant narcissist even though he wasn’t a JW. I basically jumped out of the smoke into the fire trying to run away from the JW life and all the constant pressure and criticism I faced.
Hey Fifth, welcome to the exjw community! Thanks for sharing your story and joining your voice to help others.
ExJW Critical Thinker hey there JT and/or Lady Cee! I'm a huge fan! I really appreciate all of the wonderful content on your channel I should have mentioned it in my video but that has been a huge help for me. Keep up the good work!
+Fifth 😊
LOVE YOU GUYS!
Hi Brother! I am an ex-JW. I have found a community fulfilling my spiritual needs. Please visit GOCC website. This is Gathering of Christ Church. Basically, we need elders to learn and teach. Thanks!
ExJW Critical Thinker you and your wife are so informative with this awakening process.
Hi Fifth, your story was so powerful. I am an ex ministerial servant, pioneer. I woke up just 1 year ago. Thank you for telling your story as painful as it is.
Listened to your entire video beginning to end (about the same time length as my work commute:-) 2 things I’d like to say: First, you are wise beyond your years and it is a travesty that your father shuns such a beautiful son simply because he wants to be true to himself. Second, I was disf’d at your age after many privileges including elder and MTS and I want to say you still have your WHOLE life ahead of you. I went to community college not long after, then university, then law school and have a good life in which I enjoy great freedom to help people and be true to myself as a human being. One of my great regrets also is treating df’ed people like subhumans simply for deciding they just didn’t agree with the teachings any longer. Amazingly, so many that I pioneered with at a young age are now free as well and we’ve rekindled strong friendships after 25 years.
Brother!! Thank you for Shari your experience! Like you after I saw the Australian Royal Commission Trial and the GB lying, I stopped going to the KH and in May 2016 I sent my disassociation letter! Obviously I've been shunned by the JWs, gladly none of my family is a JW, so instead they are happy to have me back! I'm happier than ever! I'm very sorry you are going through the shunning, I can imagine how sad and difficult that can be! Hopefully you may find others friends and family to be with! Sending you a big hug from this old lady from PR!
Nelly Lugo I truly appreciate those sentiments and am very happy that you don't have to experience family shunning. I'm sure than many others will wake up after watching the ARC
Wow, how brainwashed we were. What can I say ...stay strong and yes keep your head up. You did nothing wrong. You're a smart guy and you figured it out on your own.
Maybe God helped him...
Daisy June he is smart bec asuse he learned It in the congregación.. 😂😂
Remember though , you're accountable for your sins and Jesus is real.
I was in the organization from 1968 to 1982. I saw the 1975 ordeal happen. I was 10 years old, so was old enough to understand what was going on. MANY people did not believe that the end would come in 75 and told the elders that they did not agree with it. They were DF'd. I know that if the organization was not teaching that, then people would not have been DF'd over it. In 1979, March 1st Watchtower, It said that the GB was not inspired. That was one of the reasons I left. If they are not inspired, how could the GB claim to be led by Holy Spirit and to give food at the proper time? God did not lead them. So when I did wrong at 16, I did not feel that I needed to tell the elders about it because it was between me and God. My relationship with Jesus and God got better when I left. The next 35 years, until my parents died,they shunned me. That is not biblical. I'm glad you got out! Life is good and goes well without the Tower.
Denise Hedberg66 JESUS love you
Wow! I feel so terrible about this discovery! To think I’ve been in this all my life! What do I do with myself now? I feel like ending it all.
@@estheremerson6015 don’t ever throw Jehovah, his son Jesus and the Bible out with the JW’s. Yes, they are wrong, but the Bible is NOT wrong. If you ask our Heavenly Father to help and guide you he will. The answers will never be found in a church building or religious group. It’s between you and HIM. I know Jehovah helped me to search and study as never before and I found the JW;s mistakes, and I learned the HOPE we have through the Bible, and I feel so much better now.
I'm so sry.
På riktigt? Blev de som inte trodde på det uteslutna?
What I appreciate most of your video is your articulation of your feelings without name calling or offensive language. I was a JW for many years and was baptized at age 15 because of pressure of being the daughter of an elder and substitute circuit overseer. I have been disfellowshipped before and understand the damage it can cause on a person. My mother is still active and is doing her best to encourage me to return. I work as an addiction counselor and plan to tell her that the recent sexual abuse has convinced me that the organization is not approved by Jehovah and as a mandated reported I cannot be associated with an organization that does not support the victims and actually covers up these crimes. Thank you for this video, it is very validating.
Funny how these people comment on how articulate he is, and he clearly stated he didn’t go to college/university. Did you ask him where he learned how to talk like that? Hahaha. There’s your answer.
Hi, Cliff. Thanks for sharing. I love hearing testimony from ones that have your credentials and this is why- most witnesses believe those that leave are just spiritually weak or the "truth" wasn't in their heart, but when you are a former bethelite, pioneer and baptised at 9yrs old, it blows that theory out of the water. You were obviously very much involved and "spritually strong" not weak! I know your testimony will at least make some think!! Well done. :)
Mel Toms JESUS love you
Mel Toms well, the scriptures says that i'm not suprised about it. 1Corintios 10:12
They criticize people as spiritually weak because they can’t defend their faith properly.
You are very brave. In 1975 in the UK, it was all over the news about JWs predicting Armageddon. My dad tells me he held me and my sister in his arms and promised to protect us from this cult at the time. I am the one that married in to it when I grew up and caused him unimaginable fear and heartache with what happened from there.I cried uncontrollably when I finally got out and I wasn't a baptised person, but an unbaptized publisher. I'd just got a language degree. I'd had a few extremely bad experiences, but I learned a little Greek, taught by the Watchtower's own explanations in their own book to begin with. I finally started reading the Greek - Kingdom Interlinear of the Greek Scriptures and saw a few lines that were definitely badly translated. I actually had to learn a little Greek and read the bible in Greek to get me out! It's very normal to get depression when you get out, especially if you lost family. My husband was badly indoctrinated and it led to a lot of problems and his suicide. He was very ill and nearly took me and the children with him. He refused to see a psychologist or go to any worldly counselling with me. I still really wanted to please both him and 'Jehovah' in bringing our children there even after he died. I still believe in the bible to this day, just not that organization.Fortunately for me I did reach out to a worldly counselling group long before my husband's death and those people helped me a lot over even the last 20 years since we are still in touch with each other. You are doing the right thing. You have experienced mental trauma from what Watchtower did to you. When a person gets physically hurt we have no problem seeing a doctor, yet a mental bruise from someone is often something we are scared of getting attention for.I like John Cedar's channel too. He is very factual and informative.
