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Born & Raised As A Jehovah’s Witness: My story and why I left
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- Опубліковано 25 бер 2023
- My name is Sammie. I was born and raised as a Jehovah’s Witness in Los Angeles, CA. I have been out of it for a few years but the effects have lingered. Everything has felt like a domino effect and the only way I can think to stop it is by taking control and telling my story. I am not use to speaking publicly or into a camera. This was my first time telling my story out loud, so please excuse the delivery. I’ll try and do another part soon
This is something I’ve been putting off for years. It was something I needed to do. It did resurface a lot. I have been struggling since making it, but I’m going to post it anyway.
Because that’s what I’m all about right now: feeling the fear and doing it anyway.
Thanks I’m advance for listening.
⚠️ trigger warning: mention of SA, physical assault and death (including child death)
I thought a few years ago that there were already a lot of EXJW testimonials, but I realize that today this phenomenon has become viral to the point that all these testimonies have become a large crowd that no one can count. Thank you for your courage, I hope to do the same soon in order to also participate in this global wave. This cult reaps what it sows.
I love it and we need to keep them coming.
I said the same thing to my husband. The amount of ExJW channels are unprecedented! We could not be more proud of all the brave ppl leaving this cult!
Wonder Full
I really want to also. It’s really hard to do. Thanks for those that have
So true, agree with her friend’s word, Silence is violence. I can’t be on screen now but I will cooperate commenting until the real truth prevails.
Your story totally broke my heart. I am so ashamed that i once preached and gave a good name to that cult when in reality it has been nothing but a culprit of pain. I’m sorry for what happened to you. I know it’s a process to heal and remember to just take it one day at a time; wishing you the best in life❤️
Few years back I travel to Canadá and the guide of the Tour told me that one day the Canadians went to bed and in the morning they stop to go to church. The place of worship eventually close and some churches place of worship were destroyed to build buildings. I ask for Jehova Witnesses and the answer that the gone. Pentecostal gone too. My point of view is that Ontario took many emigrants and the Canadians relocate to others areas.
This young woman should call the police and brings charges against them and I will made sure that they will pay.
@@JudithSanchez-ht6jnThey won't pay because the organization protects the guilty. Another ex-Jehova's wittnes who was raped while being one, said how instead of protecting her, the elders pretended like it was a normal thing. They didn't care about her.
I once had the whole pressure of responsibility of my shoulders too…
Shame is definitely something I went through. Having self-compassion and knowing that’s not who I am at my core helps 🫶🏼 thank you for your kind words
I left this fundamentalist cult in April 2019. I'm glad I had the courage to do so. It was the first time in my life that I was truly proud of myself. This withdrawal must become a chance for all those around me and not a shame. I think that today unlike yesterday we EXJW should all be proud to have excluded this society from our lives and let it be known in a resolute and strong way. Thank you for your testimony, I hope there will be other videos that will follow.
Phil, that's exactly when I woke up, too.. I feel like there was a large exodus at that time. Who feels like something spiritual (a non human force) opened our eyes?
I too left in 2017 christ opened my eyes much love to all have left this cult org
It's truly hard to believe and hard to imagine that a person can be deceived into becoming a part of a cult they intentionally make it very difficult for 1 to separate themselves from such a group praise God and glory to his name for all who had the courage to be exjw
Jesus christ sent churches including exjws apostate to preach about the Jehovah's witnesses???????????
@@cindyluwho72 Jesus christ sent churches including exjws apostate to preach about the Jehovah's witnesses?????‽??
I'm 61 and you're about my daughter's age.
Thank you for helping to Wake up others.
Be blessed and believe what you choose.
If you do that and believe what you choose you will end up on the broad road that leads into destruction.
@@lawrencevincent1Delusional and indoctrinated vision! Please wake up!
@@lawrencevincent1
Watchtower is the road to destruction.
Watchtower deny the diety of Christ ,the cornerstone of Christianity.
Judgement has come to Watchtower.
@@estherb4938 Well I'm not talking about the fake-ass Jehovah's witnesses lady. I'm talking about what the bible states in every bible on earth, duh
@@lawrencevincent1 I thought JWs were forbade from watching apostate videos?
Traumatic. Losing a child is so hard. Your tears are ours. So sorry for your many hardships. Now that you are out, your healing is on. This video is a big step forward. Love sent.
Love received 💕 and healing is def on :) xo
@@sammiemp4 I hope you are doing well now. I have lost my oldest son and my oldest daughter. So I truly know how overwhelming death of your own child is. It takes a lot of time to heal but somehow we do learn to cope. I was 34 yrs in the org. but out 18 since I woke up. I’m checking back on you.
