Posts by Stubborn Disbeliever

12

How Do I Reply?

by Stubborn Disbeliever in

so my grandma just wrote me out of the blue today.

i haven't written her in about a month, maybe two.

all i did was send 2 or 3 pictures of the kids in reply to a message about not having any recent pictures of them.

Sarahsmile, I can see myself writing something like that...although, DATA-DOG, I would LOVE to add that in there! Billy the Ex-Bethelite, my grandpa has lost most of his vision to macular degeneration the past 2 years, so my grandma would end up reading it anyways. Lol. But yeah. I am going to mull it over a bit. It's my birthday tomorrow, so next week I'll think about writing her. She hasn't written again, and I'm kind of surpised, but thank you all for the input!

I don't want to completely break her heart, but she has already shunned me 90%, it's just that 10% that keeps coming around twice a year or so to buy us something and then throw in guilt trips. I think this time around she's realizing that it's just not working. Her initial reaction about the pregnancy was shot down pretty quickly when she saw how happy our daughters and I were. My grandpa left the room right away. Just funny how children are such a horrible thing. My great grandma (other grandma's mom) was practically shunned when they got pregnant with my grandma, and they were what is now known as district overseers! Back in the 1930s! Glad they don't believe in abortion because I'm glad I have my other grandma, mom, and uncles, and ultimately myself and my kids! lol. I just sit in awe looking at posts on here and how ridiculous this cult is once you really look.

4

Any Ex-Witnesses Live in Phoenix?

by Dinah-sore in

i'm been out of the org for about 4 years now, and have lived in phoenix for a couple years.

i was surprised at how many witnesses i see out in field service on a regular basis here, and even more surprised at their casual dress.

i've had sisters approach me in at bus stops in slacks and sleeveless shirts...when i was in the organization a woman would have never worns pants in service.

Stubborn Disbeliever

I'm in central Phoenix! I've only ever seen them out in typical dresses/skirts the past 11 years here in Phoenix.

12

How Do I Reply?

by Stubborn Disbeliever in

so my grandma just wrote me out of the blue today.

i haven't written her in about a month, maybe two.

all i did was send 2 or 3 pictures of the kids in reply to a message about not having any recent pictures of them.

Stubborn Disbeliever

So my grandma just wrote me out of the blue today. I haven't written her in about a month, maybe two. All I did was send 2 or 3 pictures of the kids in reply to a message about not having any recent pictures of them. Every few months she will either email or call on Skype. Then stops talking for a few months. I've been posting some "apostate" things on my facebook lately (My bff Shyla "Gojira"'s "coming out" video). My dad and brother are on my fb, but I do believe it's more of a spying on me type of thing. So after posting the video yesterday, I get the email thismorning from my grandma. This is what it said:

"I was sorry to hear that you felt I condemned you to hell, because of not coming back to Jah.
Nothing could be farther from the truth. It hurt me. I am sorry if I have hurt you in some way.
I have always wanted the best for you. And especially now with your having another child.
Children are a blessing from God, you were a blessing to me...what happened? How have I hurt you? You are breaking my heart. Sorry if our love for you wasn't enough. I still wish you peace."

Ok, seriously. What a sly way to put a little more salt on the guilt-flavoring, right?! If you look back a few posts in this forum, you'll see her reaction to my pregnancy announcement (titled, "God Forbid!!"). JWs don't cherish pregnancy, they look down on having children.

I'm not sure where she "heard" that I said she condemned me to hell, but it was probably through spying on my facebook from my dad or little brother. I have been quite open with the reposts.

Another issue I have, why can't they own up to anything? This has been 11+ years of me telling her that she can just stop talking to me if she's going to bring up "Paradise" and "Armageddon" and how much she loves me and how much money she has invested in me only for me to not be able to live with her forever. I know I'm not going to get through to her, which is why I haven't answered her questions. She hasn't hurt me, by the way, I know it's the cult and the control they have on her (and the rest of my cuckoo family).

I don't know where I want to go with this. I just want her to either just stop emailing completely or just stop with the guilt. It doesn't work on me, I don't feel guilty, it's just annoying to hear.

So, should I respond? If yes, then what do I say? How do I reply to her? If no, then why? I know if I just don't reply, she'll try writing eventually. My birthday is Sunday, so I know I should be hearing from her at least one more time since she has to remind me it's my bday every year lol.

94

Who I really am, my story on YOUTUBE!

by Gojira_101 in

jw
friends

the death of a jw and the birth of me the apostate.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2lwgowdpj8.

a huge thanks to my friend ray publisher (jwstruggle) for posting my video for me.

now that i am no longer held prisoner from the fear of watchtower, i can now help others!.