Pink Fuschia
I did exactly what you did and it is definitely the way to go. Using the Bible and both Hebrew and Greek Interlinear I found what was right and what was wrong. There are mistakes in bible translations which is why we need to use the Interlinear. It most definitely takes work but it is so worth it. The HOPE that JW’s held out is STILL THERE. Read the last chapter of Revelation to see that the promises are still there. But the answers are not in a church or religious group. They are only in the Bible. That is where we went wrong. We looked to humans and a building to find God.
Wow... just wow. Your story mirrors mine so much, including the Portuguese congregation. In fact, that's where I was going when I started to fade. Congrats for finding the real truth and I wish you much success in your future.
And that's messed up how your father treated you even before you met with the elders smh. Putting a religion over his child. I guess I'm a mean one, because I reversed shunned my parents when I knew what was coming. Unfortunately, they were too brainwashed to put their children over a cult. I felt so guilty initially (and was reinforced with that by some members of my family), but the truth is, they are the ones who lack the ability to love their family unconditionally, not me. So now I'm living my life with my new loving family and my beautiful baby girl. I'm getting sad and angry all over again thinking about this...
Your story really touched me, Fifth. Like you, I’ve been trying so hard to prove to myself that it’s the truth, but the more I try, the more I realize that it can’t be true. I’m very discouraged now because I realize everything I know, everything I’ve ever known, is a lie. And I look at everyone and they are so convinced that it’s the truth but when I ask them why they are convinced they never give me any answer, they just say it’s obvious, it’s something they’ve always known. I don’t know what to do anymore. I don’t want to have everyone I care about taken away from me...
Go now my friend. It’s still not too late to have a life. You’re young. Don’t wait to be indoctrinated anymore. It’s a lie!!!
I wonder what happened to u
I walked around in a rage for 20 years after realizing I had been lied to, and everything I thought I knew was a lie. My advice, as a very old person, is don’t throw out the Bible and God with the JW’s. Too many people do that! The Bible is STILL true even if JW’s twisted it . I thought that when I found out JW’s were not ‘the truth’ that it meant ALL of the teachings of the Bible were untrue. This is not so. We still can look forward to a wonderful paradise earth. God’s promises are are all still in there and still as true today as it always was. Keep praying and ask God to show you and if you really want to be a follower of Christ and His Father, the way will be shown to you. It’s not to be found in a church or religious group. It’s between you and our Heavenly Father alone. Our mistake was thinking that God was to be found inside a brick and mortar building but the Bible teaches that “God does not inhabit buildings made by human hands.”
@@christyb.2272... Thank you for saying that.
I believe once you find yourself rejected without understanding, and disillusioned, confusion will most definitely follow.
The Bible is still there, Jesus is still real, the Holy Spirit is available to lead you to the TRUTH according to the WORD OF GOD.
IT'S most definitely about the relationship between you and God that Jesus's blood paid for.
We are still a family (the body of Christ) and we still belong to the Kingdom of God.
So...on some level we need to find a place of fellowship.
The Megachurches don't really do it for me, for sure.
We have to allow the Holy Spirit to help us find the people we can build and grow with.
Many times we'll disagree with other Christians, or Christ followers but we still have to walk in love towards one another.
I'm thankful that many JW's are finding out what's really going on because I believe they are people that love God and want to live right, but they have been seduced into a dark situation.
I am so sorry for all you went through. When I watched your story on the Leah Remini show, you really touched my heart talking about your family.
My heart holds a special place of love for you, even though we don’t know each other. I pray for blessings over your life, in all areas, financially, mentally, emotionally, in your family, friends, and with Jesus.
My husband and I met you in San Francisco at the coffee shop during Lloyd Evans book tour. Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for your channel.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
yes! I remember you both. I hope you are both doing well! You even told me your username on youtube when we met lol
As an ex-JW myself and am so happy for you being out of that "Sunken Place". I was blessed that my family was NOT a part of that cult and I joined through marriage. To make a long story short, I got out back in the 90's, divorced and been happy ever since.
Thank you so much for posting your videos. No malice. No anger, just facts. Love your music. You have talent for days!
I feel I need to comment on this, because I have went through the same problems that you are experiencing. What I found to do to get rid of the loneliness, is just get out of the house at night so that you're not thinking about all of this. Do anything go to a show, go out play a game of pool, take up a hobby, anything to get this all this off of your mind. And by doing this you will also eventually run into somebody that you will become friends with. The worst time. That you can experience is when you're alone at night just thinking about all these things. As long as you're doing something you won't be thinking about these things and it will help.
It's amazing when the moment comes that you allow your brain to question what's 'off limits'.
Dennis Gonzalez JESUS love you
Mate... Just finished listening to this. Heartbreaking. I left at age 20, never got baptized, so didn't have to endure this none sense. But now you're out! Make your own friends, build your own family, build your own world. You're still young and have your whole life out of that companies control. When you're old and with your grand kids you can look back on a life well spent, you'll have your ups and downs like everyone, but they'll be yours and not imposed on you by an American publishing company, while the indoctrinated will still be waiting for Armageddon. All the best to you.
jonsixtythree
W
I’m so depressed. I wish I can just end it all. I don’t know what to do with myself 😩😩😩
@@estheremerson6015 *hello* ❣️
So what brought you to this video?
Might you be invalved in the same organization the guy from this video was invalved in?
*If so, it's important for you to know, that this organization has attributed to numerous suicidal thoughts and actions.* That's not an easy place to be in your head.