Please don’t feel like you have to apologize for the difficulties you had getting through sharing your story. There are so many of us who understand the pain it causes to speak those words out loud. The abuse we suffered being raised in this organization is criminal! I am so sorry for the loss of your baby boy! I can’t imagine how painful that is for you. I can’t imagine the strength it took for you to share that with us. I’m so sorry your family treated you so terribly! It angers me to hear how the JW’s highjack grief! It’s just so wrong! I hope you’re able to find a way to heal. It takes years from my experience. I hope you know you are not alone! Your video just made me want to give you a big hug! ❤I’m just some random lady on UA-cam, but I think you’re doing the best thing you can do by getting yourself & your kids away! And finding things that make you happy! I did something similar by moving out of state when I was 17, 3 days after I graduated high school. I couldn’t do anything about the abuse I went through, but I could stop the cycle of abuse. When my kids were younger, it broke my mom’s heart too that I refused to allow her to say anything regarding that organization or her beliefs around my kids. It was devastating to her when I chose someone else to be named on legal paperwork in the case that anything would happen to me. I couldn’t and would not risk my kids ending up being raised in the hell I survived. Thankfully that didn’t happen! My kids are all adults now and they have never been inside a kingdom hall! And they understand what that organization is all about. So, just keep protecting your kids and yourself! Give yourself time to grieve and to heal. Get some counseling if you get to a point that is too difficult to handle on your own. I wish you and your kids all the best of luck! Hugs! 🤗💕
Jesus christ sent churches including exjws apostate to preach about the Jehovah's witnesses???????????
This is beautiful, I hope you’re doing ok too. We got out. Our kids are out, thank goodness, the alternative doesn’t bear thinking about. We now have grandkids and they too, will never see the inside of a Kingdom Hall, for that I’ll be forever grateful. Take care 🤗
@@junkjournaljunkie Thank you! 🥰 I’m so glad to hear that you & your family have made it out as well!!! I think preventing future generations from getting involved or even associating with the org is the best thing we can do!
@@junkjournaljunkie ua-cam.com/video/iuNOH2jRCRU/v-deo.html
🥹 Your whole message felt like a hug lol 🫂!!!!! Thank you. So much. I’m proud of you as well and wish you and the kiddos the best.
thanks for sharing your story!
Wow. Thank you for sharing your story. I grew up in that garbage as well and have met several victims since leaving. They're a glorified publishing company turned real estate broker. The Watchtower is an evil corporation that just takes and takes. I appreciate your openness and candidness. It's not easy to share our stories but they are truly helping and healing others.
Yes. I forgot about all the free labor we gave them while they amassed and then sold all that property to build a compound in a swamp. I describe them as a big ole boys club masquerading as a religion while being listed as a publishing company who tells its members not to delve into politics while being members themselves (revealed on some UN listing for those who don’t know) and getting grants from the different governments around the world.
I hear Australia is about to defund them and other places are revisiting their crazy azz setup as well because of all the CSA issues. Simply deplorable. How can they think to claim a god of love would have anything to do with that. They are worse than the people who supposedly sacrificed their children to death by fire in ancient times. I forget how that scripture goes. Born in 57 years ago. Faded out 7 of those years ago.
Leaving any cult religion is very traumatic for everyone. Being abused is traumatic. This is hard because it’s really your life and you lived through all of this trauma. Congratulations for making it out. Your healing will continue for years. Your telling this story is helping so many people. Thanks for doing this for others.
Dear Sammie I wish I could wrap my arms around you to comfort you . I do feel your pain . I left 3 years ago at 80 years old. Born in . But my experience was not bad due to my parents bringing us up more freely . Just remember GOD designed you so HE can help you with the creative skills you have. It will take time just sending much love to you I am far away in Australia. This business urges takes the HUMANITY OUT OFF PEOPLE . A little saying I saw helped me recently WHEN YOU KNOW YOUR WORTH YOU WILL.STOP GIVING PEOPLE DISCOUNTS 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🌻🌹💝😍🎀😢
Jesus christ sent churches including exjws apostate to preach about the Jehovah's witnesses???????????
Hi, out at 80! Wow and good on you. Freedom at any age is so worth it. We’re in Oz as well 🤗
@@junkjournaljunkie So Jesus christ sent churches including exjws apostate to preach about the Jehovah's witnesses??????????
🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
@@Teyakarina So Jesus sent all of you to preach about the JW's????????
Your not alone. Also, you have to realize that it’s not your fault. You can’t ever blame yourself. You yourself said it, you were brainwashed, you didn’t have control over your own “free will” decision that Jehovah gave all of us! Sometimes these Wolves in Sheep clothing tend to forget their OWN TEACHINGS. Stay busy is the best thing you can do, I’m in photography myself it keeps me grounded. I’m currently POMO while I have a wife and 2 kids PIMO. It’s still tough on my wife to leave. Stay strong! We all have stories to tell, and scary once’s. I seriously hope I make time to make my story on my channel very soon. Thank you for sharing. They aren’t imitating Jesus Christ one and ONLY true Law. Love. Stay strong
Jesus christ sent churches including exjws apostate to preach about the Jehovah's witnesses??????????
