My (former) life as a Jehovah's Witness
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- Опубліковано 19 лис 2020
- For most of my life I've been a Jehovah's Witness. In this video I tell you what it was like for me to grow up within this community, how it affected my life and what ultimately changed my mind.
Mentioned Books:
Crisis of Conscience - Raymond Franz
Combating Cult Mind Control - Steven Hassan
The Gentile Times Reconsidered - Carl-Olof Jonsson
Apocalypse Delayed - James Penton
Mentioned websites:
jwfacts.org
Mentioned UA-cam channels:
The John Cedars channel
ExJWFifth
Mentally Diseased
Music Drunx & D’Rastic:
Spotify
Apple Music
#exjw #exjehovahswitness
Hi, I am a 75-year-old JW and am unable to leave as I have not many other people in my life after 40 years of being in the so-called Truth. Thank you so much for your story, you seem like a very sincere young man and I am glad to see you are starting out on a new life among people who seem to care for you. If I were younger I would do the same but it's hard at my time of life and so, though I agree with everything you and others are saying, I can never be brave enough to get out. Well done, and may God bless your efforts in the future.
Thank you so much for replying Molly. Incredibly sad that you are in this difficult position and I completely understand that it is not an option to do the same as I did. On the positive side, it's great to enjoy freedom of mind and I'm happy you have it! Much love to you from the Netherlands ❤️
You will find that us "wordly" people are very nice, caring, kind , non-judgmental, people who show unconditional love + understanding! ! Maybe you could join a seniors' group inyour area....😊
wow, ok. so what u doing with the group sir or mam, since u aint believing in the system anymore, u playing nice?
Nothing matters but your relationship with Jehovah, so feeling like you are part of an organization you are not in agreement with is no different to living in a fallen world, so join the club... your brothers and sisters down here at the grass roots level are still decent ppl who still live according to the bible so be glad for them and embrace them anyway...
See your life like that and you will not struggle at all with any of that!!!
How about you take contact through personal message with ex Ws group for support ? They possibly help you get out of there .
Courage
I am just leaving after 43 years of being JW. Thank you for sharing your story and truth in a loving way❤️ It’s a road of recovery to peace 🙏🏼
Draw closer to Jehovah please do
Me too… most of our lives… enjoy your life every minute onward. 🥰
This was recommended to me by You Tube. I love supporting any ex jw who is brave enough to tell their story. I’m only a year older than you and can relate in so many ways. New subscriber😁
Thanks Krissy! Turns out the UA-cam algorithm sometimes does work in ones favor 😉. Thank you for subscribing!🙏🏼
I'd like to tell my story to anyone that will hear it, also answer questions anyone might have. I was born and raised for 20 years as a jw
@@Miniaturerailwaymuseum Same, I was adopted into being one of Jehovah’s Witness from age 5. I left them a few months ago. Im 24 and I think its the best decision that I have made for my life.
@0. I was booted almost six years ago, I'm also around the same age as you. I have two beautiful little daughters right now and I'm not looking back. Life has been hard as fuck since I left, but I still wouldn't change a thing
@@Miniaturerailwaymuseum Yeah my life hasn't been the same since I left but I try to keep a positive outlook and I can see things starting to improve because I make sure I learn something new everyday. I'm glad that you and your daughters got out of it and I wish the best for you.
BRO YOU JUST SAVED ME I AM SO HAPPY I CLICKED ON YOUR VIDEO WAS JUST ABOUT TO GIVE UP SEPRATED 2 YEARS NOW FROM MY WIFE AND THREE GIRL CHILDREN BECAUSE I QUESTION THE GOVERNING BODY AND THE ELDERS ON THE BLOOD DOCTRINE THEY DISFELLOWSHIP ME WITHOUT MEETING WITH ME. YOUR VIDEO REALLY HELP ME TO SEE THAT I HAVE TO MOVE ON WITH MY LIFE AND TRY HARD TO GET OUT OF THIS EMOTIONAL DEPRESSION BECAUSE OF NOT BEEING WITH MY FAMILY ESPECIAL WITH MY GIRLS. THANKS BRO YOU HAVE HELP ME IN MY FINAL HOUR (THANKS BRO THANKS BRO)
How are you doing now?? I pray that you have arrived at a space of peace. Please stay strong!
Jesus our King, mediator and Savior will be with you if you ask your heavenly Father because Jesus was and is his plan! for us! Please Read John, Acts and Galatians in many bibles (except NWT) and realize this is for all of US!
Pray to heavenly Father as Jesus told you to, talk to him and his son. talk openly and ask him anything and everything you need to know, ask for Holy Spirit from them. When you do this w/o fear you will not be able to stop smiling! get to know your spiritual father OBEY HIM! not greedy men. I talk to them anytime I need to make decisions, and I am always directed toward Jesus words in the new Testament. Praying for you now. Sister Wasson
I think your caps lock is jammed or something.
Thank you, for sharing your journey with us.Growing up as a Jehovah's witness is extremely lonely and takes away too many opportunities. I'm happy you are free from the cult. Enjoy the rest of your life.
It definitely is! Thank you so much and I will! 😊🙏🏼
I was struck when you said regarding baptism - “was it really my choice”?
I was baptized at 12 and stayed in until I was 36. I have been out 3 years now, and also have the restlessness you spoke of and have difficulty forming community or a real home anywhere. I took a job last year where I traveled 48 out of 52 weeks. I hope to conquer this one day, but honestly, it’s taking longer than I thought it would to feel “normal”. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Hi Sarah, 12 is really young for a decision with such a huge impact. I must admit that the community thing still isn’t ‘my thing’ so I definitely can relate to that. Also the ‘real home’ is relatable even though I don’t feel restless anymore. Given the short amount of time we are ‘awake’ I think these things just need time. In the meantime take it one day at a time! 🙏🏼 Thank you for sharing and replying!
Hi Sarah, Congratulations On Getting Out, Your Experience is really Interesting. It's Sad That Its True, But What Doesn't Kill Us Makes us Stronger..I Was Baptized When I Was Fourteen, I was Told If I Didn't I Would Destroyed If Armageddon came Tomorrow. I Was Born In And After Twenty Years In I Faded, I Had Questions That Were Not To Be Asked. After Twenty Four Years Out I Woke Up Fully. If You Ever Need Talk Just Drop Me A line Anytime..You Sound Like You Have a Interesting Job.. I Have Friends All Over The Globe Its Awesome..
Very true
Not alone, I'm also 36, baptized at 18. Been working two jobs, moving around, same feeling of overall restlessness and the lack of trusting people because it was pounded into my head since a toddler that anyone who is not a JW is under satan's system and is inherently against you and wants to trick you and hurt you. It takes alot of time and practice to start trusting people again, like regular people like coworkers, gym friends, neighbors, etc. When you exit this religion it's like you are kid again in the school yard all alone. No friends, family shunning you. Evil cult.
I was baptized at 11 stayed till 23. My father reported me when I gor pregnant so I got dis fellowshipped. They made it seem I got pregnant on purpose. Nope just exploring my sexuality and got pregnant. Haven’t spoken to my one of my sisters in 7yrs. Only speak to my mom and older sister. It’s been feeling restlessness for awhile people are surprised I haven’t gone back because of my kids. But that is the reason I won’t I will not let my kids go through that.