*What you need to do is call Lifeline and or open the link below.*
It provides 24/7, free and *confidential support* for people in distress.
They also have prevention and crisis resources. *Esther, there is no shame in asking for help* ❣️
1-800-273-8255
suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Build your own world? Lmao build a world with god as your guidance my dear one. Many distractions.
@@estheremerson6015 Live. You get to finally live. I hope you don't end it. There's still hope. Pray.
Your account is intensely moving. I faded 35 years ago; I watched 1975, come and go; I listened to complicated explanations of why "this generation" that would not pass ... has in fact passed. We try to make a meaningful life without the "organization" and after the hurt subsided, I was angry. After I graduated from college the anger left me and was replaced with this question: How can I make the best of a lousy situation? How can I have a relationship with my family when they are not allowed to reciprocate? I decided to behave as if I do have a close loving relationship with all members of my family ... this was liberating. These are their rules not mine. So I will follow a new script ... I have rules too, namely to treat my family members in a Christian way. Therefore I will call the parents every week; call the siblings monthly and so on. I will invite them to share a meal or I will help with shoveling snow ... I will offer help in any way necessary including financial. In the end if your actions are never acknowledged you will know that you did your best because it is the right thing to do.
that's an excellent point and one that I am working to implement in my situation. I cannot allow their rules to dictate my behavior or the way I deal with them. Thanks a lot for that!
You have plenty of friends. you just haven't met them yet. I know EXACTLY how you feel and I know what your going thru. I've been there. The people that I was taught where evil and wordly turned out to be the people that helped me thru some tuff times. And my wife's family showed me what real family and real love is. your still young and have so much ahead of you. True love is UNCONDITIONAL. This is what Jesus taught.
you will be okay. because you are a smart articulate young man.
Thank you so much for sharing your powerful story! I am about twenty years older than you and now 16 years away from the JW's, but your story was so moving and brought back so many memories (some I had suppressed). Like you, I came from a prominent, staunch family of JW's; my dad was the presiding overseer, my mom and sister were pioneers, I pioneered for several years and my then-husband was also an elder. I struggled for years with doubts and ultimately made the very difficult, lonely decision to walk away. Ultimately the BEST decision of my life. Despite the shunning, life has been immeasurably better on this side. You are an impressive young man, and I believe there's tons of happiness and success in store for you. I look forward to following as much of your journey as you're willing to share.
I am glad you have seen the org for what it is. I will be your friend if you want to. Brother, you are not alone
Racist statements were made by Joseph Rutherford through his writing staff, including those who authored Golden Age articles which indicated that a black man’s skin was somewhat a curse and would eventually be turned white. This is my reason #12 for leaving .
Milord Louis-Jeune I am in Nigeria, an African country where the conditioning has a very strong hold on us. I’ve awakened. I’m scared to come all out about it. It’s killing me inside. I might just kill myself one day. I’m drained
@@estheremerson6015 hang in there. The Lord Jesus will help you. He has millions of soldiers. But they cannot cleanse the temple or kill anybody yet. Jehovah has reserved for them to be thrown outside AT HIS APPOINTED TIME. THE SON DOESN'T KNOW WHEN THAT IS
This is so relateable. I was not a Bethelite or pioneer, but where you're coming from rings true. When I left an elder told me, "I know you'll be back soon, you're a good girl." which really rubbed me the wrong way, associating goodness with this group I knew to be not any "more good" than any other people I had met in college or my working life. Thank you for sharing your story!
I admire your courage, when I found out the truth about JW i just remove myself, i do not owe anyone any information because when they disfelloship you it's like they put a logo of bad reputation on your back watchtower is getting richer and richer every year while they control you, they are a real deceit.
Magalie Augustin either way you never win. Cause when you “fade”, you are still considered bad association which makes you have a bad reputation....
Thank you for taking the time to make this video. It is good to see younger ones waking up. I didn't wake up until I had indoctrinated my own kids... now I am walking in a mine field. Wish you the best and please post future videos.
Fifth!! This video was amazing. I could relate to so much of your story. We knew each other more in passing because I also was in the Shipping Department at Bethel, but was on the export side of things. (We might have played Smash together a few times though, I think.) I left about a year and a half ago. Best decision I've ever made. But it really is a process. I know this video is a few years old, so I'm assuming things have gotten better for you as you've had time to integrate. I wish you much happiness and success as you continue your journey!
Hey what’s up man! Yeah I definitely remember you I didn’t play smash though lol that was more LG and others but I would be in the room usually! Glad to hear you made it out bro 🙌🏿
God goes with you when you leave the KH! You don't leave God because you don't care for the religion. That is really presumptuous. It bothers me when they say that. I also don't like the attitude that parents will only love you if you have jw dot org stamped on your head. If your children still love God, it shouldn't matter if they belong to a certain organization. God is everywhere, right? God knows our hearts. I follow Christ, not men. Men created the doctrine of the JWs. The way it is called "the truth" is so ones brain shuts off and stops looking for the real truth. One is not supposed to stop looking, yet they expect you to stop looking. Makes no sense.....
God bless you! I have been approached by many JW's and even studied with some. When I brought up Scriptures they couldn't handle, they just left. What you are REALLY needing is to contact a large, friendly instrumental Church of Christ. (Some non-instrumentals are great, too, but their stand on the instrument is not backed up by the Greek.) They DO try to follow JUST the Bible, but they are not perfect, either. At any rate, I've found a lot of biblical love for God and other people in the various congregations I've been a part of or visited. I did not grow up in this church family, but when they shared Scriptures with me, I kept listening and began studying on my own. I found out that many things they taught were backed up by the Greek and a self-study by going into the concordances and really familiarizing myself with the Word. I wish you the best on your quest for truth! I respect your courage and desire to know you are doing right, rather than just "pleasing people."
HI well come to your freedom , im one that had been around from the 1957 got baptized in 1974 the elders said i had to or i would make it in 1975 they said i will die, well im still hear and being shunned for the rest of my life.
Evelyn Gibo Shun them back. Shunners are evil. Make friends with genuinely nice people and live a happy life.