Amen! They don’t know their own teachings, flip flop doctrines constantly, no real Christian Love with majority of people within this organization and if you think those at Wallkill NY are perfect, far from it. Many have left Bethel, and their ties to the lotteries, Black Rock, the UN, etc. are too many to list here. They claim to be a charity but are losing their status as such because to have a
501C you must give to those in need, more than reading them a
Scripture. Whether it’s food, clothing, money, etc. They claim they are a charity to get millions from their governments whether state or national! Many governments are now
Withdrawing from JWs taking their charity status away!! Good 😊 👍
It is a business and their structure at the top is one the Masons have used for years! We all have books we could write, have stories we could tell, etc. I will say no human comes between my kids and me!! Nor do I allow others to run or control my life. My kids are grown and none of them committed to becoming a JW and I loved them enough to research why. My eyes are wide open 👀. Australian Commission and lack of Christian love and compassion. When I needed help
The most it was the churches that stepped up to feed myself and my kids! Not the JW’s. My husband (a JW at least in name) left us for no good reason. It was a horrible painful chapter of our lives. They ignore the widows and orphans, divorced ones, etc. I tried to fit in and you can’t do enough to “fit in.” It’s all about who you know or are related to. Hundreds of thousands are leaving. Do not feel you own anyone an explanation. THEY meaning elders and those at the top especially will be judged for lives they have ruined, deaths they have caused, and karma is a real thing. We are told in the scriptures not to judge others and yet that is what THEY do to the rank and file every day! Ala Tony Morris and striking a match! He is gone himself now. They argue and bicker at the top among themselves! I’ve been around over 7 decades. Seen lots! Take time for yourself! Love yourself! Forgive yourself. We have all been abused one way or another with this more holy than thou religion!
Thanks for sharing your story. I am so sorry about your baby! I would say watchtower is guilty of murder with their blood doctrine! I believe in Jesus and my creator! But not man made rules. Jesus showed love. They do not nor do their followers!
@@parisitaly6012 ua-cam.com/video/iuNOH2jRCRU/v-deo.html
You did well even though when you watch this video, you may feel not so proud and may want to take the video down. Don't. You were fine here. Many of us have been here even males have been this vulnerable in their videos. Strength to you. Healing has started for you.
Being openly vulnerable is something others have made me feel guilty for so the thought to delete it definitely crossed my mind a few times. But I made a promise to myself I wouldn’t and comments like this make so proud that I didn’t. Thank you much 💕🫂
@@sammiemp4 keep it up. You are loved.
*Thanks for sharing! I left too and wrote this award winning exJW graphic novel. I wish all those who leave healing, love and happiness. There’s a wonderful world out there. Best decision of my life is not going back. The elders were so abusive in my case.*
If you’re born and raised as a Jehovah’s Witness but never got baptized, your Jehovah’s Witness relatives such as your parents will serve as Watchtower tentacles. If you try to distance yourself from the organization without getting baptized, such as moving out of your parents’ home, your parents will still be involved in your life and try to drag you back to the organization, hence a Watchtower tentacle. If your JW parents continue to be involved in your life after moving out as an unbaptized ex-JW, you’re PIMO. This is what happened to me.
If you’re an unbaptized ex-JW, you’re PIMO as long as your JW parents are involved in your life.
I’ve struggled to exclude Jehovah’s Witnesses from my life. I hope no young person shares my fate.
I totally understand. I'm in the same boat. I made two videos and took them down. I wanted to make my story easier to listen to. I'm working on that right now. I'm creative also but held back from being told you can't be successful because the end is near. I've had to push through telling myself God loves me and gave me a talent to use now not later. It also helped to go to a non domainal church that believes in the bible and looks at me as a good person. Not as a apostate. Hang in there. You can push through this.
Yes, God loves you:
.
Romans 9:25-26
It is as he says also in Ho·se´a: “Those not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and her who was not beloved ‘beloved’; 26 and in the place where it was said to them, ‘YOU are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’”
.
[Name of person] is no longer one of Jehovah's Witnesses ---->> ‘YOU are not my people,’
.
and her who was not beloved ‘beloved’;
.
BELOVED
Great Rising Driver, I'm also an xjw lady driver. Be inspired by her story and go ahead & post yours. Awareness is being raised on an epic level. IT'S not easy but it gets less difficult...Trust☺️
Jesus christ sent churches including exjws apostate to preach about the Jehovah's witnesses?????????
@@isaiah30v8 Jesus christ sent churches including exjws apostate to preach about the Jehovah's witnesses??????????
@@queenmartijean9990 Jesus christ sent churches including exjws apostate to preach about the Jehovah's witnesses?????????
Thank you for sharing your story, this evil cult needs to shut down!!!
Jesus christ sent churches including exjws apostate to preach about the Jehovah's witnesses???????????
You only now realize that it’s a cult. My uncle and my Aunt were born into a Catholic Family and when one of their sons got married to a wickedness then she brainwashed their whole bloody family. It’s so sad. I don’t like the bullshit beliefs which is a FUckin cult
Always. Wow man listening to this is just breaking my heart because it just reminded me of all the little things that I went through to but I just had a different journey where I was just able to see what it was worth because my father stepfather really was so engulfed in it, and he wanted to be an elder so bad and an I watch so much stuff man that does broken the law and all that type of shit around the Jehovah’s Witness organization.
Brave girl!
Excellent
Don't be too s
@@dianekrstulovich1582 So Jesus christ sent churches including exjws apostate to preach about the Jehovah's witnesses??‽????
