HELLO? HELLO? "ALL" SIGN IN???????

How do you like this? Simon did away with the Sex Forum - so I must take the tradional route and post under "Make New Friends." How mundane!

FYI ---- for all of us, please take the time to write a sentence or two about yourselves, and encourage new ones to do the same. It really does help us all.

And ---- welcome to all the new ones, we will try not to offend, but sometimes that's awfully hard. My only caution for the newbies is Beware of RedHorseWoman (she believes she's a goddess - we humor her, but stay out of her reach, nonetheless.)

Welcome to all - and please participate?

waiting

Well......fancy that! I'm the first!

Howdy. I'm 50 & a woman in southern usa. I and my husband have been jw's for 30/45 years respectively, inactive in good standing. Left totally 1 year ago - and have no intentions of going back. Cherish my freedom too much.

I'm reading "Apocalypse Delayed" by Jim Penton right now - he's a retired college professor who was df'd for asking too many questions and reading/investigating the history/sociology of jw's. Very interesting (many big words.....)

God cannot alter the past. That is why He had to create so many historians. Samuel Butler

Wecome to all!

waiting

Hi Waiting,

I'm am also a woman (42) and in the southern U.S. I'm a senior at Virginia Tech (GO HOKIES!). Yes, I'm one of those who is getting her education late in life since leaving the Org. (13 years ago).

After this degree, I want to get into graduate school and get a masters in English. I'd love to teach it! School takes pretty much all of my time, so I really don't have much else to talk about at this point - dull, huh? Anyway, it's nice to meet you.

Lucid

hey dreamer,

It seems that you're making your dreams into realities! Congratulations - my son's in college - and he thinks it's dull after a while also.

Nice to meet you. Lindy (poster) is in college also - and about your age.

Hope you hang around, teach us something, eh?

waiting

Well heck Waiting honey,

Since you're practically talking to yourself here, I thought I'd say something for you to smack me up side the head over..

In case the rest of you don't know, old wrinkle face, aka "waiting" seems to have to pick on me and that red headed lady Godiva from Jersey! Rest assured she'll have some original quote to try and embarrass me in front of everyone, just like the cong. serv. used to do to me! I sure do wish vemen were able to be elders and cong. servs. I may have stayed around and took the punishment a little longer.

Here's a big sloppy kiss fer ya 4 Eyes!!

carmel

Well, hey sweetpea!

Yeah, looks like we're lost in the shuffle. However, I did resurrect the old sexy Hello? Hello? Introduction post - are you on it?

For any/all - the above mentioned post tells a little about a lot of us. I'm going to go see who's still here and who ain't.

Sign in?

waiting with a big wet smooch for my cave man.

HI. I'm 16 years old, and i was baptized at age 10. Not really a sufficient understanding of the bible was needed, just one of the watchtower's rules and regulations. When i was 15, my older sister, who was baptized with us as a family, started cutting herself due to fear of armageddon. she opened the door for me. after she left, i followed, and my parents followed after that. we faded thank god, so no shunning came upon me. I did lose my best friend, but i now realize that he was only my best friend partly because we shared the same religion. I just wish i could've saved him. anyways, nice to meet everybody.

hey dood,

Nice to meet you. I've met several people in the past couple of years who were "cutters." One therapist told me that inner stress and the need to release and/or feel can cause it. Kinda like that with burning also. Glad you and your family came out of the Borg ok.

All of us have different stories, but one thing in common - we were duped big time. But a lot of the people here have really been hurt by the actions of the WTBTS.

Glad to have you here - I've seen some of your posts already. Keep 'em coming!

waiting

Here's my support for your thread, Waiting. (I always love your posts!)

I am 26 years old. (turning 27 next month, ugh!) I was DF'd in January of 1999. I told my story many times, so I'll spare ya today!

All I want to say is that I'm learning to be happier than I've ever been. Still trying to re-record the JW tapes playing in my head, but being very successful at it! I savour the freedom of thought & action I have now. Even as a JW, I tried to be open minded and was never easily offended. Now I'm free to let that part of me really shine through.