1. Everything under the sun has it’s season.
2. This to shall pass.
These are two of my favorite verses in any Bible version. They’ve always helped me through difficult times in my life.
Another thing that has helped me is the “Serenity Prayer”.
“God Grant me the Serenity to except the things I cannot change.
Courage to change the things that I can.
Wisdom to know the difference.”
You are LOVED! 😊💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🌈🌺💐🌷
Hi Cliff ! We welcome you brother :) You are not alone and in very good company ! You have alot of support and love from all of us who now know the ttatt.
This sounds almost exactly like my experience. The questions you raise SIMPLY DO NOT GET ANSWERED
When you enter the logical mode....they enter the outrage mode
e.g. :
Me:"I don't understand why a loving God will kill a baby because David had sex with Bathsheba and arranged for her husband to be killed....but spared the parents
them: ARE YOU SUGGESTING THAT YOU ARE MORE RIGHTEOUS THAN GOD YOU FUCKING APOSTATE HEATHEN!!!!
me: WTF??
trinikenshin 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
You are awesome for sharing this, thank you. I found out it is a cold cold organization. Thank you for your candid honesty. I appreciate you.
tommy davis thanks a lot for your kind words
well done on your first video, look forward to many more. From my own experience you will gain many more true friendships from here on in.
Dear Brother, Thank you for this excellent video. Our experiences parallel in many ways, Bethelite, Pioneering, serving where the need was great, etc. You really set a great example of a thoughtful, deliberate, non-hostile person who just wanted to know what is closer to the truth and what one is doing with their life energy. I'm so sorry for the loss of your family and friends. We're in the same boat. It's painful and will to some extent always be a non-healing wound. But the good news is you took charge of your mind and have kept your heart alive and open. You are a good person! Dont forget that in the times of sadness or temporary loneliness. My name is Terry Delonas. You can instant message from facebook if you wish and ever need to chat. Ive recently hooked up with a terrific group of former JWs in souther california where I live and am gaining lots of encouragement from their friendship. PS I did all the work of deconstructing the JW beliefs before the internet. I now have a pretty deep and growing understanding of the scientific, Historical and sociological realities that the org. Cannot address, that has helped me stay strong. Thanks again for the beautiful video!
Ahhh, love you little brother...I found your story this morning after listening to your channel since Oct 18. You are such a good man, keep up the good work.💜💙💛🧡💚
Cliff, you are not alone in finding out "the truth is not the truth". I, too a former pioneer stop attending meeting and will eventually have to make my feeling known; cause I am not going back after what I know. Please keep in touch with those who have found out that this Organization is not the truth. Thank you for your courage to tell your story. I continue to pray that a lot more sincere people will wake up about this religion. The Most High God will send some decent people your way; you are not alone.
sara Abraham it’s hard for me. So hard. What do I do with myself now? What to do after being conditioned to live and think a certain way.
thanks so much for your story. I was disfellowshipped at 19 and lost everything imagine that just a kid with no one to talk to or turn to. my dad still shunns me till this day. powerful video it will touch it helped a lot of people don't stop.
Andre wow that's really sad I can't even imagine being that young and being thrust into this horrible situation. But thanks for the encouragement I'm glad the video helped in some way
Yes I will post my own soon
youtu.be
thanks for posting this Cliff, yes you are right it is your duty to expose this disgusting cult, the world needs to know, I've been out well over 20 years myself , activism against this cult is so important
Lester Kite thanks a lot
I was eight when, I became a JW, I was DJ at age 57 years. For helping a sister, who was DF, and was trying to come back. Her mother and I were friends, so that how I became involved. She needed a place to live. I gave it to her. I cannot believe Jesus, would not of done the same. The worse is, she was reinstated, two weeks later. I was very depressed, while a witness, never felt I was doing enough. I questioned the 1975 thing, in 1974, I was consoled for grieving the holy spirit. The support group, near Richmond VA. I own my life too. You are only 29, I gave my entire life to them. Almost 50 years. Lets not even talk about the money. I hope your parents someday, see the truth about the truth. I truly would not of, if they had not DF, me. For showing loving kindness to a DF sister. in hopes she return.
Liz Moore thanks for those words. And I agree sometimes it takes being DFd for whatever reason before you give yourself permission to really found out the truth
Wow. What a riveting video! I came across your video as a recommendation and I listened to the entire thing. I was born into the JW cult; my parents were born into it, my grandparents were converted as young people. My entire family on both sides were witnesses when I left sans ONE Aunt. I was completely isolated and because I was 18; I had formulated a plan of recreating myself and my life. It was much harder than I thought and I had no internet back then; I literally had to create a support system from scratch.
I have toyed with starting a channel to help those just like you and so many others and share my story because it is HUGE and touches on so many elements that people have uncovered and taught me.
There literally should be a support group for ex-JWs because no matter how long you have been out, if the majority of your family is in it, you still have to deal with the shunning, the feelings of being lost at times because your biological family doesn't acknowledge you, and them ALWAYS trying to convince you to coke back. You are never free to decide that the religion is not for you with them and that's the hard part. Somehow you have to make peace with it and find yourself and your own life.
For me, I walked away at 18, went to college, got married and made a life for myself along with finding my own friends and support outside of my biological family. It is good that we have the ex-JW community, but don't get stuck there. Use it to propel you to create a life and reality you can be proud of in your own terms.
If you ever want to talk or share, I'm here. I will continue to watch your videos and respond when I can -- peace be with you!
Hey Clif, watched the whole thing. Thank you for sharing your story. So sorry your family has decided to not speak with you anymore. I haven't heard from mine in over a month since I moved out. Please know that you have a family of Ex- JW's who welcome you and know how you feel and what you're going through. You aren't alone!
Danelly Liz I'm so sorry to hear that I definitely know what you are going through. I hope they soften their stance in the future so you can still have some kind of relationship with them
Le Yeng I'm very curious as to what your intentions on these apostate videos are? you comment like a jw defender but yet going through your liked videos you have liked multiple apostate videos. are you just trolling, are you having doubts but want to repress them and try to be loyal to jehovah. I understand you can watch this and have nobody know of you doing it but jehovah is watching sooooo what are your true intentions?