Thank you for your story. It looks very similar to my story and feelings.
I was disfellowshipped in 2010 after i had my second baby outside a marriage.
The years after that was filled with anxiety. When there was to much light at night i was scared that Armageddon came. I could not sleep anymore.
It took me years and a lot of therapy but in finally free.
I hope you find some peace and comfort knowing your not alone.
Big hug from Holland
Hug received
You are a genuine, authentic person and what has happened to you is atrocious. I think you're still a person of faith - the right kind of faith. Even greater, you are a loving person. You'll make it, take courage Dear ❤
Oh so true. Even when I've felt my weakest there has always been faith there. Thank u for putting that into words
Bravo that you made this video, I encourage you to seek our a social worker and try to go to school. I am a graphic artist, I went back to school after I left. Keep on creating art of all forms it will help. I will be watching for more videos. I love that as hard as it was for you. Your message was that is not just you but it happens over and over everywhere. You are not alone.
My heart is breaking 💔 over your story. I'm a mother & grandmother & I wish I could hug you right now for your courage! You are a strong woman & you've got this!💗🙏💗 I've had a similar experience & can totally relate! I love your quote.. "Silence is Violence"! Mine was "Silence in the face of evil, is evil itselt"! I too just did a UA-cam video which was also very hard!🥺😢 I mustered up courage to tell my story to help others, especially my young granddaughters who I no longer am able to see & are still in this organization!😢😭😭😭 My hope & prayer is that more & more victims come forward and protect others! Ty so much!❤❤❤
You are so strong and brave for sharing your experience! I pray that you will heal and be free of the damage this cult has caused you.
I wish I could hug you, I'm sending you love from my heart to yours. I'm so glad you're spiritual and I'd love to hear that story next.. I'm 52, born in. df'd in 2015 and woke up in Aug 2018 on my oldest son's 25th birthday. Both of my son's and all of my family hard shun me. So I'm alone too but I went from fully indoctrinated jw, to atheist, to agnostic, to now spiritual and my spirituality stabilizes me and brings me joy. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us, Sammie. 💞💕
Sammie, you are an incredible person ❤ thank you for sharing. This is the first step to making a recovery, at the time we were in fear and brain washed, you are not to blame. I am really looking forward to what you now believe, now, believe is your choice. Think carefully for yourself as you let us know. All my best, Paul
You did very well! Hugs for you and your children. May you continue to heal and grow into who you want to be. You're already moving in the right direction. My heart goes out to you Sammie ❤ Thank you for sharing this part of your experience as a born-in JW.
tysm! :') I hope life is treating you well!
Much love to you. I'm so sorry for what happened to you. None of it is your fault 🤘🩷
I hope this will help you to unburden your soul and move forward with a wonderful life from now on. Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you Sammie,
The strength it took you to tell your story is something I've been trying to do for over 5 years now and I'm now 50!
I believe you can still take that 'sister' and your brother to court if you again get the strength and find maybe a group of survivors to help you not be alone?
I am so proud of you if you would allow me to be (as I'm 50yo), so proud of you.
I believe you will become a great artist too.
Warm hugs,
Rochelle. xoox
Your story broke my heart but did not surprise me. I was born into as well and have been out for over 20 years. I hope you know you are not alone and this video will help someone. Your comment about "peace and security" are spot on and I still find myself watching current events and thinking about that very teaching!! UGH. God is love, unconditional love. JW's are judgemental liars who didn't teach me the "truth" about God. They teach fear to keep control.
💯
It’s incredible how brainwashed we were
Thank you for telling your story, there are so many people that will be helped because of you. And wow u went through so much, i just want to send all the love and hugs your way. Remember you have a whole community of support!!
I thought I had the worst childhood and experience in the cult…. SAD SAD SAD TO HEAR WORSE!!!! Thank you for your courage and telling your TRUTH
Powerful testimony, peace and love to you ❤️
You're amazing! Thank you so much for building the courage to share this. You're far braver than I am. I was disfellowshipped at 20 and was a pomi for so long. It wasn't till I heard about the molestations and cover ups that I finally became fully out. So your message is so important.
I can't imagine what it would be like to lose a child. I'm so very sorry for your loss. Their memory will not fade, because now they are with all of us. We will remember them with you. ❤
wow. tysm
I started crying when you talked about how your family treated you after getting DFed. It’s sick and unnatural to treat a kid like that. It causes so much damage to a young mind to feel like everyone you love and trust doesn’t want you anymore. I’m so sorry.
I’m sorry about your son as well. Please don’t blame yourself because it was absolutely not your fault. I wish you all the happiness and healing in the world, thank you so much for telling your story. You’re strong as hell and I hope getting this out helps you bloom in your creative endeavors :’)
:') tysm! I know its been a while but i hope youre doing well over there as well
Thank you for your transparency. Continue to invest in yourself and love yourself . Life is great when you think for yourself
Sammie, thank you for being willing to be vulnerable with your story. I'm so sorry all that happened to you. I was also raised as a JW, and became a Christian in 1974, along with my parents and some friends. The great discovery I made after my disfellowshipping was that there were thousands and thousands of people, all over the world, who love God and each other and are there for each other. I just want to tell you that you are not alone! And that God has never turned his back on you. People did! Bless your heart, Sammie. I real feel for you. You ARE loved!
