Posts by Elizabeth Thompson

22

Disfellowshipping Question

by Elizabeth Thompson in

jw
friends

i have been a baptized witness for about 30 years.

from the time i was a kid.

i've been the only one in my family who is baptized until 15 years later when my mother got baptized.

Sorry for any confusion. My husband and I were dating prior to his getting disfellowshipped. We were at a point that we were broken up when it happened. We were in the same congregation and most of the people there remember him. We were very quiet about our relationship, as the rumor mill is strong in this congregation. No one knew that we were even friends (as I was new there), much less dating and I've confided in no one there that I am married.

Initially, I felt not telling anyone would make me dishonest. Which is why I've wondered if I should share with the elders. But on the flip side, I feel I owe no one an explanation for my life choices - only God, who knows my heart. I'm starting to see that I don't need the brothers approval of my decision. As I continue my research, I'm reminded that Jesus is the only mediator between God and mankind - not any elder-body or governing body. So I've grown more comfortable in my choice. However, I do have a few close longtime witness friends that I'd hate to lose contact with. I don't worry over my relationship with my mother, as she has always had doubts at the idea of shunning. I'm grateful too, that no one else in my family is a JW, and have been able to share my marriage with them.

Also, my husband has been quite wide awake. He has always been a strong reader of the bible and was troubled at some teachings prior to being disfellowshipped. He now has many versions of the bible that he studies, and although supportive of my continued activity with the congregation, he's hopeful that I wake up.

Its definitely happening, and I'm so appreciative of the support you all are providing me, and will hopefully continue to provide as I move forward on this course.

Thank you so much!

22

Disfellowshipping Question

by Elizabeth Thompson in

jw
friends

i have been a baptized witness for about 30 years.

from the time i was a kid.

i've been the only one in my family who is baptized until 15 years later when my mother got baptized.

Elizabeth Thompson

I appreciate the responses! Yes, I'm free to marry, but I guess I'm still of the JW mindset in some ways. With every day I'm learning more that I didn't know, and am starting to see that the Almighty and his son are the only ones that I am accountable to. Particularly enlightening are the videos by Ray Franz, and other ex elders who shed light on what really happens during those elders meetings that affect the entire congregations. My husband, like many of you, tells me that I do not owe the elders an explanation. I am starting to really see this and may just step away or fade away. Thank you so much.

22

Disfellowshipping Question

by Elizabeth Thompson in

jw
friends

i have been a baptized witness for about 30 years.

from the time i was a kid.

i've been the only one in my family who is baptized until 15 years later when my mother got baptized.

Elizabeth Thompson

I have been a baptized witness for about 30 years. From the time I was a kid. I've been the only one in my family who is baptized until 15 years later when my mother got baptized. A brother that I was in love with got disfellowshipped a few years ago. We continued to keep in touch because of our feelings for each other. We recently married several months ago. We both agreed to be at peace with each other's faith. However, because of my recent viewing of YouTube videos and research online, I am starting to wake up. Most troubling is what I am finding out about the history of this organization, and also the pedophile situation. However I know a lot of good people with good intentions like myself who are witnesses. So obviously I have some choices to make. I'm wondering if anyone can confirm for me that I will be disfellowshipped once I speak to the elders about my marriage. I am hoping to just end up on reproof so that I can have time to decide if I am ready to walk away. I think I already know the answer, but any insight or answers would be so greatly appreciated. Thank you much!