Thank you for sharing in English💛I'm a 70yr old American exJW. Your story is important and encouraging.
Susan Brewer, how long have you been out of the Jws?
Thank you for watching Susan! Happy that you've found it encouraging ❤️🙏🏼
I will always support an ex-JW telling their story. I'm glad you're free now.
Thank you Stacia! 🙏🏼
I'm new subscriber twice your age 80 and was a jw.for 46years, been inactive for about 2 years since finding the internet has opened my eyes to so much going on in the Organisation, welcome to your freedom. AGAPE FROM AUSTRALIA
Wow! I cannot begin to imagine how that awakening must have felt to you. Thank you for sharing and I wish you lots of happiness! 🙏🏼❤️
Wow not many in your age group would wake up ..well done the internet is for all ages ... even in my age group 60s many are frightened of it .
Hi from OZ NSW well done on getting out 👏🏻👏🏻hope it’s all going well for you and that you are finding new friends. I’m 62 tomorrow 💃 I volunteer and am making outside friends slowly.
Thank you for your courage sharing your story. I'm glad for you taking your life in your hands and escape from this mind control and soul sucking cult.
You’re welcome Vass! It sounds intense but I actually think ‘soul sucking’ just nails it.
I was a JW for 20 years and left 31 years ago. My parents are still JW’s and wish they could see what really is the truth. I really enjoyed your story ... you are a great speaker and your English is perfect. All the best from Australia 🙂
Thank you Cheryl! I should also learn the Australian way of speaking English 😉. Happy you've enjoyed it and I hope somehow your parent will wake up one day. ❤️
Hi greetings. I'm searching for hardcopy of Kingdom Interlinear of Greek Scriptures. Do you have KIT?
Thank you for sharing your story. In spite of the shunning, you have a whole life in front of you. I didn't leave till I was 63; wasted my entire life in the organization. I'm not disfellowshipped or disassociated but I am shunned. The biggest heartache for me is not seeing my grandchildren. As a mother and grandmother, I'm sending you love and hugs.
Hi Terryan! You are right and I feel the same about my new life. I know about a man that has left in his 80s. I can't begin to imagine the injustice he or you feels. So sad to read that you cannot see your grandchildren 😢 Much love and stay strong 🙏🏼❤️
Jesus our King, mediator and Savior will be with you if you ask your heavenly Father because Jesus was and is his plan! for us! Please Read John, Acts and Galatians in many bibles (except NWT) and realize this is for all of US!
Pray to heavenly Father as Jesus told you to, talk to him and his son. talk openly and ask him anything and everything you need to know, ask for Holy Spirit from them. When you do this w/o fear you will not be able to stop smiling! get to know your spiritual father OBEY HIM! not greedy men. I talk to them anytime I need to make decisions, and I am always directed toward Jesus words in the new Testament. Praying for you now. Sister Wasson
Welcome to the ex JW community. Glad you're here. I left a long time ago, but I'm always interested in the newly disassociated, and their story. The religion has changed since I've been in.
Thank you! It did change a lot.... and it didn't. While researching I've realized it's just a circle of reasoning/events repeating over and over. But the form has changed A LOT.
@@OutOfControl587 , I totally agree with that statement. So many older ex-jw's like me are saying that they don't recognize the cult! ? I left in 1985 (year of Peace and Security ) 6 months after I was blackmailed into baptism. I had to do it to go to college. They got me out of college before the cession was over. I was sent away with pioneers to do the same. I think I have the shortest of disassociated letter. "I don't want to be part of your cult /secte (in french ). I had cognitive dissonance since I was around 5 years old. I was not more intelligent than anyone else. Maybe the excessive abuses made me think. I was born in Belgium, I am 12 years older than you. You were a baby when the family moved to Canada.
French speaking, you're English-speaking is way better than mine! Thanks for your interesting story! Welcome to your freedom!
Your story has given me courage to face my JW past. Thank you!
You’re welcome Lauren! I hope the whole process helps you. 🙏🏼
Thank you for sharing your story. These stories need to be told. Public awareness is our greatest weapon against high control groups like these
Your welcome Nashon, I completely agree. Discussions only makes people dig themselves in deeper. Stories are stories and the viewer can decide what his/her conclusion is. Worked for me! Thanks for replying 🙏🏼
Excellent video Reuben. I enjoyed your story and your very articulate presentation. I wish you well
Thank you Lisbeth! Happy you've enjoyed it.
Welcome to your freedom! Thank you for sharing your story. These stories are a game changer. Regards from Canada 🇨🇦
Thank you so much! I really hope they will be. 🙏🏼
Thankyou for your story and love your positive attitude to life. So pleased you could see the real truth. I am not a jw but most of my family are. One day I wish they could see through this organisation but hearing others with their stories gives me hope. I will look forward to hearing your other stories and am sure your life will be amazing
Thank you so much Kazzy! This type of stories gave me a lot of insight and I can only dream it will somehow give your or my family a new perspective. Thank you, I will work on the amazing part everyday! 😇 🙏🏼
Brother I wish I had woken up when I was your age. It took me about 34 years and I’m now 53. I served about 20 years as an Elder and like you I feel that my life was kidnapped in a way. But not everything is lost and I know that God knows the sincerity with which we served him even though we were lied to by the leaders in the organization. The defect is on them not on us and they will have to answer to God for that. Thank you for sharing your experience and please remember that your family and friends are only shunning you because their minds are sequestered and can’t think for themselves. In time, however, some will also wake up and will look you up. Finally, if I may say, please stay close to our loving Father in heaven by means of the only mediator between him and us humans, Jesus Christ. Enjoy your life!
Thank you for sharing your story Ab. Must have been quite the ride for you. I agree and definitely see most people shunning me as a victim. Also, I don’t want to make room in my heart for negativity so, it is what it is. 🙏🏼❤️
Ab Remcon: in reply:
Yr comment was superb!!
I'm very impressed how strong you are !!! May God Bless you and yr family.
Congratulations on your escape and for your courage to tell your story. I am stil in not beliving anything of they say. Greetings from Romania!
Thank you Jada! 🙏🏼
You don't believe ?
Mult curaj iti doresc! Felicitari
@ multumesc!
You are the same age as my daughter.. awesome testimony.. welcoming to the real light.. felicidades..
Muchas gracias Gloria! ‘La luz real’, me gusta eso. 👏🏼 Abrazos
@Matthias Abrahham ... muchas gracias a ustedes y a sus órdenes..
@@xtjgloriaestrada6053 : Conoces el canal Destruyendo Algoritmos?
@@amandarivera2811 .. si lo conozco..saludos
Welcome to your freedom, my friend!
Thank you so much for sharing your story. Your honesty and sincerity really came through.
You're extremely courageous and principled. I wish you all the best with your 2.0 life 👍🏾😃
Thanks bro! Happy you appreciated it. 2.0 in the making!
Ahhh UA-cam recommended your channel, and I’m glad it did thank for sharing your journey. So nice to see so many waking up. Xxxx
So happy you enjoyed it! 🙏🏼
Yes, many are waking up!
This was one of the most cohesive depictions of being a JW I've ever heard. Very well spoken and accurate!
Thank you Jezabel!
I agree ☝️
Congratulations for you experience. A lot Jehová whitnes have same experience you real strong guy. Brave I support your decision.
