Posts by ShadesofGrey

260

Are you sure leaving the JW religion has made your life better?. Lurkers think twice

by mankkeli in

on this forum, i have carefully read most of the experiences of those who left the jw religion, i have even read experiences that have dated back to 2001, i have read the different circumstances surrounding their exits and what ensued upon leaving.

for the majority, i observed they are better remainning in the religion than leaving.

what benefit is there to strain family relationship because you want to be free?, please tell me, of what value is that freedom?,.

ShadesofGrey

None of you have found greener pastures of spiritual nourishment in any other organization since leaving Jehovah's Witnesses. You delude yourselves into thinking that you're happy by participating in pagan holidays and selfish days of celebration such as birthday parties. True, no one gets their head chopped off during modern birthday parties, but what gets lost during these celebrations is what Jesus highlighted about giving freely, particulary to God. We recieve freely, and hence we should give freely. That being said, we should not celebrate the life that we recieved during a birthday party, but rather we should show how much we value our physical vessels by joining other True Christians in the full time ministry. Only that will bring us real joy, and give us sustenance.

In a sense, by leaving JWs and the direction of the Faithful & Discreet Slave, those who have done so have turned their lives into a 24/7 birthday party full of selfish desires and soon will recieve the full recompense for their error.

I have to respond to this. Spiritual nourishment does not come from an organization. It comes from Christ my Lord, THE LORD. Accepting Him as my only mediator as the scripture says has changed my life. My heart sings with gladness and light.

I have gone to a church about 4 times because it is hard to come out of a cult and have your family to deal with, but Christ led me to that church after I was born again. When I have gone I am very encouraged and strengthened. For years while I was in the JW org I would have to strengthen myself to withstand the negative onslaught from the meetings.

Many many people have reached out to me in love and self-sacrifice and I have also reached out to others, including JWs who are thrown about without their shepherd. JWs are the selfish ones. Never showing up at the hospital or helping friends move because they have to get their hours in, well I don't have hours to get in. I will be there for my friends because I love them.

260

Are you sure leaving the JW religion has made your life better?. Lurkers think twice

by mankkeli in

on this forum, i have carefully read most of the experiences of those who left the jw religion, i have even read experiences that have dated back to 2001, i have read the different circumstances surrounding their exits and what ensued upon leaving.

for the majority, i observed they are better remainning in the religion than leaving.

what benefit is there to strain family relationship because you want to be free?, please tell me, of what value is that freedom?,.

ShadesofGrey

Please tell me, of what value is that freedom?

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

Even if you have come to the conclusion that the JW religion is another man-made scam, How would leaving upgrade your life? I will answer from the perspective of my husband, who after giving up on the JW religion, having read no "apostate" material, but simply knowing it was wrong, and then remaining a theist, though an apathetic one, without Christ, for several years while his wife remained a JW.

It was hard knowing that my wife might try to raise my kids in that religion, and I was worried that she would become a "stronger" JW and I would have to take a stand for my kids, but I was patient. I showed her kindness and encouraged her to pursue hobbies of personal fulfillment, such as joining a zumba class and making friends. Her depression gradually lifted as she joined more and more activities outside of the organization. I also assured her that the Great Tribulation was nothing to fear, as the God of the Bible was not the judgmental unloving God that the JWs made him out to be.

It was also freeing for myself personally, as I started pursuing enjoyable hobbies like board games, some I could play with friends and relatives and others I could play with my wife and kids, giving us all something to enjoy together.

I still remained somewhat loyal to JW teachings, avoiding holidays and worldly friends. Then one day my wife became a Christian and told me to look into the JW organization. She told me that everything that they taught was wrong. I started making friends and I wasn't afraid of them due to them being outsiders. It was so nice to meet people and not have to keep my distance. They were nice!

Then we decided to celebrate my kids birthdays. Wow. The joy of my family is amazing.

When I became a Christian, the joy just increased. Real freedom from guilt. Gifts from the Holy Spirit. Understanding of the Bible that I never had before.

Yes, leaving the organization just enough to have more freedom helped. Realizing that it was ALL a sham was even more freeing.

55

sincere question .....What could make you believe in God ?

by caliber in

please discuss why you don't believe in god and that which could convince you to believe in god ??

?.

ShadesofGrey

Because Christ is the truth, not words printed on a page. And, likely for the same reason he spoke in illustrations.

Sincerely,

Shades

55

sincere question .....What could make you believe in God ?

by caliber in

please discuss why you don't believe in god and that which could convince you to believe in god ??

?.

ShadesofGrey

Oh don't worry. He will. "The fourth poured out his bowl upon the sun, and it was given to it to scorch men with fire. Men were scorched with fierce heat; and they blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues, and they did not repent so as to give Him glory. Then the fifth poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became darkened; and they gnawed their tongues because of pain, 11and they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores; and they did not repent of their deeds. - shadesofgrey <
A member of Christ's body,
ShadesofGrey

Now that's where you thesits do more to destroy your cse than any atheist could.

I am sincere, if there was evidence for god I would believe in him but ehre isn't. Your response is childish threats from a book that I have already told you is totally discredited.

