by RAYZORBLADE 5 Replies latest jw friends
As some of you may have noticed if you read the thread started by Timxcampbell, I attended my first XJW Meet-up in Toronto on Saturday afternoon.
I am curious, to anyone who has ever attended one of these meet-ups, what was your personal experience?
Did you enjoy it?
Did it meet your needs?
Did you have any concerns or misgivings afterwards?
I'd like to read some of your replies.
My experience was a positive one. Looking forward to the one in June.
Well, I have been to several apostofests, but haven't been to a "meet-up, refering to the web site".
At the fests, I have found them very uplifting.
I could put faces with names, found others who understand me and where I come from, the fact I didn't have to explain what I was talking about, and feel/felt the same as I do.
I finally knew after 12yrs I wasn't alone, and it gave me hope. I know I am not crazy, and I am justified in what I feel.
My only resentment..............I didn't find this board or the xjw's sooner. I could have had closure a long time ago, but I feel like I am with family around the ones I have met, and I have met ALOT of ppl.
I can say anything in reguard to the JW's and they understand, no matter what I say or what my stand is.
And MOST OF ALL...........................I AM NOT JUDGED! They love me and care about me no matter what, and that is a BIG thing to me and many others too.
If anyone hasn't had the chance to meet with other xjw's, I urge you to do so!!!!!!! It is sooooooooooooooo fullfilling!!!!!!!!!!!
Jes
I have to agree with Jesika, there's a rapore, a connection if you will where you don't have to explain your past beliefs as you are trying to explain part of your past....very satisfying.
Howdy Ray! I used to post on Tim's board but don't any longer. I'm going to assume he and his crowd calls apostafests "meet ups". Either way, I've been to two of them and both were a lot of fun.
The first time Nina and I were nervous and fairly sure we were going to get the cold shoulder since that's the way the Witnesses treated us for years. We had agreed to just hang around for a few minutes and then bug out and have a nice quiet dinner alone. Well when we walked in to Gloria's (the restaurant where we were all meeting) the first thing I see is a tall, lanky guy with dreadlocks walking toward me. He said, "You've got to be Big Tex" and gave me a huge hug and then introduced us to everyone there. We spent the evening talking and had a grand old time.
The second one was even better. Since Little Toe was visiting from Scotland I wore the full kilt regalia. Lots of fun that night.
Speaking of which, we need to see how we can get you down to Big D Ray. Kilts are optional.
I remember going to 2 Meetups.. We do have regular support groups here, and those are different. Although the Meetups can be a nice and relaxing social atmosphere, I remember this one time this guy who studied with the witnesses at one point showed up with a friend - I can't remember what denomination he belongs to now but frankly he was preaching a bit, and although his friend was interested in talking about the bible/religion that guy was more open minded. I don't particularly care either way, but I guess you can run into that. This wouldn't happen at a support group because there's a specific focus, but it's all good.
Looks like everyone who posted here had the same impression and experience.
I'm so glad I went. Fortunately, it did not mirror a book study/bible study. Now, I am aware that there are people who will want to discuss some doctrine/scriptures to perhaps help them see the mistakes made by the society.
There's no denying, once having been a JW - that only another JW knows what the hell we've went through, sparing us the long drawn out explanations to those who will 'never know' what it was like to be a 'Dub'.
Big Tex: I'll have to borrow my brother's kilt. I'll show up in Dallas in my finest MacLeod.
As for Tim's site, I've visited there more or less out courtesy, to say hello etc., and that my Meet-Up experience was a positive one.
But here: Right Here, is where ol' Rayzorblade is staying. This forum is like home, and it has given me so much resolve.
Thanks to so many.....a list too long and with too many accolades.