You are brave and strong and I thank you for telling your truth about “ enemy of happiness” cult… my heart goes out to you because the unconditional love you should’ve received from your family wasn’t there and I know that hurt… however you’re are FREE to do and be whatever YOU choose… take good care of yourself and precious young ones….I’m sorry for the loss your child…. The decisions you made at that time was probably the beginning of your awakening… hang in there…
It takes COURAGE to do what you're doing in speaking out, I applaud you! 👏🏾 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 In doing this, you've already done SO much for SO many! God bless you, many hugs! 🤗❤
Oh my 😢I want to thank you so very much for sharing your story. As I was listening to you, I just wanted to hug you tight, and let you know your not alone and trust that your doing the right thing and you and your kids are going to be fine.
no, thank u! virtual hug received :)
Your story broke my heart, you have been through, struggled with and overcome so much, well done getting through the telling and thank you for putting it out there to help others. Kia kaha (stay strong), arohanui (much respect) from Aotearoa NZ
wow tysm :')!
“I’m doing this for every single version of myself” 👏🏼 This is a great way of thinking. I’m so sorry for what you’ve gone through and I’m so happy you stood up and shared your experience. You’re very brave.
You did a helluva job telling your story considering ALL that you've had to go through. You're a cult survivor and a strong human being.
:') oh gosh tysm for that, I was struggling at points for sure lol
As a mother I am so sorry…. I wish you peace
😔😖😢😭 I thank God that I left and pulled my kids out! My oldest has a lot of trauma, my middle child has sickle cell anemia so I’ve been through the blood 🩸 issue, and my son now Can truly make a decision on his own. Thank you for sharing
Hi Sammie, I was a victim of CSA in the jw org. What you went through as in the jw cult I went through as a child. You repeated what I remember. New sub here. Hope we keep in touch. Awesome video! You're an awesome person. Thanks Sammie. I was 11 I was abused for 12 months.
Thsnk u also for your story. I am so sorry for your abuse. 12mths is a life sentence. U never forget abuse n trauma. U move forward tovthe best of yoyr ability rebuilding yourself,
Triggers will always be there. U n Sammie may become friends to help n heal ea other. She needs a lot of help. I'll try n reach out to her now to give her some ideas which helped me deal with a dysfunctional family, raised ad a jw.
@@delphinawhiles6235 ok sure if she wants my email address I can give it to you
I just absolutely love you you're brave. You're strong you're beautiful!
Thanks for sharing your story. I know it was hard, but it will be very much appreciated by more people than you know.
Girl you are stronger then you think, just by telling your story will give you more strength. Even if you have to stop and cry just keep going because not only you’re helping yourself but you help a lot of other girls like you who are suffering in silence as nobody believes them.
My heart goes out to you and at the same time I admire you for having the courage to speak out. Love ❤️ ❤
Yay you! I know it was difficult to make this video Sammie. Hang in there. Happiness and healing is possible. Surround yourself with the right people and accept the help and support that is available to you. This is a great community of people on here. I find comfort from them everyday and I’ve been out for most of 20 years. I still struggle. I still carry guilt. But it isn’t everyday and it did get better. I’m proud of you for reaching out on here and of everyone with stories like ours for breaking free and rebuilding.
Sorry about everything you had to endure. As Wendy Renay (activist) said: "use your pain for your purpose and your mess for your message" and I applaud you for doing that, your testimony will help others. We were born and raised and it took us 5 decades to break free from that toxic matrix, and so glad we are free now. Unfortunately we raised 2 kids in it, now young adults, we hope they can wake up one day. XOXO Keep working for the life you and your kids deserve!!
thank you so much. That sounds tough, its usually the other way around and the kids/young adults leave. As a mom I just hope youre being compassionate with yourself about it. Hope ur doing well!
Thank you for sharing such a difficult heart wrenching time in your life. I cried with you and had to pause several times. It will take time to heal and go forward and you will have bad but good days. I am sure you are in a better place and shinning your best in all you want to accomplish now that you are FREE. BE PROUD!!!
I am so very glad that you spoke out. You are very COURAGEOUS!!! No matter WHAT your JW family says or have said to you, YOU DID THE RIGHT THING. Your story saved someone else's life TODAY. BECAUSE YOU SPOKE OUT & UP, AGAINST this DOOMSDAY CULT. Watchtower will pay for what they have done and continue to do. Please keep EXPOSING watchtower and their lies and abuses. I truly wish you the best. And so glad that you escaped and you saved your OWN CHILDREN. Please continue to tell others to tell their story. Much sincere love to you & your children.
So well doe for getting through your story and thank you for sharing. Stay strong and hope over time you will become the person you log to be.