Thank you Jorge!
Thank you for sharing your story! I can certainly relate with the vacation/holiday frustrations lol. Also gotta say: this was so relaxing to watch! The clean sound, soft background, gentle lighting. Excellent work! 👍
You’re welcome! Thanks for the compliments, I get reaaally distracted by bad audio/video, so I try not to bring more of it into the digital world 😇😉🙏🏼
Hello! Our stories are scarily similar... I’m 40, raised JW (in the USA), blah-blah-blah, eventually read Crisis of Conscience, watched the ARC, and found myself completely disgusted with my religion!! I still struggle some days with residual JW dogma but, like you, it gets easier with each passing day. Thank you for the book recommendations, too. Your story, face and words betray a kindness, vulnerability, and a pleasant honesty and sincerity that is truly refreshing. I really enjoyed listening to you! I wish you all the best from America!! 🥰
Yes, the feeling of disgust is very relatable! So much kind words, thank you a lot 😊. 🙏🏼
Welcome Reuben, freedom of mind is priceless. I disassociated August 2019. After over 36 years in. My husband has been fading since October 2019. We are so much happier. Hope you get your daughter out of jws.
I made UA-cam videos explaining my leaving the organisation. All the best to you.love from U.K.
Hi Anita, thank you for sharing! I will check out your channel. My daughter will be raised as an independent, strong and free/critical thinking powerhouse! 😇💪🏼❤️
You left the same year as me!
THANK YOU! I left jw last summer, am somewhat still a mess. Christmas is coming up and my brain is working triple time in sorting out what I can go good for, like...what is right? what is wrong? My logic says one thing and my «mind control period» says something else. But I have bought a few decorations for my home, even a little christmas tree, as therapy. It takes time to get my head out of the jw bubble.
Thank you again for putting my feelings and experiences with jw into WORDS! I will celebrate a bit with family (non jw). I find that I press myself into uncomfortable (jw forbidden) situations in order to toughen me up to a normal world. If you understand what I mean. Maybe that is necessary...Thanks again!
Hi Hennie, happy you've appreciated it! It is very challenging to build up a new life and rethink a lot of your opinions. If you try to oversee the whole it is just overwhelming so take it day by day. Works for me! Follow your hart (super difficult for an ex-witness) and, above all, stay sharp! :-) You will get there! 🙏🏼
Remember to buy an advert calender to start things off .fight the feelings of guilt xx
Hennie, go ahead and enjoy Christmas and another festivities you were not allowed to during your time as a Jehovah's Witness. By doing these things will help you to further free yourself from the shackles of that mind-controlling cult. You are free now and you can do what you like. Remember that religion is man-made and a mechanism to subjugate people.
I've been out 45 years and I still have a problem celebrating Xmas. The last few years I've been able to dance along to Xmas songs in supermarkets, but then some supermarkets stopped playing them. I started going on holiday at Xmas time and found that every country celebrates differently, some countries that I expected to be more religious were not so I found this interesting, bit I still cannot celebrate. I've accepted this. So now I'm trying to make it my own, it will never be a family occasion for me. On a more positive note, when you go on holiday at Xmas time (I call it the silly season ) a large majority are also there to escape. Islamic countries at Xmas they do it nicely at least for the tourist, at least my experience, low key in a country at least similar to where Christ was born and what struck me is that in December in those countries it is cold at night.
One local shopkeeper in Tunisia said to me on Xmas day, merry Christmas Happy New Year, hope your ?? And your belly's full of beer, then he giggled and said I learned that in hotel school 40years ago and always wanted to say it to someone on Xmas day and giggled again. I was a bit off the beaten track and he initially looked a bit suspicious, what a contradiction?
Hey Reuben
Thanks so much for your video. Although I’ve been excommunicated for just over fours years, I didn’t wake up for another 18-24 months. Hearing your calm and respectful account of some of your life experiences is so affirming of where I am at, too. Hang in there in regard to access visits with your daughter. You’re doing a great thing for her even if she is currently unaware of it. Sending lots of unconditional love and positive energy your way.
Thank you a lot Christopher! Congratulations on your awakening. Feeling the love and positivity! 😇🙏🏼❤️
Great to have you here Out! Freedom is so refreshing & thrilling. You now have your own thoughts & ideas without having to ask, without explaining & feeling guilty! Did not join until I was in my twenties, so really feels good to have MY life back! Interesting life you had & hope it gets even better for you. Thanks for your interesting story.
Thank you so much Clarity 2! It is a huge gift and I’m working hard to get better at it! 🙏🏼
@@OutOfControl587 you are a natural! So many will be helped by your videos!
My parents immigrated to Australia from the Nederlands in the late 50s and a few years later they unfortunately had a call from JWs which in turn had a strong influence on my up bringing when I was born a few years later. I left JWs in my teens as I had such a strong hatred for the door knocking meetings plus the conflicts I had in school. Fortunately for me they never really shunned me and don’t talk to me about bible topics, but I have learnt so much from People like yr self telling yr stories and thank you for yr contributions. Although my Mother is old and frail she is still for over 50 years is steadfast to JW org and refuses to discuss anything that is not printed from that evil organisation. Cheers mate 👍
Thank you for sharing rOb. Interesting and sad you’ve also experienced conflicts in school. And the knocking ... remember the fear that you would maybe knock on the door of somebody you knew? 🙈 Happy for you that you’ve left in time!
Thank you for sharing your story. This resonates with so many ex-Witnesses, we share so many common experiences having grown up under this doctrine. I hope you continue to share your stories and build up this important content for your channel.
I remember studying with my mother and a pioneer since before I was in school. Eventually I saw that staying with the religion meant the necessity for hypocrisy, denying all human knowledge, not furthering my education as a result of being a female, even though I saw the need to go to college. Also, it seemed that the worldly people from high school had more concern for my welfare than people from the congregation. I made a choice knowing it could be the end of me when Armageddon comes, and possibly getting disowned by my parents. Fortunately, my mother was very understanding after her initial shock. I was very lucky in that sense, but I still suffer from crippling anxiety and will probably be treated for it the rest of my life. But at least the big bad world is actually more compassionate than I ever pictured when I was being indoctrinated as a child.
❤️
We need strong and intelligent women on this earth!! I hope that this new freedom will bring you happiness. Change brings anxiety and anxiety brings frustration I can relate to you so much here. I am blocked by my anxiety on the daily since leaving my religion behind, every time I turn to 👉🏽. God has filled my new life with enchantment. Cast your worries onto the Lord and enjoy the beautiful life you were blessed with. 🤗 Do not worry yourself with people and religion, or anything of this earth. Much love to you and your family. I pray those around you will understand your decisions, and may you relax your worrying mind with peace and joy.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to your story! 🙌
You have your own mind and you definitely didn't let the "elders" become the boss of you!! 💪
Elders are really "company men" who act as human resource agents for the Watchtower organization.
Remember, human resource agents act only in the best interests of the company.
Elders search out any who are not loyal to the company, and those who are not actively supporting the policies and mission; as well as, individuals who are not reaching established goals within the corporation.
All of these individuals threaten the profitability and outward reputation of of the company, and may affect others in the organization.
When individuals inside of the organization/corporation have learned of hypocritical actions, deceitful policies, or lies regarding the actions of representatives of corporation, departments or heads of the corporation (Governing Body) and begin exposing these...