I'm thankful for all of the friendships I've developed through this board. I speak to many of you in the chat room, others I greatly enjoy conversing privately with on MSN Messenger (kisses to ISP, Deceit & Bigboi) and I've been fortunate enough to even meet LDH in person (Girl, I miss ya! Let's do lunch next week!) I admire so many of you here! Your experiences I relate to. Your intelligence makes me think. Your loving kindness moves me deeply.

THANK YOU ALL!

Shauna

Hi...

A little about myself, I'm 45 yrs. old... I don't really
know what I am..concerning JW's. I was baptised 17 years
ago, just stopped going 3 years ago, I guess I am what you
would call "in-active". Had some very major traumatic things
happen to me during my life. Happily re-married to a great
guy that is NOT at JW, thank goodness. We are into dirt-track
racing, actually my whole family is. I have two daughters..
and the list goes on.......LOL

I feel "Lost" and in "Limbo"....alot of bottled up feelings
that need aired...so I can Move On...!!!!!

I was raised in the organization from age 3, baptized at 16, married at 19 to a brother, and started fading away at 24. I'm currently inactive, and do not feel any compelling need to go back to the KH. When I first stopped going, I tried many times to try to get back into the swing of things but just couldn't. Soon I realized how differently I was being treated by the "loving" friends I thought I had, and realized other things that I never questioned before. The love and concern from the congregation stopped at the KH doors.

Then like many others, I started reading everything I could find on the net and couldn't in good conscience keep living that life. Eventually I stopped going all together. Thankfully I started living life before I hit 30.

Helo im not tht "new" I was sharing a name with my mommy but
HHEELLOO to all ya'll new people hope you find this to be as comfy as cuddaling up in a blanlt on he bech with a good friend

have fun

Dc

Hi all! 36 years old female. Married 14 years, 2 kids age 5. Raised as a JW from the age of 3. Husband also raised as a JW. Been inactive for 5 years now, have no plans on going back to the kingdom hall. I have never been happier in my entire life! The years I spent as a JW in retrospect were almost like being in prison. I feel as if though a huge weight has been lifted away from my heart and for the first time I'm free to think clearly and for myself!! No, I haven't used my freedom to out and do lot's of wild and crazy things..I'm still the same person I have always been..for better or worse *grin* The only difference is that I no longer walk around 24/7 feeling guilty for somehow not having done enough, or somehow having not pleased the God that JWs teach folks about.

Hope to hear some of your stories too, new people out there! Pull up a seat and say hey

Eyes

My short bio:

I became a JW at age 23. Got married a year before to a fine Catholic girl. She was never a JW. Obviously it put a strain on our marriage for the next 11 years.

Became an m.s., did the accounts at my Hall, dragged 3 little kids to the meetings most of the time. I wasn't able to strike a good balance between unbelieving family and cong. duties, so I stressed out and walked away. Fretted for my life for the next two years until I got on the net.

I like to ride dirt bikes(shut up RHW!), play guitar, and dote over my fantastic kids and wife. I am the owner of a small and successful business. My kids are all honor students. Oldest daughter is a junior in high school and attends the local community college. Middle son is a freshman in high school, plays trumpet in jazz band, marching band and pep band. Youngest daughter is in 7th grade, is on the drill team, plays the violin in the orchestra. My wife works for the local Head Start program helping kids as a teachers aid, cook, etc.

TR

Hi
O.K., here's some of my profile, I am 45, live in the NW of USA. I am inactive, and really don't want to be active ever again. Was baptized 18 years ago, df'd once, divorced and now a single parent. Found out a lot of things about the org., that I don't approve of. Discombobulatedgirl is my daughter. She's a wonderful person. (of course she should check her spelling):). I have to make new friends since I no longer talk to the JWs. (wonder why)

Glad to meet everybody and look forward to a long friendship.