Thank you for sharing I honesty felt like you were telling my story in many different ways. It has been so hard for me I ideal from extreme depression. All of my immediate or Jehovah’s Witness My dad is an elder sister-in-law, a regular pioneer nephews also pioneers. I left the truth about 9 years ago, this year 2023 is the first year that I do not attend the memorial. It’s so hard when my dog got sick from his heart, my mother told me it was my fault for putting him through all the stress and not attending the meetings. Thank you for sharing your story again I feel that I’m not alone when I hear stories like yours thank you.
What a horrific story. You’re such a brave woman to speak out.
Much love to you.
Girl....I want to give you the biggest hug! I love you for the courage you had to film this and most importantly, to get out!! I'm here for you ❤
Thank you for telling your truth. I have been studying and was thinking about getting Baptized in August. Your story has truly opened my eyes. 🙏
I'm glad you took the time for yourself and looked into it. Ty for listening
Thank you for sharing your story. You’ve helped many ppl and you will continue to help many more. Having my children is what woke me up as well and gave me the courage to leave knowing I’d lose my whole world. You’re stronger than you know. So many ppl sacrifice their children to this religion. But you did the opposite, you should be very very proud of yourself for that.
Sorry you went through this. Sending good vibes your way. You're not crazy either, the JWs are a horrible cult!!!!
Happy you're out , sad for what you've gone through ! Look on the bright side, it all gets better from here ! You did great ,even though it's very hard to talk about ! Mom hasn't talked to me for 35 years ! Wishing you the best, and your family !!
You go girl , and I hear you about being abused and NO ONE cares enough to do anything about it. You can now step forward knowing you are not at fault for your mother. You are being called out by the GOD of heaven to save you from being lost. I pray you will heal and help others that have suffered as you have...Rock on girl you got this...
💯
Omg I had the same experience in Orange County. My mom gave me up to my great grandma who was a Jehovah’s Witness. My mom didn’t believe in the organization but she thought it was going to be a better life for me. Super crazy
Yeah my biological mother could never really explain that logic to me. I do hope you're doing well though :)
I completely understand your feelings and the self blame, I hear you and I see you. Thank you for sharing. ❤
Dear precious child of Yahweh. My heart is sorrowed to hear your story and see your struggle to share such a heartfelt testimony so that not only you, but many others will hear and find strength to heal their broken wounds. You are courageously brave,intelligent and a lovely young lady. I know it’s a lot to believe, but true nonetheless. I give testimony to you…God has given me beauty for ashes, such as you. Jesus is waiting to listen and bring healing ❤️🩹 ❤ He’s one heartbeat to you. You have blessed me and helped me in staying strong. I wish I could give you a 🤗 but know I hug you in my prayers. Love in Christ Jesus 😊
Thankyou for telling your story ❤️
You are an amazing person. What strength and courage you have.
Wishing you and your family so much happiness in the future, you
deserve it.
Love and hugs. ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for your voice, your experience and I wish you the best. Time will help. It will not erase anything. But, it will get better. You deserve to have your real life and it's possible to build a family made out of friends. I did it and you will have one too..❤
Your story is so much like mine. I was born and raised as a JW. My mother and grandmother were baptized, and my other siblings were raised in it as well. Like you I was molested from 5-12 by a cousin, and thought it was my fault too. I was isolated from the world and only allowed to associate with JWs. Eventually the effect of being molested and isolated came to head. No to mention my father was an alcoholic and there was constant fighting in my house. I can't tell my entire story here, it is full of so much trauma and abuse, but listening to your story brings me to tears and I just wanted to tell you that I understand and I know why it's so hard for you t0 do this video. I am proud of you, and I hope to do this one day as well. You are an inspiration.
Lots of love to you ❤❤❤ be happy be free from JW ❤❤❤ That so great that you find the courage to do this video!!!!
Thank you for sharing your story. I feel your pain and pray that you come to experience true freedom and love in Christ. I thank God every day that he woke me up from this cult last year. After being born in. Praying for your peace and blessings!
I'm so sorry you went through this. My oldest girl is your age. 😢
I haven’t met anyone who got “out” without some sort of “issues” or dysfunction. I was “in” since age 14; “out” at age 32 and again at 57. Currently have ZERO family members speaking to me. Currently have ZERO friends or supportive entities in my life. Social restructuring life after 57 has been beyond “difficult”: It just has not been possible. Fortunately I have a strong spiritual side that I lean into. I pray for your healing and blessings on your attempt to rise above survival mode.
Hi! My name is Sami. It is finnish name and it pronounced like "Sammie" 😁👍
Sorry for my stupid comment. I just listened to your video and it was really touching! It's just unbelievable what you have been going through in the organisation.
Mind control is a wonderful thing. How does it even exist and how can you wake up from it.
I myself woke up from this cult about 3 years ago. I was an elder for 10 years etc. It's just really incomprehensible.
I really wish you all the best! Thank you for making this video!
My god woman what a journey. Every time I watch one I think I've heard it all until the next one. You've made it this far and you will make it the rest of the way. You do like to create things, such as a"spark" for life after all that mess! Remember"the only easy day was yesterday." (Navy Seal motto) My husband is an ex jw and he swears by that. He told his parents when he left that the"Apostate has left the building!" He couldn't take anymore and hasn't spoke to them in 22 years. It gets better with time but it takes work(mind,body,spirit) Thanks for getting out and welcome home! My husband says"Can't live without Jehovah's protection my ass!" And you young lady are living proof! You love yourself and hug those kids for us.