Elders (human resource agents of the Watchtower ) are assigned to eliminate or lessen the effects of "whistle blowers" by labeling them "apostates".
Once they identify an individual as a "whistle blower" they follow well established company rules and actively pursue any threat that may expose secretive practices, hypocrisy, or harmful or illegal actions that may impact company's profitability.
Elders follow corporation guidelines set forth in the exclusive manual for elders, entitled: "Shepherd the Flock of God" published by the WTBTS.
1. To become informed as to the level of knowledge and information a potential whistle blower possesses.
2. Have a formal meeting (Judicial Committee hearing) with them to ascertain the level of dissent or waning support for the organization and threat they pose to the corporation.
3. Formally put the whistle blower on notice their actions constitute disloyalty to the corporation and they will be "fired" from the company losing all benefits and any ties to other members of the corporation.
4. During a congregation meeting ( regularly scheduled corporation workshop) announce the "firing" of those who have failed to follow corporate rules.
Happy you’ve enjoyed the video! For the rest I can only agree. It also is very sad because I think most mean well but are just rigorously ‘trained’ and triple checked (social pressured) to act a certain way.
I must add that I personally know a several elders that are still active believers but have an open mindset to discuss very hot topics without starting the ‘company’ process. But I also know this absolutely is not the norm.
@@OutOfControl587 - Yes, you are right, that is definitely not the norm! 😉
I'm looking forward to hearing more about your journey. I've subscribed to your channel.
Stay safe and stay strong my handsome brother! 😎
@@southernbawselady7092 Well said... looking at it in a Business Sense n Not Spiritual as we are Taught to believe ...And the WT GB (8 Mentally Derange Men) is the CEO's...😱😲🤔
@@jessicanerpio-cauldwell4987
Yes!.. You 🔨 nailed it! 🙌
Well isn't that the whole damn truth about them. You are so right about that now I'm my own master. I. Don't serve any. Of. Them now .
I’m not completely out but feeling lazy to continue with zoom meeting
Haha, well... not attending the zoom meetings will create some breathing space in your mind. I'm not sure if you should call yourself lazy. This stuff is very intense. Everyone has their own process. Do what you do at your own pace and make your own decisions. Just make very sure the decisions are yours. 🙏🏼
Have you read crisis of conscious? If not strongly recommdend it ..
@@marvelprince9893 : I couldn’t get the book but I found it on UA-cam.
PLEASE LEAVE!!! DONT WASTE YOUR TIME
Become TOTALLY INACTIVE and tell family and friends about your crisis of conscience.
Mijn Engels is niet goed genoeg om hier te reageren, ik hoorde dat je uit Nederland komt dus ik neem het risico in het Nederlands te reageren.Ik heb zelf 38j doorgebracht in deze gevangenis, Ik ben nu 5j. ontsnapt, de eerst 3j. waren puur overleven, ik was alles kwijt : mijn huwelijk, 2kinderen (die geen enkel contact met me willen),mijn hele familie ,alle vrienden maar vooral mijn geloof, dus mijn hele(valse) houvast. Met veel vallen en opstaan leer ik met mildheid mezelf te vinden, voelen, zelf nadenken, de regie over mijn leven nemen. In mijn gevecht en zoektocht ben ik nu op zoek naar lotgenoten, zeker in deze tijd van stilstaan, voel ik de nood aan (h)erkenning. Dus als jij daar voor open staat ,zou ik graag ervaringen, verhalen, beleving, tips naar verwerking...uitwisselen. Persoonlijk ken ik niemand die er alleen is uitgestapt na erin geboren te zijn. Graag wil ik met jou of andere lotgenoten van gedachten wisselen; in het Nederlands ( ik ben Belg ). Dankjewel voor het moedig delen van je verhaal!
lotgenoten mogen mij contacteren via mail: jokedelecluyse@gmail.com
Hoi Joke, dankjewel voor je persoonlijke reactie. Wat heb jij een zware tijd (gehad)! Met mildheid jezelf vinden... wat heb je dat mooi onder woorden gebracht.Ik stuur je een mailtje. 🙏🏼❤️
This video was fantastic. I was a devout jw for nearly 30 yrs. Every word was accurate and true. You expressed yourself beautifully. Im so very proud of you. Im so impressed. Im atheist now. Please keep producing vids/stories. It oh so very important! Thank you for sharing some of all you went through. I loved every word.
You are too kind Wanda ☺️. Thank you and I’m happy you’ve enjoyed it 🙏🏼
Jesus our King, mediator and Savior will be with you if you ask your heavenly Father because Jesus was and is his plan! for us! Please Read John, Acts and Galatians in many bibles (except NWT) and realize this is for all of US!
Pray to heavenly Father as Jesus told you to, talk to him and his son. talk openly and ask him anything and everything you need to know, ask for Holy Spirit from them. When you do this w/o fear you will not be able to stop smiling! get to know your spiritual father OBEY HIM! not greedy men. I talk to them anytime I need to make decisions, and I am always directed toward Jesus words in the new Testament. Praying for you now. Sister Wasson
The same thing happened to me when I wanted to give a homeless person $$ to buy some food with for him and his dog I was told off by a witness why are u doing that they’ll only buy booze or drugs !!! I was gobsmacked but I still gave the homeless man $$ and I felt peace doing so....
Good that you’ve listened to your heart! I think these moment stick in your memory forever, so.. great decision 👏🏼
@@OutOfControl587 I wish you all the best on your new journey through life💫
I spent 2 years helping a homeless person and the JW’s were very hateful and treated me badly.
The are evil in flesh
I 😂 laughed at the ridiculous irony, of the believing JW being all sanctimonious and hypocritical about giving a homeless person cash, and them allegedly going to buy booze or drugs with it, when governing body member Tony Morris DID exactly that - bought over $800 of top-shelf whiskey on a Sunday with donation money!!! One rule for them and another for the rest of the plebs. Total hypocrisy!
Hi Reuben, I really want to thank you for your video. Seeing your strength and hearing you express your thoughts so thoroughly while still being able to see the silver lining in the entire situation really put things into perspective for me. I admire you, I really do. Thank you for posting this video and having the guts to fight the current. I hope I can one day do the same. Please continue to make videos in English, your quite enjoyable to listen too. - Bella
Thank you so much for your kind words Bella! I really work hard to focus on staying positive because I truly believe negativity only affects myself in a bad way. The world is a mirror of your inner self so better to make it look good 😇. I definitely will continue, more coming up soon! Thank you for your comment 🙏🏼❤️
Absolutely loved hearing your story of how you escaped from that organization. I was baptized in 2001 at 19 8 months before 9/11 and finally woke up 2016.
Hi Nicole, great to hear you’ve enjoyed my story! Also congratulations on waking up! 👏🏼🙏🏼
@@OutOfControl587 thanks for your reply. It's comforting to know that they're support groups for exjws😊
Congratulations on waking up!
I'm not a JW, but I have some family that are and I find it fascinating. I commend you for taking the initiative to do the research on your own and for being so brave. I can't imagine the hardship you have endured, but I think you're on the right path of self discovery. I'm there with you, not sure what is real and what is a fabrication of the curiosity and capacity of the human nature. I'd love to hear more about your life and your music. Stay strong in your quest. Live long and prosper 🖖 Be safe ❤
Thank you Elvia, it is very fascinating. Surely it will be a life long journey but that is what makes life interesting! 🙏🏼
I was in for 32 years! Our whole family is now out and I am forever grateful, NOTHING means more than family and freedom. Take care
Now that is truly ‘good news’! So happy for you all! 🙏🏼
A remarkable yet very familiar story that reoccurs often.