I feel your pain. When I tried to reason with my aunt. Pour my heart to her she called me an apostate and told her not contact her again unless I return to the meetings or unless it's a family emergency.
My heart is broken and I'm hurt but life goes on.
Jammin 247 JESUS love you
What a wonderful young man you are. I feel for you and wish I could give you a great big hug. So much I want to say but not enough space. I was born and raised a JW; left after 60+ years. I too had doubts all my life and was afraid to question the GB because that was Satan working on me, remember that favorite JW statement? I had not gone on any apostate sites but one day at work; the day after a holiday so it was slow at work, I decided to look on Wikipedia and look up Jehovah's Witnesses. I read what was written and saw them mention Ray Franz and his book, Crisis of Conscience. It took me several months to build up the courage to go to the library and check it out. It was a real eye opener for me also. I've shared this on other ex-JW sites but the real turning point for me was finding the demonic hand in the Revelation book on page 52. We had studied that book like 4 times and I had never seen the hand before. When I did, from that moment forward I knew beyond any shadow of a doubt that the WT was false, full of lies and deceptive. Now my reading and research has equipped me with more knowledge in proving the WT as nothing more than a money grabbing fraud. I'm so glad you are out at a still young age. I wasted my entire life in that organization, gave up an education because the end was here. 1975??? Things will get better Cliff. I too have lost family and life long friends. I'm married now to a wonderful man, never a JW, and we have an awesome marriage. Don't give up!!!!
Great video! You are not alone ex-bro. My heart goes out to you. Keep your head up, each day gets better.
Lil Pink Bubbles JESUS love you
if the organization had taught me anything, it has been to QUESTION EVERYTHING. lol funny lesson to learn from an organization who discourages independent thought. oh well, so is life.
My heart goes out to you.. things will get better soon I promise. Keep working on yourself and you will find peace xx
Heidi Squirrell thank you. Will do
Dude! Just got to 1:02:47! Wikipedia criticisms was the first place I went for info was as well! Fifth, I was terrified for 3 years to look at any negative information about JWs. The mind control they had over me was astounding. I mean, if I had already lost all my friends and I'm going to be destroyed at Armageddon anyway, what in the world was I so afraid of? Anyway, just thought that was a funny coincidence. This was only about 8 days ago by the way. I'm newly free!! Loving your channel though. About to get into John Cedars and also CoC. I found an Ex-JW meetup group in my area too. It's about to go down! :) Keep up the great work. Much love.
excellent video. this is a video that I feel comfortable in recommending to help ones wake up.
thanks for adding your voice..
Fifth, I watched this video for the first time 3 years ago when I started questioning the organization and I never commented on it because I didn’t have the words to express the depth of how much it helped me. Thank you didn’t seem like enough. Thank you so much for telling your story.
Thankful for your truth. I was born and raised as JW and left ten years ago at the age of 35 years. My mom came in 74 because my aunt was indoctrinated and she too believed that the world was coming to an end in 75 and she was newly married and was pregnant with me so that's how she became a JW. Joined the ministry school at the age of five, baptized at the age of 12. I was disfellowshipped at 18 and 22, came back and thankfully I found on the internet things that confirmed what I thought for years which is this was not the truth. I am an apostate. I disassociated myself and I too lost all I knew. I continued my search for truth and Jesus gave me just that. I'm now an Apostolic, filled with the Holy Ghost that I was so afraid of for most of my life and I run a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called the Bethany Project which helps people know Jesus for themselves. I have battled with the depression of hurt and shunning, but I would not trade what I have for nothing in the world. Keep spreading your truth. People need to see what you are doing. The battle of the mind coming out of the JW organization can be debilitating. My prayer for all of us that found the courage to leave is to keep going. Your pain is not in vain. You are truly loved and you're stronger than you think💛
Hey Fifth. Thanks for telling your story. I know it is a hard journey out. I listened to your experience with great interest. I was raised from a young age in JW in Brooklyn, NY, baptized at a young age, and finally left after 30 years. Many similar experiences to yours especially as it relates to losing contact with good friends and seeing how the organization surgically and shamefully separates families and friends. And as you point out, they have up’d the ante in recent months forcing the issue of separation even more. As for me, after many years I have no regrets and God is faithful. He will help you along your journey even as he has with me. What I want to write you about is a bit of sadness I feel when I hear stories like yours of those who learn and finally come to grips with the fact that they were caught up in a lie and yet, what is missing is the part of the story where they eventually find the real TRUTH about God. I know from my own experience that it is not an overnight thing so I don’t mean that in a critical way. After leaving, it took me several years to straighten the confusion of the doctrines, and how it is that I should study the Bible without the books and Watchtowers. I want to encourage you to not lose sight of the fact that the most important part of your journey is yet ahead of you. Maybe you are on that part of the journey and did not speak about it in this video. I hope so. I was hoping that when you went on your search, after leaving, you would have started with a good translation of the Bible but you mentioned only Wikipedia and Ray Franz’s book (which I have and have read). Again, I really am glad you found out enough to know JW is not the “truth” and you needed to separate from the grip of the organization and hope you will now focus on the search for real TRUTH. The truth about God, about Jehovah, about Jesus and the Gospel message of Salvation which is only through Jesus. Be diligent in prayer on that part of the journey, and diligent in your personal study of God’s word with dependence on the Spirit of God who promises to be our teacher. Press on….don’t quit until you know you have found Him and know you didn’t just leave something but you found, and was found by Jesus Christ. Thanks again for your story which I am sure will be an encouragement to many facing the same doubts. G
Mister G JESUS love you
Dear Cliff I disassociated myself in Sept strictly because despite Rev 22:18 they changed the NWT to fit their theology that and other five scriptural points despite loosing everything. The bottom line is don't let the false prophet destroy your faith and love to do Gods will and live a righteous life. Jesus is the way and the truth and the life. Just wanted to encourage you to Read the New Testament alone in the King James or any bible. Jesus loves you it took a lot of faith and courage to leave and his burden is light!! Keep praying he will give you the friends and love you need and keep praying for your family. It is amazing that you woke up. So can they!