I dropped the F bomb when we were at the shop. My dog was happy i was back jump up, scratching the jw sister that was visiting me, and stop calling, visiting, ghosted. I was still healing myself on my own. It's great that you are strong enough to do this and keep going.
So PROUD of YOU for knowing that CHILDREN are PRICELESS & RARE: LIVING, BREATHING MIRACLES‼️ Being aware that Harming a child in ANY WAY DESERVES DEEP, SORROWFUL WEEPING‼️ALWAYS WEEP‼️ (human beings are the only creatures that have that ability)
Flip side is- human beings are the only creatures capable of smiling & laughing‼️ SMILE Often (yours is BEAUTIFUL‼️)give it away as often, to as many as you can‼️ It will return to you exponentially increased- guarantee‼️ When you least expect it & need it the most‼️
NO APOLOGIES ‼️WEEP‼️SMILE‼️ LAUGH‼️ So want to hold YOU & let you pour out the pain given to you throughout your life journey. 💔
You are such a STRONG WARRIOR‼️ Carry those scars PROUDLY‼️You have earned & deserve only the BEST‼️🌟
YOU ARE LOVED UNCONDITIONALLY & NEVER ALONE‼️CREATING/ ART is LIFE SAVING‼️(it saved me!)Motivated me to become an Art Therapist(after being told all my life I had no artistic ability)😅😅Really? How come I have sculptures, jewelry, oil paintings, drawings, writing, poetry that I CREATED?(might have been the oldest kid in college, but I also won awards, $5000, scholarships,etc? & am a classically trained pianist?)
FEAR does NOT = LOVE💯
I'm a 4th generation "born in" never baptised (thank goodness) JW. My once large family lost all the amazing experiences of ME😥bc of that malevolent, EVIL organization‼️
GRIEVE/MOURN/WEEP‼️💯then SMILE/LAUGH- FIND JOY‼️💯
I love you‼️YOUR BEAUTIFUL HEART, LIGHT, KINDNESS & SPIRIT come through even in a video on UA-cam ‼️🌟🌟
Your light ILLUMINATES the UNIVERSE ‼️KEEP GLOWING 🌟 When you stand up all the way (oh yes you will!) you will be STRONGER, WISER & more BEAUTIFUL than even YOU ever imagined💯‼️
THANK YOU, Sammie🤗☯️
So sorry for your tragic story. I am glad they do not know their ending. I hope it will be within 10 years. And you will go one living without them❤ You are doing great sweetie 🌺
Brave girl. Well done!
My heart goes out to you.
I am so sorry for your loss ❤️ Thank you so much for sharing your story 💕
Thank you Sammi for sharing your experience.
Lots of love from a fellow exjw.
You are brave for sharing your story.
You’ve taken the first step to healing.
You go on and cry because this isn’t forever.
Crying helps with the healing process.
This took great courage! Thank you for sharing your story.
Greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱 ❤
❤️❤️❤️ Thank you for sharing your perspective and story.
It was a tearjerker to hear your heartbreaking story. Thanks for having the courage to share it. We all were young, powerless as weakling lambs, and sold a dream within the Jehovah's Witnesses organization. It's not real! I really hate that you missed your opportunity to press charges against those sicko so-called christians who abused you. Please continue to be strong, and don't ever give up! You are a diamond!!! 💖
I didn’t think they were Christian’s?
Thank you for telling your story! We/I can see it took so much courage! I hope you can find happiness, love, and strength... you deserve so much!
I'm so sorry this happened to you. It's a horrible cult.
I just found your channel. Continue to fight and speak out. You're stronger than you know. ❤
You are incredibly brave and inspiring for telling your story. Many of us have had similar experiences. Also, I love your shirt. Hang in there, you are right, it is SO hard, but we'll get through it and are better people already.
Oh girl! Your story is heartbreaking, thank you for sharing. You are a hero, a survivor. Please, if you haven't seek for professional help yet, try to do so. I think you would feel so much more free and relieved if you could heal your traumas.
I was also raised in this cult, however I have never been baptised. I was raised in a not too strict way, so I got to celebrate some holidays, if my mom was in the mood. I think it's not better either, because a kid can get really confused without clear boundaries. I didn't know when it was okay to celebrate a birthday or not...
My mom is a narcissist, and now that I have learnt so much, I understand, that she resonates so well with this organization, because the organization works just like a narcissist.
I wish you a happy, beautiful, free life!