You brought me to tears when you spoke of your separation with your ex wife and having to not see your daughter 50% of the time.
I too share similar circumstance. She divorced because I woke up. Now I share my time with our little boy.
Now that you have a worldwide unconditional loving family, I hope to see more of your post and I welcome you to our community of brave individuals.
Thank you for sharing. And thank you for welcoming me 😊🙏🏼
Enjoyed your easy-listening manner and gosh can I relate to so much of what you experienced growing up in it!
Yes a few practical things we learned but overall??? A diabolical way to bring kids up with many strands of destructive elements to it....and for life!
Thank you Andrew, totally agree!
Your English is perfect!
Thank you so much, you are too kind :-)
Honestly such a beautiful soul... Happy you are out & just a breath of fresh air. Out since 2012 but still looking for freedom in the mind! One day I guess 🦋❤️
Thank you so much Shade! Never stop looking for the freedom of mind. I think it's a life journey ❤️
I used to be the same. I was a very zealous child. I didn’t even bother making friends with people because I thought “why bother they are going to die in Armageddon anyways” but I would preach to the kids that were nice to me because I wanted them to be in the new system with me 😅
Haha, so relatable. I would say about nice people "He/she would be a very good witness!" 🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️
Thank you. Greetings from Germany
Gern geschehen Maria!
@@OutOfControl587 Wow! What a surprise. Your German is very good
Got me sub'd. I'm a "Darth Fader".......served as an Elder and Special Pioneer. Was being trained as a Circuit Overseer when I realised that there was a lot of things wrong with the organisation and its teachings......the rest is history. TTATT really sets you free....lol! Love hearing about other ex-witnesses perspectives. Thanks for sharing your story. I can really relate to so much you said and experienced.....well done you!!!
That’s quite the story! Great you woke up, thanks for sharing. 🙏🏼
Amazing! If you were training to be a CO and you woke up, there’s definitely hope for my adult children still stuck in this cult. 😊
@@inapickle4971 Hope yor children make it out....fortunately there is a fair amount of help in the form of books, youtube videos, government initiatives (like the RAC down in Oz on pedophile activity, etc) and ex witnesses sharing their experiences on social media that now more than ever affords them a good chance to learn the TATT and break free like I did. I know it must be hard for you. All the best.
I’m two years late to the party but recently woke up bc of Barbara Anderson and Ray Franz. I’ve since been going down the rabbit hole of lies. The congregations I know are very good people caught up like I was, thinking they were doing the “right” thing. I was a pioneer and in 40 years. SMH… most of my life. I was so sincere. Now I feel used and controlled and no way to live. I was so busy on the hamster wheel that I had little time to really think about how I really felt. I can say “yes” to nearly everything you spoke about and more! My daughter is still in so I walk a careful line. Thankful for zoom and the change in reporting time for now. The truth will set you free! Thank you speaking out and wish I could… perhaps in time. ❤
I think a lot of those meetings all about how to recruit people into their organization
Definitely Frank
@@OutOfControl587 Hope to see more videos about the JW thanks
This will be the medium by which seeds will be planted in the minds of many Jws who will be brave & sincere enough to come and listen to these testimonies. I want it to spread like an infectious pandemic all over the world!!!
I was born in, left at age 43, after the most common time period of 2 years, to really feel disconnected. Most things take 2 years, so be patient. Death of a loved one, a break up or divorce etc, give yourself the time you need, and don't expect too much for at least 2 years. Some of us are elated after leaving, for me it was great, I had no terrible consequences, and my low grade depression lifted as well, but everyone is different. Thanks for your channel
Hello, Reuben! To begin, many thanks for having the courage and faith to share your story--it is important to speak your truth as it not only strengthens you but has the power to strengthen others. Second, I am so glad that you are free from that cultist organization controlled by Satanic works. Glory to God! Third, I am very sorry that your relationship with your daughter has been strained by this devilish work but I do believe in the power of prayer and I do believe that you and your daughter will draw closer together. Fourth, I appreciate very much the books that you recommended as I need to read them so that I can understand this control that this organization uses to prey upon others.
I am not a ex-JW but I know a current member and he has become more deeply committed to this organization. It all began again once Covid-19 happened--the Governing Body incited fear into his mother (who is still a member), he lives with her most of the time as she's older and needs help. He, at 57-years old, does not want to leave--he attends the Zoom meetings and does THEIR Bible study (rolling my eyes) each week. It makes me very sad because of how brainwashed he has become at the hands of the Governing Body, Elders, etc.
I do have a few questions: (1) What would you recommend that I do to help this man realize the truth about JW? I have been praying and subtly planting seeds of true scripture from the Bible as I know if I go full steam and tell him what I know and believe and speak the truth to him, he'll turn me away--I'll be an apostate (which he more or less has done recently by telling me that we cannot be friends outside of work).
(2) From what I have read, JWs are very smart. Why is it that a smart, adult JW cannot turn away from this cult and realize the lies sooner than later? Is it a deep-rooted fear that is already present and magnified when the Governing Body talks about Armageddon? It's so hard for me to understand the power that this organization has over people.
(3) Whenever I ask questions about JW to my 57-year old friend he is defensive. He says, "Our religion (which it is not) is one of the most hated and talked about. He says, "Our Bible is right and others are not". He says, "I don't believe in Heaven or Hell." With this kind of talk and so many countless examples of wrongdoing, lies, evil, falsehoods, how could the JW Organization not be talked about poorly. What has changed in the organization that makes some drawn to it? I hear that somethings have changed but it's more or less the same. What has changed?
I know that I have written a lot but I'm very curious about how to help my friend and how to get him out of this organization.
Hi Marie, thank you and also for sharing your personal situation. You are asking some really hard questions but I'll try 😇:
1. I am really bad at this part because I've just went full speed ahead and some responded by researching and the rest didn't or shunned me. But what I do know is the right method is to ask questions in a non-judgemental way. That is actually super hard and you have to be extremely patient. But if you've did your research (on both 'sides') it can be very interesting. Also, it is really helpful to let himself discover inconsistencies in JW literature. JWFACTS.org is extremely helpful in this. Still, if he doesn't want to think it will be hard.
2. Yes, this is something that still bugs me. What I do know is that the smarter a person is the stronger the cognitive dissonance can become. Their intelligence allows them to create complex excuses to believe completely conflicting things. Besides that, your guess is as good as mine 🙈.
3. Nothing has changed really. The 'marketing' has changed. It is more simple and waaay more focussed on the emotional level. Which makes sense because at the rational level they are losing the 'battle'.
I hope this helps a bit. Not some step-by-step answers because it is very complicated stuff.
Good luck!! ❤️🙏🏼
Bedankt man! Helder je bewijst ook dat er buiten de organisatie meer bijbelkennis en kennis over de organisatie zelf is dan daar binnen.tis nu 30jaar geleden dat ik er afscheid van nam maar ben nog steeds geen ex,ex jehovahs getuige. Het heeft lang geduurd voor ik mezelf weer uitgevonden had. Je brengt het luchtig maar ik weet wat voor onderneming je aanging. Neem de tijd en geniet ervan!
