I was born in the 50's and raised in the so called truth. I began to see the light the same year I got my concealed weapons permit. Imagine that, a witness packing heat. <G> That was in 1995. There is much to be seen when one opens their eyes. Only so much can be covered by saying "we are all imperfect, Jehovah will set things right." What a load. In some perverted ways it is almost funny to see an Elder giving a public talk one sunday, and then see him out at a wild night club the next week. Or watch as an Elder drinks to much and makes a pass at another sister. Or know that a "brother" just three years ago took a 14 year old to bed when he was over 21, and now is a ministerial servant. (When he should be in jail.) Or have an Elder ask your oldest son if he is taking drugs....just because he had allergies. Or to hear them lie to your face and others, and assasinate your reputation. I could go on and on, as my family and I have been hurt in many other ways. But living a double life is hard to break. My mentality is that there are spies everywhere. For all I know, these boards are trolled by the Elders looking for people like me. (By the way, if you are an Elder, eat crap and die, pond scum.) I could be much more specific, and tell stories that you might not believe, (yeah, you probably would believe them) but it would tend to mark me as the person in the know on these things, and if there are spies among us, it could make my life a living hell. (more than it is now.)
But I would like to ask this.....does growing up a JW, and then seeing the light, tend to make you wonder if there is a God? I was thinking the other day how nice it must be to have a faith. Right now, all I see is blackness if I die. I have bought a King James version of the bible that I now read. It is nice to read a bible without the JW spin on it. I had never before read anything but the New World Translation.
When I got into my 40's I finally began to grow up. I now have a huge library on subjects from Sun Tzu The Art Of War, to books on firearms, the stock market, politics, the economy and a LOT in between. I do not see a bright future for this country, and I'm doing what I can to prepare for the unknown. I figure I'm only 40 years or so behind in my learning thanks to the Borg. The "woulda coulda shoulda's tend to drive me nuts. Since I was five I can rememeber always being told that the "end" was just around the conner. Or that I would never have to do this or that, or worry about most things, because the "end" would be here soon. Or why would I want to have any friends in "the world" because they will be dead soon anyway. It is a wonder I can read, or have any social skills at all, with the word "warped" coming to mind. As it is, I can count my friends on one hand. But they are very good friends....better than any I ever had at the hall.
TheSurvivor