You are a very courageous & articulate young man. You have integrity & will find your true path.
Thank you for posting this video Cliff! I hope this has gotten a lot better for you in the past 4 years since you've left the organization! I feel the loneliness and isolation too! Your video made me feel better, knowing that there are others in the same boat as me. The solidarity is amazing here!
Making all new friends is really hard. There's no easy solution. Being in a relationship and getting married to a supportive woman has helped ease the lonieness. But I did go through years of intense grief for people still alive.
I couldn't agree with you more. When you are raised in this cult, you are constantly reminded that you can't be in close association with people outside of the organization. All my friendships were with other JWs. There is just so much lost: time, relationships, career opportunities, etc. I am happy you found a good companion, and more importantly, you found your way out of this cult.
Why don't people just go through Jesus to get to Jehovah. That's what the bible says, doesn't it? Why go through a church or organization? Jesus said he was The truth, why can't people understand this.
Amen brother! After 40+ years, that's what my family are doing. Wherever 2 or 3 are gathered... When the son of man arrives, will he really find the true faith on the earth? Yes! I have spoken to quite a few believers, not just ex-watchtower followers, who have reached the same conclusion as you and I. May Jehovah bless you and yours!
Indoctrination makes your point hard to understand. I was five years old; I am 50 now. It takes a lot of maturity, courage, and healing to finally arrive at that place.
almenaja eeeeeexactly! It is there, clear in the Bible. And then jws overlook this
I read that three or more gathered in the name of Jesus would be blessed , I hope do csuse im going to go this the memorial is my start to obey the scriptures the way the bibkevdsys not the watchtowerv
So sorry. I'm like Ann's mother inyour story. After 40 years in the org I'm now totally isolated from my daughters. But too honest to go back for that reason it's such emotional blackmail. And disheartening after being known as a loving hospitable sister. In one day you lose every bond you've formed in your entire life. And being depressed makes it hard to put yourself out there to make new connections I guess that's what they want but it's no wonder people end their lives. I wish you the best Cliff.
Marie B I am so sorry Marie I also have an 18 year old daughter that despite my scriptural reasons why I had to stand by Jesus and disassociated myself because they changed the NWT she just got baptized anyway but ya know what I have realized that holding that resentment. Just poisons myself and the family. Please know others are here for you. Please feel free to text or call me if you need to talk. 860-816-9709
Melody SolanoThanks for your nice comments. You sound like a lovely person.I only just started looking at these videos and realizing I am not so alone after all. I hope the best for you with your daughter.
Marie B if there is anything you need. You are not alone first and foremost our Heavenly Father as Jesus referred to him , is only and always a prayer away. If nothing else Marie pray for truth and read the New Testament using the KJV of the Bible. You can use any bible yet that is what was used by the JW before they created and distorted the NWT. Jesus is the truth and the life! John 14:6 over two hundred times in the New Testament does Jesus point to himself for salvation! No where in the scriptures does it say wait two thousand years and I will send you a group of sinful men just like yourselves to get it!! I myself ordered the Greek and Hebrew translation and he answered my prayers! I am not an unrepentant sinner! I am a Christian! I am his!! And no one can ever separate me from his love or snatch me out of his hand!! John 10:28 Romans 8:38 8:39
Im watching this while im listening to the meeting on Zoom LOL. Im starting to questioning the org to tbh...
Awwww, my well-spoken friend, welcome to the light. It will get better and better. I'm so sorry you had to go through this with your family. It is very traumatic. I remember trying to explain it to a therapist (who really had no concept) - I said it's like there's a fire that destroys everything in your life, but instead of losing all your things, you lose all your people, your friends and family, and your faith, the relationship you thought you had with God himself. It can take yrs to get even somewhat grounded again, but you're so bright, so thoughtful, so clearly full of heart, you'll be OK, you have a very good future ahead. Some things that helped some of us: therapy or exit counseling, anti-depressants, spending lots of time with others (especially in RL) who've shared this journey. And just lots of time to process the grief and shock. Sending you much love and caring. Will be looking for more of your videos. (Ms.Pix, 23 adult yrs in and now 20 yrs out) HUGS ps. i'm available for a chat anytime if you comment on where to contact you.
Jayzuz, 9 years old! I was 13. Thought that was bad enough.
Thank You so much for your video! It was clear and concise... You are to be commended you've overcome a lot of obstacles so far and remember you're NEVER alone... The sincere ones in the community will embrace and hold you up when you're not able to... Welcome to your True Freedom, so very happy you are "awake"... Lloyd Evans helped me out a TON as well...
Ditto on Loyd, Annette.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am a former JW myself , I was thoroughly brainwashed and my children and I suffered a lot of abuse.
It has been six years since I have been disassociated and even though it was a great struggle mentally because of the conditioning that we received, it is the best thing that I could have ever done. Myself and my adult children are no longer associated with the organization.
I am still learning about things that I wasn't aware of at the time of being in the organization. I truly hope that more and more people will wake up and get out !!!
You're such a nice person. Thank you for being so open and sharing so much with us. It's natural that you're depressed upon leaving and you did well to go to a psychiatrist to help. All the best to you.
You’re excelling as an Apostate. Seems you excel at whatever you put your mind to. I’m glad we got you on our team.
Cliff, this candid video was such a really good one. So many of us can identify exactly with your experiences. (especially serving in the Spanish and Portuguese Congregations). You must remember, as you said, that you are indeed not alone in this struggle and progression. There are so many of us out here waiting to welcome you! Please reach out and continue to do your research. You won't be disappointed. We are all here for you!
Marcus and Dwina muchas gracias and obrigado :-) I really appreciate the support
De nada!
Sunny W JESUS love you
Hey man, I'm so happy that you were able to see the truth about the truth. I left about two years ago and have never regretted it. I lost many friends and most of my family. and while that hurts, I have never been happier. I want you to know I support you completely and if you ever need anything or ever come up here to the Pacific Northwest I'd love to help or meet up. Great job man!