Dankjewel Hans en graag gedaan! Ik ga mijn best doen 😇🙏🏼
Really admire your courage!!! Conditional love is what I have from my brother. After many years my parents decided to restore relations with me. Thank you for sharing, love from Belgium
Thank you and you’re welcome Daniel! Happy for you that your parents decided something human. ❤️🙏🏼
Wonderful video thank you so much for sharing! You are paying it forward and helping others!
Thank you and you’re welcome Victoria! 🙏🏼
Thank you for sharing! That is quite an amazing and touching story. Felt your emotions right through. I read once somewhere that ''In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, in the expert's there are only few.'' and it matches with what you said in the end. Keep open and stay curious.
Thank you for taking the time to watch it Adriana! I definitely will stay open and curious. It's like oxygen to me at this point :-). 🙏🏼❤️
Hallo Ruben, fijn dat je je verhaal hier deelt. Ik ben sinds september j.l. officieel uit de organisatie gestapt. De corona lockdown heeft mij de gelegenheid gegeven om eens wat onderwerpen uit te pluizen die mij persoonlijk aangingen/ aangaan. Het heeft mij doen inzien dat er een heleboel gewoon niet klopt; niet alleen op geloofsgebied, maar ook op het vlak van écht medeleven, begrip en liefde. Je zegt het goed: de liefde van broeders en zusters is voorwaardelijk. Ik ben ook iedereen binnen de organisatie kwijt. Gelukkig kan ik wél op mijn gezin en wat familieleden terugvallen, omdat ik me pas later bij deze organisatie heb aangesloten. Ik ben blij met mijn vrijheid en ik hoop dat jij dat ook bent! Heel veel sterkte en groeten, Nina.
Hoi Nina, wat goed om te lezen dat dit het 'corona-effect' kan zijn. Hier hoopte ik stiekem al een beetje op. Wat meer los van de controle zou de geest toch wat lucht moeten geven. Treurig dat ook jij zoveel mensen bent 'verloren'. De gewonnen vrijheid overstemt elk gebracht offer. Dus ja, ik ben er ook heel erg blij mee! 😊 Dankjewel voor het delen van jouw verhaal. 🙏🏼
@@OutOfControl587 Graag gedaan! Het is prettig dat er mensen zijn met dezelfde soort ervaringen. Dat geeft ook steun!
Oooo, my experience is similar to yours, when I had my daughter she changed my life and woke up and I began to realize all the mistakes of the JW
I'm just happy your awake now.
This was very refreshing I can definitely relate to many aspects of your journey from my own childhood. Great video.
Thank you so much! 🙏🏼
Glad you found peace in your life. God bless you and my peace be with you always
Thank you so much Andrew! ☮🙏🏼
Wish you the best.
I grew up with the Witnesses. Left at 20. Spent most of my adult life as an atheist and did whatever I wanted. But I still liked Jesus from the scriptures I read on my own back in my teens. In my fifties, I started remembering what I liked about Jesus and told myself I should check it out with my eyes wide open, without the emotional resistance that came from my Witness experience. I discovered the Jesus in the Bible isn't what the JW's told us. He is peace and love in a way that they never envisioned. Today, in my 60's, I'm not tied to any denomination, try to live as a Jesus follower and hang out with other people who are the same.
My point is that it takes a while to shed the JW baggage, but that when we do there is an open road and we never know where we're going to end up.
Thank you Stephen, happy you have found your own path. And, you're right, from here on it is an open road and I'm enjoying the adventure! ❤️
Your English is great. I understand your pain . All my family is still in and I haven't talk to them in12 years my elane hasn't talked to her family in 30 years I am here for you. I was 5th generation raised in . You are not alone in it .
Thank you Mandy! It’s true, sadly I’m not alone in this 🙏🏼❤️
You’re incredibly brave. This was fascinating to listen to and I hope it was a cathartic experience for you.
Thank you so much Ravi. It took a while to put the storyline on paper because it was quite the (uncomfortable) trip down memory lane. Once finished it did felt like a relieve. 🙏🏼
I really related to your story. I am American. I actually went to a Kingdom Hall in Amsterdam on my first trip abroad. I escaped from the "truth" with the aid of my wife who they called a "Caananite woman!" I told them she was from Nashville! I wish you well! And a great "after" life!
Bill
Haha! Great comeback Bill. Some of the congregations in Amsterdam are actually a lot of fun and they regularly got in trouble because of that 🤣.
I grew as a jw. In my late teens I was already serving as an auxiliary pioneer. I got disfellowshipped at 18 when I refused to cut off ties with a friend who was disfellowshipped. I'm 52 now and life has been hell, a lot to my own undoing. I'm my own worst enemy. But recently in the last couple of years, I have discovered God's unceasing grace and love. My current church still practices disfellowshipping, but only for extreme issues and it is a scripturally backed practice. Disfellowshipping is mentioned 10 times in the bible, 8 of which are in the new testament. I'm not angry for it now, although I did spend a lot of years angry afterwards. Now I'm super glad it happened, as I have learned so much more about them. I'm also very grateful to have a church that teaches earth will be a paradise again as God intended it to be, and we will live eternally on it.💓
Great Video my bro....stay strong you will def have up and down times. Welcome to your freedom.
Thanks bro, happy you've appreciated it! 🙏🏼💪🏼
Thankyou for the video. I’m in the exact same situation . 46 years in. Woke up last year. What you said is EXACTLY what’s happening to me. I appreciate your bravery to post. It helps.
Thank you Aaron! Happy you are awake now. 🙏🏼
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I was never a JW but have family whom I love so much but my whole life it feels that there is a major strain on their relationship with the rest of the family. It makes me so sad that some of them have already passed away and they never had an opportunity to enjoy just living. I've been a Christian all my life, but I could never experience God in the way I observed their faith.
God be with you. Enjoy your new journey!
Oh yeah.. I’m Mexican I know that.. I was about 10-12 years old when that happened.. shame on the organization.
@LSmoove 79 .. you’re right, dah... welcome by the way..
So glad to see so many finally realising what a fraud and distructive religion this is.... Keep moving forward past this..
Thanks for sharing your story 🙏 I feel like I could share this with current friends to better explain what I've been through! Like others I can relate to the restlessness you speak of... I wonder if I would always have been an unsettled adventurer/nomad or if I'm trying to make up for losing "eternity in paradise" and wanting to make the most of this life. I just focus on the present, life is beautiful, people are amazing, which is a wonderful revelation, I agree! One day I'll find my place and tribe! ;-) meantime feeling alive and grateful!
You are very welcome Rachel! I'm so happy this will aid you in explaining to other people what your process was like. You will get there and in the meantime enjoy the journey! 🙏🏼
Thank you for sharing your story! It’s been a crazy ride for my family and I...we are all out of this terrible abusive cult but not without scars that will take a long long time to heal but they WILL heal and that’s what matters. In the end life is beautiful and a terrible thing to waste so at least we are out!