I’m proud of you for speaking out! It’s not easy. You’re helping others, and you’re strong! Sending love. ❤❤❤
ua-cam.com/video/iuNOH2jRCRU/v-deo.html
I'm sorry you went through so much pain! I wish you love and healing going forward and thank you for sharing your truth. 🔥
Honey, thank you for sharing your story. I can see how painful your experiences are. 💔 You are very brave. ❤
Thank you for sharing your story Sammie. I too was raised half in and half out. Sending hugs and light, you are such a beautiful soul and you are doing right by your kids. 💜
you are a strong woman. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Your mother betrayed you badly. Horrible mother. Where was your dad? Stay strong. You will get better. Anytime you want to talk about it, talk to someone about it. The more you do the more you will heal. Much love to you Xx
Sending you love and a huge hug from an exjw mom who has kids your age ❤xxx
I'm sorry for you having to have went through that. Love still exists, but some people fall really short of being able to give that.
But u know what, your story inspires me to love people better - especially in Church and in life. You never know what others go through, and sometimes our treatment of others can have some deep impacts.
Everything you said about the org is true. Don’t erase it. It is part of your healing process and will help others along their way.
I was born and raised in. I am also the survivor of 30 years of domestic violence at the hands of my ex who was also born and raised in.
Before I faded from the JW community I went to a therapist. She told me to read the book, “Boundaries” by Cloud and Townsend. She was a really good therapist to me because she suggested a book by authors who were Christian so they spoke in similar terms I could relate to at the time.
They showed how scriptures are used to violate our boundaries and free-will. They also use scripture to refute the negative way they can be used. For where I was mentally & emotionally at that time. It was perfect.
In case anyone is wondering, therapist DO NOT talk you out of your religion (an unreasonable fear that was touted at the KH to dissuade you from going). They adult the child-like mentality we are conditioned to posture. You are not a sheep. You are a human. You are not a child. You are an adult.
The org speaks of having your perceptive powers trained to know right from wrong while posturing themselves as the trainers. They show you the scriptures that say there is a voice in your ear telling you which way to go, then covertly suggest that we should be listening to them as that voice. I could go on and on, but you covered much of it very well.
That was over 7 years ago. It takes time and sometimes you have to revisit certain aspects of what you’ve been through at different times to re-evaluate where you are now. It takes time to unravel what serves you from what does not. It can be too intense to do all that at once.
I recently found Dr. Steven Hassan’s web site. He is a therapist who used to belong to a different cult. Because of his experience in one he is able to relate AND he went on to create the B.I.T.E. Model so that no matter what type of organization, group of people or personal relationship you are thinking about participating with, there’s a list of what to look for in healthy and unhealthy ones. He also has some books out as well, “Freedom of mind” and “Combating Cult Mind Control”. I’ll be adding them to my collection soon.
Just know you are not alone. Quite frankly I’m beginning to think there are more with us than there are with them if you catch my drift. 😉
So if you’re being compelled to share your truth, please don’t stop. You never know when you’ll say something that someone needed to hear exactly the way you say it.
Oh yeah and f-k that 2-witness rule. I mean really. Who is going to stand around and watch a heinous act, not say or do anything and then come forward to be a witness to it. Nothing but shady sh!t right there. Insanity at its finest. I said Jesus and his father were my witnesses and no matter how Christlike I behave my death isn’t going to redeem anybody. If the governing body was really in communication with them they would know.
Oh but wait they keep on guessing at the end of the system eventhough the scriptures say no one knows but they still dangle that carrot to heighten expectations and can’t even get the end of times rights yet we’re supposed to trust them to govern our lives until things go sideways and then they act like they didn’t say what they said?! Puuulease. I feel your frustration at the twisted toxicity of the way serious things are handled.
I hope you continue to find your way to healing and much success to you.
❤ 💯
What you went through is appalling. The cult has destroyed many lives. Jesus does not accept their hypocrisy. You have true friends out here. Put your head up and be proud of who you are. It takes courage to leave the mind control of the WT corp. Lovely story.
Girl so far this is the most raw and real ex-JW story I’ve seen ❤ I’m so proud of you for getting through it and talking about it. I was born and raised in the organization and left when I was 17 and I am now 25… I still haven’t been able to sit down and talk about my experience. You’ve encouraged me to try. Thank you ❤ we have a lot in common and your video gave me a sense of comfort
You are so strong & brave!!! Jesus loves you & created your precious life for an amazing eternal purpose!! You’re testimony will be used to set others free. May God bless you & keep you. Will be praying for you & your complete healing. 🙏❤️
What an awfully sad tale. Just tragedy after tragedy. I hope you can try to heal through telling your stories here. ❤
You are wonderful. Thank you for sharing. I can’t read all of the comments but it looks like you have a lot of backing and understanding. You are NOT alone. The cult ruined my family and I am still working on healing and it’s been over fifteen years since it all fell apart. I just want to send you love and a big hug.
But thank you thank you so much for having the courage to share the horrors.
Silence IS violence. Thank you so much for sharing. I was Disassociated at 15 and I never turned back I collided with this religion because nothing ever made sense to me. My parents also told me I was murdering my children when they were little. I told them a God that would murder innocent children is a God I would never worship and shocked they would worship a god that would kill their grandchildren. 15 years later they are so proud of the Mother that I turned out to be. Your story is so similar to mine Sister (sister of the Earth). Your bravery is amazing and I applaud your courage. And also there is no way that you could tell a story so immense in 1 sitting. much love ❤️ 😊 Thank you so much for sharing