Jayse Ruiz JESUS love you
I loved hearing part of your story on the Leah Remini show. It really touched my heart and I definitely feel your pain in relation to “losing” your family. I am praying for you and your family, as well as the other ex JWs that were on the show, as well as all JWs that are caught in this cult, including my mom and my brother. My mom goes back and forth, she misses me and reaches out, we start building a relationship, then she will cut me off time after time. I haven’t spoken to my brother in several years and I miss them both so much. God bless and peace be with you
Thank you for your video! MAN! Your experience gives me hope that my friends that are still stuck in the JW CULT may wake up or at least question why my husband and I left Watchtower 12/2016. Thank you SO much for sharing your story and welcome to the UA-cam exJW community!
Out of the Box wow that's great to hear! Congrats to both of you and thank you for your kind words
after 23yrs in that religion all I knew was my friends I thought would die for me. Now they treat me like I am the devil. Just like that sister you tried to help.
Out of the Box yes I can relate completely. I often think about the irony of the scripture that says that God is not unrighteous so as to forget your works. For all of us who gave so many years to this organization for none of that to be appreciated and count for absolutely nothing and for all of your relationships to be severed after one brief announcement is quite remarkable
Exactly
Leaving is so bittersweet. Sometimes I would think ignorance is bliss, but now I'm happy to not be under their control. I'm sorry you feel so lonely right now. It's nice that there are so many ex witnesses now to support each other.
A person almost has to get away from everything associated with the Watchtower in order to think. There whole game plan is to keep one off balance and there very good at it.
Thanks for sharing your story. Putting the information out there for people to see will help those who are waking up. It can be tough to get acclimated to normal life after walking away from the JWs, as I well know myself. I strongly recommend researching the affects cult indoctrination has on people. Steven Hassan has some good books that help to describe the mental and emotional issues caused by groups like the Watchtower. On the bright side, you are now free to live your life the way you want. The more of us share the reason that we left, the more we will help to free themselves. Thanks again for sharing your story.
Great video. Powerful and moving. Thank you very much.
If any are watching the series of Lisa Remini exposing Scientology; can almost substitute the name Jehovahs Witnesses in place of Scientology experiences. We need such an expose of the witnesses!
Linda Lawton I've heard about that I look forward to checking that out for myself
Wow. Really enjoyed this video. I have been out since 2015.
All I want you to know is that it gets easier.
There are so many things that we can do for this world.
Hang in there brother.
Lloyd Evans has helped so many of us, now you are doing the same. Your videos are helping me heal as Lloyd Evans videos did. Thanks to all of you out there.
wow cliff...this video and your story has been so so riveting! omg....i mean let me tell you, you are me and of the same background almost in every single way. i am currently in the throes of going through what you've been through. currently in the stage of trying to reconcile everything with the world and if the truth is the truth, or whether its a cult...I'm so struggling, and yes its been a long process and i think it'll take me more time. and the privileges i have in the congregation are also keeping me busy and can't pull back. it's alot. but listen, please keep on putting things out there, please....i too am questioning god, unsure about my purpose and etc these thoughts are diffuclt. ok much luv.
V Jay thanks so much and I think you are wise to take your time and think it through
Thanks for sharing your story and I know it's hard. My family hasn't shunned me when I announced I'm an atheist and I couldn't imagine losing them. This is why apostates or former believers can sound bitter and upset. Religions use emotional blackmail to control people and it saddens me that this day in age we still see shunning and intolerance. Your story has helped me for sure. Please keep sharing and keep your head up! There are support groups out there who are going through what you're experiencing. Keep your head up man you rock
Thanks so much for sharing your story. I can't imagine how crazy it must be to not be able to talk to your family. My parents still treated me the same after I stopped going as a teen. Guess I'm one if the lucky ones. I'm sure it takes a lot of courage to put a video out, considering how your family will perceive it if they find out. Your story will help others, keep it up, and keep your head up. It gets easier as you make new connections.
Wow. That was brilliant. So well articulated and explained, I hung off your every word. I also couldn't help thinking there's a book in your story. Congratulations, I hope you are doing as well as possible. The Great Apostate sent me
Intoxicatedoutspokenantitheist thanks so much. The support means a lot and largely because of that, I am doing a lot better! Hope you are doing well as well
Excellent video. Thank u for sharing ur voice with the community. I'm sorry for what ur going through, and I wish u the best
You a wonderful young man. I wasted 19 yeas into this organization. Wish I had done my research when I first joined. Did not have the same experience as you did. My experience was different. I started to watch the Catholic T V. Channel. Did research on the Catholic Church and went to my youngest Goddaughters wedding after a year of research on the Catholic Church. I believe a miracle happened in that beautiful church. Went to Mass the next day Sunday.. So happy to be back in the Church. I am now a Eucharist Minister in my Church. Just wonderful. I have one regret not going to my dear daughter wedding. She became a J.W. And dissociated herself after only a couple of years. I was told by the elders not to go to her wedding. She got married on the West coast and we live in Pa. Will always regret that.Christian love. Diane R Scigala
Diane Sic gala thank you for sharing your experience. That's really sad that you weren't able to go to your daughter's wedding, I'm sorry to hear that. But that's great that you were able to ultimately find happiness
Excellent video! I understand how difficult the waking up process is, but so glad that you did. Thanks so much for telling your story to us! I hope that you are meeting new people and enjoying your freedom.
Susan Gaskin thank you. Yes it's been a struggle but I have already grown so much. And the amount of support I received on this video has been overwhelming and very helpful. Definitely did not expect this kind of response. Looking forward to the future
I'm so glad to hear! Two of the biggest surprises for me when I woke up was how nasty and slanderous long time JW friends were to me, and how amazing and kind ex JW and "worldly people" are. Literally nearly every day, I meet non Witnesses or ex Witnesses who continue to surprise me with how wonderful and kind they are.
Susan Gaskin jesus love you
Thank you for sharing your experience. This is a very honest and heartfelt video. i saw your interview with John Cedars and so have subscribed to your channel. The Crisis of Conscience helped me so much. What an amazing man Ray Franz was and even though he has passed away he is still helping so many people wake up. Good luck in whatever you do. It is very hard to start your life over again and find true friends but I am sure you will and they will be unconditional friends too.