You're more than welcome Island Girl! I can't imagine the sacrifices some must have brought. Happy to read your out as a family! Yes, life IS beautiful. We have so much to discover! 🙏🏼
@@OutOfControl587 Yes Enjoy Your New Life Amen
Just found your channel watching your participation on Lloyds channel. You are a great story teller and your English is great! Like you Crisis of Conscience and ARC were the final 2 nails in my spiritual coffin.... I was done! I'm so sorry your marriage didn't survive but I have no doubt you will find someone as wonderful as you are and will love and accept you unconditionally. I was lucky that my husband and I woke up at the same time, though it took us quite awhile to talk to each other about it (another symptom of WT indoctrination). Keep up the good work and I look forward to listening to your other English videos.
Thank you so much Choe 😊🙏🏼
Hi, Reuben!! I just ran across your channel as I have only recently allowed myself to listen to videos and have mostly tried to stick to listening to experiences!
Your English is amazing. I respect those that put in the effort to learn another language so much!! You are easy to understand and your accent is great to listen to!
I was “born-in” and the only child witness EVER to be in my small town that I grew up in…( 2nd grade through graduation.) I really stood out as different since I was the only one and the couple friendships that I tried to have were very “surface”… so no deep connections were made… My closest friend moved away before high school…I still am surprised to this day that my mom let me spend what little time we did together.
I was df’d twice but went back both times… It was all I knew and I was so brainwashed!
My dad died when I was only 4 and my mom remarried a non-witness. It was a rough lonely life. She died when I was 19. I was married then but very unhappy and I kept feeling something wasn’t right… ( I graduated in 1974 and really thought everything would soon be different and continued in my “pattern” of doing the best I could, studying, auxiliary pioneering, and feeling very shy and cut off. Even after my 1st df, I couldn’t bring myself to leave, even though my doubts were getting stronger… Finally in 1993 I left my husband, who I never really had any love for as he was mean and VERY controlling!! The elders tried but could never get him to be kinder… yet he never underwent any type of punishment… so, I was df’d again…Two years later I remarried but this time went a different route and married a non-witness, like my mom did. He was someone who had similar thoughts as me… ( We both thought x-mas was very commercialized and not being celebrated at the right time of year and was a pagan holiday… ) I felt he would be easy to live with and I was tired of feeling alone.
After I remarried I set out to get reinstated which took quite a while… I had a huge heart and always loved giving people something I thought they really wanted or needed. Since we never celebrated x-mas, it really bothered me that we couldn’t be involved in community giving as more and more I saw people around that were homeless.
When you talked about that part in your life experience, I cried!! Yes, I felt so much the same way!! The organization just did not seem very loving!! They could have certainly afforded to help out a few in the area but it seemed they rarely even did anything as a congregation to help the single sisters or the elderly. That part of your story really touched me!! Unconditional love is so lacking…
I finally stopped meetings and service around ‘05 and faded… I didn’t want to lose my family so I just did it quietly…( they live in another circuit..,). Finally, my brother realized, I guess, as I hadn’t heard from him in so long and so we went to see them… everything was fine, that day, but questions were asked that I had a hard time answering…. So I finally had to admit that I had not been to a meeting in a while, but actually said… “life had been crazy and I certainly still believed and planned on getting back on tract!!”
Can you believe, he NEVER reached out to me after that??? I thought he would have at least tried to encourage me and that maybe I would even be able to ask him some questions… ( He has been an elder for the biggest share of his life and is much older than I am)… I was so SHOCKED when another sister-in-law messaged me saying he had emailed her and happened to mention he doesn’t have contact with me any more because I am an “INACTIVE” witness…. Talk about going ‘beyond’…WOW!!! And SHE had never believed and was never baptized!! Yet he would rather talk and visit with her!!!
So I certainly understand how it makes you feel when you would like to be able to visit with them, even if just as family, yet they shun you…. And even though I am doing nothing bad except not being active…
I truly now feel the “no natural affection” is pertaining to situations like this…. Broken💔
Ever since then I have been more interested in those who have gone/ are going through similar situations….
I feel drugged in that it is so hard to say a bad word about them, or even admit what my questions are…yet I keep them all inside, just as my gut feelings… and very confusing.
Thank you so much for the book and UA-cam references as my interest led me to only a couple of channels here, but I have so much to get straightened out in my head….
I have been PO MI for so long… I am ready to learn.
ps… Has anyone told you you look like Brad Pitt, or is it just me??? 😂😂
Wishing you the best on your quest for a happy life!!
This video is fantastic. So well spoken and amazingly accurate. I just relived my entire childhood as a witness. Luckily I got out while in college after having an elder give me the "higher education critical thinking speech"! A few times in the video I could see a shift in emotion at key points where all of this really effected your life. I'm so amazed that you were able to stay in so long and still manage to break free. Stick with your convictions. I do hope your family and friends will speak to you at some point. I was lucky to have some family members who were loving enough that they did not shun me even though they remained witnesses. Really well put together video and hopefully others will get to see and hear this. I know times are still tough, but you'll get through it - you have a great attitude and you seem like a very kind person!!
Thank you so much for the kind words John! In hindsight it is incomprehensible to me that I didn’t ‘wake up’ much earlier, something I reflect on a lot. I want to do everything I can to remove other ‘blind-spots’ that hinder my happiness or development. Would be great if my family will change their stance but in the meantime I focus on what I can change and the future looks bright! 🙏🏼
Thank you for sharing your story.
Wow! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! ♥️ I disassociated at January 1st, 2020, after 20 years spent in this cult, it was so good to hear your story and to hear about your feelings. I feel the same as you do in many ways. I also read Crisis of Conscience and Combating Cult Mind Control. Those were eye opening books.
I recommend you to read from Yuval Noah Harari - Sapiens (a brief history of humankind). It really helped me to understand how religion appeared and how the human society works. It gives you a kind of realistic world view, and it is completely free from religious biases. And also, if you want to have a scientific viewpoint about who was the real, historical Jesus, and what we really know about him apart form the religious myths, I really recommend you to read Jesus Interrupted from Dr Bart Ehrmann.
You are very welcome Tamás! Congratulations on your new life🥳. All books by Yuval Noah Harari are on my reading list so I really need to start reading them. Everybody tells me they’re great! The book by Dr. Bart Ehrmann I have never heard of but I’m definitely going to check it out after typing this message. Thank you! 🙏🏼
Hello Tamas, I beat you by a lot, I was a jw for 46 years and have not been disfellowshiped, I've been totally inactive for about 5 years now, and my wife is slowly seeing the truth about the "truth". I followed the example of Jesus when he was bullied by the scribes and Pharisees,I told everyone including the Elders that I was having a PERSONAL PRIVATE CONSCIENCE ISSUE, after a short period you will be classified as spiritually weak, we all know how the once a year memorial attenders are treated, love bombed, remember that SILENCE IS GOLDEN. Total inactivity is the only way to escape the trap of being a jw. I wish you all the best of (luck ha ha)for a happy future. Agape love from Perth Australia.
PS. I forgot to mention that I have read crisis of Conscience, and the Sapiens book as well, they should be compulsory reading for every jw.
So you left the JW instead of going to find the JESUS you go reading a scientific Jesus?
Do you know that the Holy God in heaven and the father of all mankind is called Jesus ? Take note I don't mean the Jesus who died on the cross.
Jehova is a title, the name of Jehova is Jesus christ.
