Thanks again for the wonderful welcome!!
A few of you asked what prompted us to leave the organization.
Well, we realize that there really isn't just one quick answer to that question. It was series of things over a period of time.
The early years went pretty well, we were in three congregations in the same metro area over the years so we felt like we had some good friends and felt loved and welcome. We still have good feelings in our hearts for some of our old friends. But we now realize that they were conditional friendships. Since they are under the control of the borg.
As time went on and our lives became busier with kids and our business, my hours dwindled. I was punished ("encouraged") by having all of my "privileges" slowly taken away.
We started feeling less a part of things and felt a lack of appreciation and respect from the elders. They seemed to do everything they could to make us feel unwelcome and never good enough.
We listened for years to the talks that say its your fault if you have problems or doubts but we hung on thinking it would work out, and we wanted to do what was right.
As our kids got older, their interest in the "truth" wained, but out of respect for us they hung in as well. Our kids are wonderful and respectful people!
Toward the end of it all, the elders with their man made rules tried to interfere in our family life, which should not have been any of their business.
In our last lecture from the elders we realized there is no reasoning with these men, and they definitely do not want to know how we think or feel.
So we decided to fade which lasted one more meeting.
A few other things that didn't sit well with us over the years were, Control of every aspect of our lives, disfellowshipping, blood (I would never have let my loved ones die for lack of blood), self righteous attitudes, and how the Org. needed to know or thought they knew everything, etc, etc.
As for how we have been treated since.
The elders came by a couple times to straighten out any misunderstandings, or to see if they could encourage us. Also we had one family that our kids were close to try to encourage us to come back. We have had a couple invitations stuck in our door as well. But over all we have been left alone which is fine with us. They know we aren't causing any trouble with anyone.
We occasionally run into witnesses at a store or our business and everything seems to go fine.
Sorry this went on and on, but like I said its not a quick answer
Mr & Mrs Thor