Thank you so much for the support!
Just found your channel and am very glad I did. Thank you for sharing your story and being so open and honest. It is going to be a great help in my making sure that my 12-year-old daughter is very clear on who and what the JWs are.
Married to my JW wife for almost 15 years now, it is still surprising how "un-loving" JWs can be.........even though she continually talks about the big differences that makes JWs special. The top of the list is always how loving they are as an organization.
Just the other day I asked her how loving does she think all of her "friends" would be if she was disfellowshipped. She won't even consider the question...........which is odd.
I make sure to not comment or criticize the JWs when talking to my daughter, which is extremely difficult the more "stuff" I uncover. The goal with my daughter is to make sure she is educated. She is very clear on the difference between education and indoctrination.
Looking forward to seeing all of your videos.........you have quiet the impact.
Thank you!!!
Great job! Welcome to your freedom! We are all here for you. Xoxo
Adventures With Robin thank you so much! It's nice to be with all of you
Hi V! From Australia, this video is fantastic!! Usually my husband finds interesting videos to show me on UA-cam. Now when he gets home from work I have something fantastic to share with him. So sorry you're dealing with the hardest part of this process. Enjoy your freedom of critical thinking though, it's amazing!! My husband and I also mourned that feeling that you're never going to die, but it has just made our time here on earth that much more precious 😉 also when you do have a family in future you never have to teach them those beliefs, you have saved a future generation. Best wishes
welcome to the exjw community. What helped me was to make friends with everyone who came across. You gonna need new friends and exjws are like a fam to some of us. I have met a lots of exjw and some of them have become like fam to me. I left the cult in 1997, ánd never looked back
elnelinqui thanks for the welcome!
The one thing I noticed about most x JW ‘s, is that they’re very well mannered, that’s why it’s such a pity that the whole thing turns out to be fake.😞
Fantastic video...Thank you so much!! And yes Lloyd helped me too to wake up!! I was disillusioned since I was a kid with a lot of questions, but only now as a 40+ discovered, after a huge life change and being disfellowshipped (but still wanting to be a JW even after D/F) finally woke up! So I can say being D/F was the best thing that happened to me, because like you, I always pushed away the doubts. I admire your sincerity and God can see that ...so stay strong things will get better. You will make friends and you will have a family.
You have amazing set of teeth BTW.lol
Touching story & congratulations on coming into truth. I was raised a witness up until aged 17 when I left. It's been another 17yrs since, & I've never felt a desire to look back. Not angry, but saddened by the deception of otherwise good & innocent people. My family is still in too, but I'm fortunate in that we do still have our relationships. I pray eventually you are able to meet the true heavenly Father of the bible & experience Godly love without conditions, that is neverending. You'll never feel alone again. God bless, take care & thanks for sharing.
Awesome awesome video
I’ve been out for 3 years myself and have had to start over again at 28. Stay strong bro, it’s not easy but very much possible. Like many comments say, it’s great to feel free
I can't begin to express how much respect you deserve my friend. You are everything that is honest and rational when it comes to the xjw community. I identify perfectly with your view, your method of approach and your fairness. I have been out for 5 years and did the same as you: I did not want to be influenced by 'apostate' writings, websites, memes or videos. I feel for you brother. You are all alone. At least my young family followed me out the door, although my JW wife died 2 years later, in my opinion because of the cognitive dissonance, shunning and complete lack of future hope that her difficult mental health caused her to not take well.
But you are are a legend for putting your story out there so soon after leaving. You make COMPLETE sense. Your radar is now SO finely tuned in, there will be bullshit warnings at every turn! I'd love to connect with you on Facebook dude. Would you PM me your Facebook name? If not, no problem. Keep strong and give yourself time to process the trauma. One day you will have grandkids and you'll need to tell them about how Grampy used to be in a cult! Lol!! 😝
Thank you so much for sharing your story. So happy you made it out of the borg. Things will get better with time...hang in there bruh. Please stay in touch with the exJW community through social media, etc.
You are in my inner most thoughts.
Great story, I'm a 57 year old ex-jw who went through 1975. I was in the 10th grade and was scared to death that whole school year,needless to say nothing happened. I had doubts since I was very young and no-one could answer my questions and still to this day. so on public reproof and being disfollowship for 12 years and kept coming back( because my family are all jws). I walked away earlier this year and finally call an elder 2months ago and told him I wasn't coming back to the hall and he said well when you are ready to come back you got my number, I was totally shocked at his response. I had all kinds of info on the organization about them having stock in the military, the Phillip Morris tobacco Co, them being a part of the U.N. for ten years and so much other stuff. JW.org has an upcoming watchtower coming out in February 2017 the study edition titled "who leading God's people today" paragraph 12...... it says THE GOVERNING BODY IS NEITHER INSPIRED NOR INFALLIBLE. Geoffrey Jackson was correct in his statement to the Australian courts. young man I believe more Jay dubs are going to walk away after hearing this news just like in 1975. hold your head up!
They take no responsibility for building up 1975 in JWs minds as the year when the Great Tribulation was likely to begin. I remember it clearly and like you was terrified as a young person.I too had doubts whether it was "THE truth", for me they began when I was only 6 years old, but fear, which they relentlessly instill, is powerful and so I didn't leave until I was almost 30.
Eric Lyons thanks! I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens with the February 2017 article. Hopefully it wakes up a few more
God Is Love wow I can't imagine having doubts since 6. But congrats for eventually coming out
Eric Lyons JESUS love you
So much growth in the last 2 years! Keep it Up Cliff! We need your voice.
I hope you've received a huge outpouring of support from ex community, you definitely deserve it. Same story here, Pioneer, Bethelite, MS, got the boot at 24. Would love to chat if you're down. All the best to you either way mon frere.
Thanks for sharing your story! Been on a binge watching these videos late at night. Former MS and Regular Pioneer here, you're inspiring me to muster up the courage to share my story one day.