This is only my second or third post. My previous posts were under the username Piglet. I couldnt remember my log in details so i have now changed my username, which I feel is more relevant now anyway. I had laid off posting here in order to keep the peace. Although this forum has been a great encouragement for me. Thank you all!
Back to my point! Hopefully this will be encouraging to all of you faders etc, that are trying to get others out of the cult.
I have been out since July 2011. I had made it very clear to elders, family and JW 'friends', that I didnt believe a word of the nonsense any more. I blabbed it all out, knowing the possible consequences, but unable to pretend anymore. I thought it would all 'hit the fan'. Funny enough, it did, but not to the extent I expected. To cut a long story short, the congregation have shunned me but those involved with us on a business level, child care, that kind of thing, are still in contact, although I do sense a little nervousness sometimes. Them not me! Funny thing is, I had many discussions with the elders about what I thought, and I still havent been disfellowshiped. Although I am obviously considered a 'human apostate'! lol.
My main concern back then, was of course my wife and children. The two older ones had been raised by my wife and myself, 'in the truth'. (Thats hard to write). My youngest, who is 4, doesnt know anything and doesnt really remember being dragged to meetings. My wife was dragged up in the religion from a very young age.
Since my initial outsbursts,, I learnt to reign it in a bit, in order to try to slowly get my family to see the wood for the trees. My other two children are 12 and 14 by the way. They both have slowly drifted in there thinking, mainly because I used to take them to the meetings, as my wife has bad health issues, and rarely went for the last few years. They were always a bit 'prickly' when we spoke about the religion and my/their beliefs. But slowly things have calmed down.
Here is the great news, which I still cant quite believe. They have now all decided they have had enough!! My wife is even thinking of telling those that are still talking to us, that she cant cope with it anymore, despite the potential consequences. And get this! My son is 13 in two days time, and they all want to have a low key party. Including cards, cake, prezzies and, can I say this out loud, FUN!! We are also planning to go to a bonfire/ fireworks evening at the end of the month. There is even talk of Chrimbo!! I am shocked, in a good way of course.
My wife is struggling with the guilt of not believing, but admitted that she never really wanted the religion, and only kept it together all this time by denial and wanting to keep the status quo. She will get her thoughts sorted. It will take a bit of time for the brainwashing to dissapear I guess. I am so proud of her and appreciate the loyalty she has shown me over the last couple of years.
Now you see why my new username is so apt. Oh happy days ahead!! Bring it on.