@@leviticusemmanuel4421 No, thanks, I'm good :))))
Thank you for the honesty for sharing your LIFE STORY! It’s incredible, raw, authentic, sincere and truthful. You’re an intelligent man with a good heart. I’m glad you left the Org after 39 years of your life! You are blessed because God awakens you and freed you from mental prison of this cult. Do not lose your faith our Lord loves you. All the best and God bless you graciously. Take care. 💖
You're welcome Lotte! Thank you for the kind words 😊. Mental prison is very wel summarized and I do feel blessed. ❤️
Your English is great! Thank you for making this video
Thank you and you're welcome Mithzy!
Your English is great, the point is, you find the truth and you set free, Glory to God Almighty the Creator of the universe.
"I really dont know how it all works, and I dont care, I'm living life free" same here bro, same here. I been getting my feet wet again by watching some sermons or reading opinions about why God exist or if Jesus is God. Still feel apathetic towards any religion and belief systems, but slowly understanding that maybe alittle bit of belief in something may be ok.
Your English is excellent! As someone who has never been a Jehovah's Witness, my first question is, what right does anyone have to control people's lives to the extent that the JW organisation and other cults do? What right does someone have to decide whether to split up families and friends and cause untold heartache?
Congratulations on getting out and long may you enjoy your newfound freedom.
None-Jehovah's Witnesses should watch videos like yours. They will serve as a stark warning to anyone thinking of joining. Sadly, a friend of mine joined the organisation several years ago.
Psychologists and psychotherapists should have cult training so that they can understand and effectively counsel people who have left dangerous cults.
You did the right thing watching the John Cedars channel. I believe, nobody has done more than Lloyd Evans to help people out of this evil cult.
I'm up for a chat anytime.
Thank you so much Nick! I hope for these videos to be watched by (ex)JWs and people not related. This was and is my (over?) ambitious aim 😉 . I totally agree with your comment on psychologists education, the negative effects are very underrated and/or poorly understood. We should have an ex-jw award with Lloyd as the pre-determined winner. I'm sure he's the JW-headquarters public enemy nr. 1! 🙏🏼
Bless you! I am 58 and was born and raised in the truth.
Are you still married? Is there a way to wake your wife up snd get back together with her? How sad that this religion constantly breaks up families. It’s really important that you try to get your daughter to think critically no natter how young she is and hopefully she will leave one day. I was lucky I was able to get my kids out even though my marriage broke up when I left. Take your time and enjoy your life, it’s the only one we have.
Hi NilDreams. In the video I explain that I'm divorced... but what I don't explain is that I raise my daughter as a strong, independent and critical thinking little human! She will be a though cookie for a lot if people 😉. Also, she is not involved with 'the organisation' since I've stopped 💪🏼. Enjoying life and getting better at it every day! 💪🏼🙏🏼
Thank you for sharing your story with us! It is always good to hear thoughts and sensical things shared by others that were not just echoing in our own minds.
We LOVE you Brother! We will be praying for you and in your new endeavor in life. Our Almighty GOD is always behind YOU BROTHER. Keep up the best work in the Service of our God, the Father - and of our King our Savior, Jesus Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit. Amen! and Amen! and Amen! I am a Sister from the Philippines presently staying here in Shizuoka, Japan. Today is February 7, 2023 - 2 : 00 p.m. Japan Time
Telling your story takes a lot of courage, thank you for sharing. It also takes a lot of courage to make a decision knowing that you will leave behind all that you were taught to be true. That can be a choice of much sadness and then to know you must leave behind those you hold dear. Your commitment to be true to your convictions is inspiring. I have learned the Witnesses are not taught about who Jesus Christ is and how to exemplify His example in their lives. I was astounded to learn that His teaching to love one another was not understood or practiced. I questioned many of the beliefs of the JWs and in particular the practice of shunning. It seemed contrary to punish someone through the with holding of love and support at a time when love and support was most needed. May God's blessings continue to be with you in your journey.
Thank you so much Margaret 🙏🏼❤️
Me siento muy feliz de haber escuchado tu historia en inglés. Hablas muy bien ese idioma. Saludos desde Costa Rica. :)
Muchas gracias Yeiner!
Thanks for sharing your story and welcome out!
We are the same age and have been out about the same amount of time. I miss the time when I beloved it and was in it all. It was nice 😇😁 because I joined myself in the early twenties. But I feel really bad for all
That had to grow up in it with hardcore parents. There were many stupid people in the organisation that were born in the 1950’s and 1940’s. Those who saw 1975 and still stayed in really must have been desperate.
The main thing I learned as a witness was how not to connect with my true self. Figuring out what I actually am and where I truly belong and feel At home has taken a lot of work for me, and the process is not over yet.
Wow Theo! You really hit the sweet spot there about the true self. Totally agree. About the belonging.... no clue if that will ever happen. At the moment very content being a one-man army 😉🙏🏼
Thank you for sharing your experience. And you’re right, there’s always this guilt if you’re not doing enough for the organization. You gave me some strength in possibly sharing my experience as well one day. 💜☮️🙏
You're welcome and I'm looking forward to it! 🙏🏼❤️
Thank you so much for your honest and frank review of your life as a witness. It echoes much of my own experiences, and i love the way you put this all across in a non-emotional way, which makes the whole of what you have to say so much more palatable. Thank you
Hi Rob, happy you appreciate the approach! You're very welcome 🙏🏼
Very good of you to take the time and effort to prepare and deliver your story - and in two languages as well. Very much appreciated. Each person's being a witness to leaving the Witnesses story is valuable. The FOG - Fear. Obligation and Guilt is very real for many when being a Witness. The subreddit r/exjw community is very beneficial for those mentally and physically out of the Organisation.
You're welcome! So happy it's being well received. FOG is the core business of every cult and very destructive. Thank you for mentioning the subreddit, I think there is a lot of need for support. 🙏🏼
Bravo! Must be very hard but an open critical mind is the best!!
Thank you Jane! It is! 🙏🏼❤️
Firstly I'd like to echo Alexandra's point. Your english skills are great, better than a lot of people born in the states! Welcome to the real world where there is love and kindness and people who care. They aren't all wicked!
Look forward to hearing more from you.
Peace!
Thank you Daniel! The amount of love and kindness in ‘the world’ is indeed overwhelming. 🙏🏼
Just watched your waking up story after seeing you on Lloyd's channel. Looking forward to seeing more of your work! Your English is excellent, easier understood than many natives! 😂
Thank you so much Margaret!
Excellent video. I so agree about the simplification in the WT study articles. Boring as you could predict exactly how the format would go. Jews, Christians, today. Rinse and repeat every week.
I loved your video Reuben. I just realised I don't have the truth after 49 years of indoctrination. I have low self esteem and black and white thinking and am trying to work through this. I too have enjoyed John Cedars and Exjwfifth, very informative. I'm so sorry that your marriage broke down, you have a lot on your plate. Good luck with your new journey of freedom. I look forward to seeing more from you
Happy you've enjoyed it! About your process.. you will get through this! It just takes time and make sure you also read high quality books (psychology, philosophy) to feed your mind the good stuff it has been starving for all those years. Thank you for your kind words!🙏🏼❤️
It s so beautiful how u found the way out
The Truth sets us free! Pray the He continually guard your mind and heart! I have spent sometime there in Maastrich , very nice place and good people as you. Greetings & subscription from the Philippines! Mabuhay Ka!