Oh Cofty, my point was not a threat at all! It was pointing out that I sincerely believe in His justice. Each time a bowl is poured out in Revelation (and happenings at that time do provide sure evidence for God's existence, power and truth of His promises), unbelievers are given another chance to repent, not immediately destroyed.

As for why I quote from the Bible, but don't defend its inerrancy, well, I believe parts of the Bible are the words of God and are beneficial, but others aren't. The Spirit from Christ helps those who accept Him as their only mediator and reply upon Him, and doesn't help those who don't (like those who rely on governing bodies, faithful slaves, priests and popes as mediators).

A new life in Christ,

ShadesofGrey

59

Disfellowshipping Rescinded!

by 00DAD in

has anyone been successful in getting their disfellowshipping rescinded?

i specifically do not mean getting reinstated.

i want to know if anyone that was disfellowshipped was able to officially and through the congregation and/or the organization have their status as a "disfellowshipped person" changed without getting "reinstated" through the normal procedures?.

ShadesofGrey

Thank You!

"......but he that is confessing and leaving them (his transgressions) will be shown mercy."

260

Are you sure leaving the JW religion has made your life better?. Lurkers think twice

by mankkeli in

on this forum, i have carefully read most of the experiences of those who left the jw religion, i have even read experiences that have dated back to 2001, i have read the different circumstances surrounding their exits and what ensued upon leaving.

for the majority, i observed they are better remainning in the religion than leaving.

what benefit is there to strain family relationship because you want to be free?, please tell me, of what value is that freedom?,.

ShadesofGrey

LeavingWT - Of what value is sharing what is in your heart if it would strain the relationship between you and those arround you

When those around you aren't under the control of the bOrg it doesn't!!! At least, not for long. My atheist and agnostic friends and family can accept me for who I am, and I them. They have shown me more love than I ever found in the bOrg. We love eachother. We respect eachother! They are so valuable to me!

260

Are you sure leaving the JW religion has made your life better?. Lurkers think twice

by mankkeli in

on this forum, i have carefully read most of the experiences of those who left the jw religion, i have even read experiences that have dated back to 2001, i have read the different circumstances surrounding their exits and what ensued upon leaving.

for the majority, i observed they are better remainning in the religion than leaving.

what benefit is there to strain family relationship because you want to be free?, please tell me, of what value is that freedom?,.

ShadesofGrey

Life is no longer like one big high school with cliques and popular crowds.

I can have my homosexual family members in my life.

I can have my sister in my life.

I can call her and ask for advice!

I am not afraid of my friends judging me.

I smile more, I laugh more. I play more.

My kids feel loved.

Oh, I will likely add more and fill this thread with pages.

260

Are you sure leaving the JW religion has made your life better?. Lurkers think twice

by mankkeli in

on this forum, i have carefully read most of the experiences of those who left the jw religion, i have even read experiences that have dated back to 2001, i have read the different circumstances surrounding their exits and what ensued upon leaving.

for the majority, i observed they are better remainning in the religion than leaving.

what benefit is there to strain family relationship because you want to be free?, please tell me, of what value is that freedom?,.

ShadesofGrey

Do you mean a problem-free life? No.

But the problems are easier to handle when you have real friends and family.

The problems are easier to handle when you are assured of your God's loyalty and approval.

The problems are easier to handle when you aren't being beat-down day in and day out.

The problems are easier to handle when you have the fruit of the Spirit.

260

Are you sure leaving the JW religion has made your life better?. Lurkers think twice

by mankkeli in

on this forum, i have carefully read most of the experiences of those who left the jw religion, i have even read experiences that have dated back to 2001, i have read the different circumstances surrounding their exits and what ensued upon leaving.

for the majority, i observed they are better remainning in the religion than leaving.

what benefit is there to strain family relationship because you want to be free?, please tell me, of what value is that freedom?,.

ShadesofGrey

I gave Halloween candy to my neighbors and we all laughed together and are getting to know eachother! No more isolation!

I can engage in my husband's hobbies without feeling guilty!

I can meet his friends without feeling guilty!

My daughter can play with other kids!

I can enjoy holiday songs and decorations!

I can show love and support to my cousin and nephew in military service and I can even hug them!

260

Are you sure leaving the JW religion has made your life better?. Lurkers think twice

by mankkeli in

on this forum, i have carefully read most of the experiences of those who left the jw religion, i have even read experiences that have dated back to 2001, i have read the different circumstances surrounding their exits and what ensued upon leaving.

for the majority, i observed they are better remainning in the religion than leaving.

what benefit is there to strain family relationship because you want to be free?, please tell me, of what value is that freedom?,.

ShadesofGrey

Yes it is better! Much better!

I understand unconditional love!

I am less judgmental.

I have more patience.

I have no fear of death. No fear at all actually!

My whole family has more friends.

I am not worried about the Great Tribulation God killing off my gym buddies, workmates, neighbors, family, friends.

I no longer feel guilty about everything.

I don't have to "serve kingdom interests" in order to not feel guilty for a few minutes.

I don't fear the future.

I have joy.

I know Christ.

Wishing you the peace that I have come to know,

Shades.