Stubborn Disbeliever

I'm so proud of you! I haven't truly ever been "in", just baptized because of pressure and df'd 11 months later. But even though I haven't been "in", there were/are those little bits of brainwashing that have tickled my subconscious and come up once in a while. I just want to say that I'm so glad to have you as a BFF and that I am so grateful that you have opened my eyes, even though I'm just "inactive" like you, I can still have that freedom from the cult. I love you, and now I can use Shyla. :) Awesome video.

11

FOLLOW-UP story to YouTube video 'Elder's come for a Visit'

by Brother of the Hawk in

so, bro.

bro.

come on bro.

Stubborn Disbeliever

About the tractor, I could TOTALLY see this (probably have, multiple times) at the KH I grew up at....and I could guarantee that it would be my uncle giving the announcements, and the loudest laugh would be from my parents and a few others. "Oh you silly BOEs, you tricked us! Teehee. Good one." I could almost give my right arm to bet that would've been the outcome. Sick.

One HUGE thing I've noticed is that JWs can't say the "W" word (wrong) in reference to themselves, but it's not even a flinch before accusing everyone else of being horribly wrong! I guess mom getting the chemical sensitivity was a blessing in diguise, you know? I mean, even though you were lucky to be able to start seeing through the lies, I think being OUT of the congregation, in a sense, really helped open your eyes. (hehe, I rhymed)

I'm just so grateful you all were able to see this (and share it with me!!). It's just so ridiculous how back-ass-wards they are in any reasoning. Thank you for updating. I can't wait to hear about the most recent meeting....Gojira got me all worked up when she said they showed up and then never talked about it again. Love you and Newly Enlightened!

77

What does your screen name/avatar mean and what does it stand for

by BU2B in

jw
friends

and why did you choose it?

if you have a avatar, what is it and why did you pick it?.

ok ill start.

Stubborn Disbeliever

Oubliette...I thought you were just a David Bowie fan or loved Labyrinth. Lol. But that's a good reasoning!

77

What does your screen name/avatar mean and what does it stand for

by BU2B in

jw
friends

and why did you choose it?

if you have a avatar, what is it and why did you pick it?.

ok ill start.

Stubborn Disbeliever

Mine is pretty self explanatory. I have always been stubborn (runs in my thick-headed family), and I'm a disbeliever in the Borg! :) My avatar is because I've always been a hippie. Give me some 60's classic rock, folk music, the sun and nature, patchouli (any incense and essential oil, really), (and nice flowing skirts lol) and I'm in heaven. Hahaha, free thinking....open your mind.....be one with yourself and nature...uh huh, I was the "demon" in our local congregations.

9

Psychological Effects Of Believing Jehovah Is A God Of LOVE As Taught By The Governing Body

by frankiespeakin in

consider the type of deity the governing body worship, and whole heartedly endorse:.

jehovah.

jehovah is the type of deity that requires "exclusive devotion" and gets extremely jealous of other gods, even if they are just made of wood overlaid with gold or idols.

Stubborn Disbeliever

I have always had a hard time with this. Even now, the rare times my grandma (the only one in my family that will even attempt to speak to me) and I talk, she reminds me of how I need to be taking my kids to that Kingdom Hall otherwise I'm only letting Jehovah destroy them. EVERY time my response is, "But the first scripture you taught me was 1 John 4:8 - God is love. So if God is love, he wouldn't just destroy my family because I didn't bring them to a building. Then she is kind of quiet and says something about destroying the wicked and those who have turned their backs, yadda yadda. Makes PERFECT sense. ha!

38

I think I've planted a seed!

by OneDayillBeFree in

i could be wrong, but i can't help but be a bit optimistic.last night my parents and i had our "family worship night".

i hate it, and i believe my mother does too.

my dad only does it because he's an elder but last night even he was acting like he didnt want to do it.

Stubborn Disbeliever

Wow! That was an awesome read! I really hope they can wake up and not be swayed too much by the BS from the others. Great job!

6

Great Meetup in Phoenix AZ yesterday!!

by Gayle in

about 28-30 of us there for two hours at the phoenix library.

alot of personal experiences of those being raised jws and experiencing shunning!

it was filmed but sensitivity was certainly given for those there, were several there, who could not be filmed because of jw family yet.

Stubborn Disbeliever

Noooo! I could've actually gone! I didn't even know about it! Glad it went well. Hopefully there will be another one soon that is close enough to attend!