RC

Hi all,

Waiting - I have just gotten Apocalypse Delayed out of the library and am going to read it as soon as I have finished Crisis of Conscience. Yes, I am going through a rapid deprogramming process! I was brought up a witness and stopped going to meetings when my mother was disfellowshipped and my sister and I were shunned with her! (My sister also posts here under the name Jezebel Influence). For six or seven years I lived in fear of Armageddon - until I discovered the internet and various literature that is revealing the 'real truth'.
I have been reading posts here for a few months and been in to chat a few times and have just recently been brave enough to add a few posts of my own! Cheers (sipping my chardonnay)- heres to many more in the future!

shalom

Gotta' hand it to you Waiting you are a persistant little thing!
Glad you started this new thread.
I just turned forty one. And for the first time in my life I really feel alive and free.
Was married for almost seventeen years in the Borg. Pretty awful experience. Divorced in May of 1998. Re-married in June of 2000 to a man who was never a witness. Best decision of my life. Right up there with leaving the Borg. Also in June of 2000.
Re-learning everything. My husband says it is like living with someone who is doing everything for the first time!!! It is a wonderful feeling.
Welcome to all of you Newbies whom I may have neglected because of the sheer amount of new posters!!
Looking forward to meeting many new ones in addition to those I already know and love.
TW

Hi Waiting,

Thanks for starting this thread! It's great to read intros of everyone--it really helps. Of course, your posts are always top-rate!

I'm 54, live in southwest US, been a jw since 1973, and stopped attending a mere month ago. (My plan is to drift away quietly.) Stopped going because it was too difficult to read anything scientific without having so many questions raised re the bible, evolution, and just plain reason.

I've had doubts ever since becoming a jw and kept ignoring them. Not any more!

I had colorectal cancer 2 yrs ago if anyone has any desire to discuss that.

Raised 4 kids after divorce 20 years ago, 2 are 'in' and 1 df'd, and 1 never in.

My interests now are trying to learn answers to 5 questions: 1) Did evolution happen? 2) Is the Bible true or borrowed mythology? 3) Is the WTBS teaching the Bible truthfully? 4) Who am I really now that the bible may not be my mold? 5) Is there a creator?

The journey is fascinating. This board is so helpful to have folks to talk to about these issues!

Keep those great posts coming!

Patio

Thanks Waiting
My short story,(HA)
Raised in org, pioneered with my parents until I started school. Developed a great fear of dogs and walking up to houses Our family moved to where the need was great(big mistake) My father wasn't appointed an elder at the new hall, and this was when his spirituality started to be questioned. My mom was very persitent and we all kept going. My dad was eventually DF and consequently reinstated. We went to alot of different halls, met alot of people.
I started to see the problems with love in the congregations, it really wasn't just a particlular hall, but all of them. It was then I realized that this was coming straight from the top, and became very disenchanted.
I had an abusive boyfriend(active Jw) who eventually drove me to leave the state. I was staying with my "wordly" family who were christians. My eyes were open to what Christlike really means.
I have been out for 8 years. A couple years ago I started questioning myself. I thought I would be in BIG trouble if the Jw's are right. I then contacted the local hall, explained my situation..Baptized, and inactive for 6 years. I requested to study. They sent over a very sweet couple and I studied for almost a year. I never could in my heart tell them not to come back..they were just too sweet. But I did move out of the area...freedom once again
I was brainwashed into thinking that the Jw's are the only link to God. And as an adult I visited several churches looking for thatlink. But now I know the path that is right for me. I don't need anyone organization to have a relationship with him.
OK so why am I here? I am new to the web just a few months ago I found this place. All the feelings I had when I left came rushing back. I don't feel like I am alone. No these thoughts don't rule my life, but it is so great to be able to converse with people who know what I am talking about. And it is great to realize I am not evil fo rhaving these thoughts.
My mom is still in My Dad left her a few years ago, and turned in his DA letter as well. Poor guy wanted out fo rso long. I am glad he finally has his freedom. Sad thing is our relationship is nonexistent. I can't find him! He doesn't want to be found...which I understand completly. Sevonofnine gave me some great advise on finding him. But still haven't heard from him yet, he is still lost.
SO am I happy to have left this org? Definatly, it saddens my heart to know just how many lives have been hurt by them. I hate to hear the stories of families broken, lives lost, innocense of children destroyed. I am so glad I found Simon's and all th epeople her that I have grown to love
wendy

Hi ALL!!!

I am new to this...just joined in a chatroom last week and met a several guys/gals. I am 46 years old and live in Texas, happily married to my cyber husband. LOL I was never baptized as one of jws...thank God! But I still dwell on paradise and armaggedon, however, I lead a normal life. By the way, I have two children, 19 yo son and 14 yo daughter, both are very liberated as well. To amend to this: I am a hearing impaired.

I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO CHATTING IN HERE. :)