hello all...
I need to unload, please bear with me. Today was interesting. If you dont read it all, that's OK, we're all busy with "real life".
I used to work with this non-JW guy years ago and then we parted ways as our jobs took us in different directions. His dream was to open his own gym and train people in physical fitness. He realized his dream and opened not 1 but 2 gyms and has several trainers working with him. Years later, half asleep on the couch, I se him late one night on the news talking about the gym/fitness. WOW! how cool is that?.....I got in touch with him last year and trained for awhile, until the break up with my fiancee. Today I went back to this same personal trainer, who is also a (nonJW) friend, after a several months hiatus...trying to get my energy back and fend off sluggishness.
This man is also a preacher of his own church (ironically just down the road from the local KH). I opened up to him today during the workout about recent events.. I told him my doubts about JW, recent events (being deleted, etc.) ... then I told him he could tell me his opinion...say anything he wanted about the subject. He knew I was very active as a JW and always respected my beliefs and often we agreed to disagree but we were always amicable and respectful. When I asked him if he thought JW were a cult, his eyes got huge...and he said "Snake, are you sure you want my opinion? I respect your right to your beliefs." I told him sure...and he and got to talking about his studies of mind control groups and cults. He said he has been worried over the years about my involvement as a Witness because of this (as well as a mutual friend that worked with us that is still an elder that this trainer respects). He very much thinks that JW/WT is a cult and he is so happy that I have come to that realization. He told me (and I am embarrassed about this) that he said I was a genuine spiritual person who just wants to help but that I have a tough few months ahead (I asked him if he was sure he had never been on JWD?... he had never heard of it)
He then said, "Snake, having been an elder, you know you won't get out unscathed. They will find a reason to D/F you eventually. I had another client this happened to." He says he has information about getting out of cults, etc., but will never push it on me...if I want it, he'll give it to me. I declined but expressed appreciation. (I think I have enough ammo from here) I mentioned Ray Franz and CofC, but told him I had not read it yet. He wrote the title down with the intention of getting it.
He told me he will never push religion (or even his own church) on me. I told him once out, I will never return to organized religion. He said he understood and said he would be there for me as a friend and a nonjudgemental listening ear. What a breath of fresh air. I appreciate so much this board and all here. However, it is nice to have someone "in person" to bounce this off of. One day soon, I hope to meet some of you in person at one of your Apostafests (if the invite is extended that is since I dont really know you personally).
The trainer then said as I was leaving "today's session is on me....you can start paying next week" and assured me he will keep this in confidence, and I believe him.
I think a couple of elders who are close friends are starting to get antsy. One said he needed to "talk" to me. Since he is not in my congo, he has no Borg authority over me. If he pushes, I will tell him to back off and stay out of it. We have not yet talked since he said that (I hope he is just paying me the few dollars I lent him)
So, going to meetings about once or maybe twice a month to pick up lit and make an appearance. No FS,,,phantom informal time only..... this is snowballing, I hope it does not get out of control...
If you read this far, thanks for taking the time. If not, thanks for your support anyway. Any comments/PMs are appreciated as I continue this journey to freedom.
SnakesInTheTower (of the "fading faster than I thought" Sheep Class)