I was among the JW's for 30 whole years. Left them in 1999 and it was the best thing I ever did. I can't believe how much I was deprived of, for that matter, all JW's. I wasn't allowed to continue my education. Not allowed to read anything except the WT & A. Couldn't partake of any hobby as it would rob any available time that I could contribute to the ministry work. I also never learned how to GIVE, e.g. "to charities", or "my time" for people in need, all because the WTBTS wanted all my money & time.
I have 4 children and they are all grown, not one of them was ever baptized and want nothing to do with the JW's. *ThankGod* Since leaving them, back in 1999, I have gone to college, am reading ALL kinds of books, from Dr. Wayne Dyer to Sylvia Browne to learning about Judaism to becoming a Born Again Christian.
"The Truth will set us free?" It sure does. From now on, I get to believe what I want, what I feel God approves of and am more than proud to be there for others, ALL others, not just a certain breed. I now know God has good plans for everyone. He's not going to destroy the sinners, because we are ALL sinners, that would mean eternal death for all. All the Good comes from Him and I can attest to that, I have never been happier. Hallelujah!
LINDA
Regrets? Only that I didn't do this all earlier. But.....sometimes it takes being among them to realize how wrong they are and gives us justification in what we can now claim.