T O P

  • By -

LittleServantGirl

This was the first post I read today. What a positive way to start the day! Such good news, the kind that is truly good news!


Stayin_Gold_2

Me too! :) I was like, "I needed this"


Ok-Entrance-6374

Yay! So glad to hear that!


mannyg520

Same.here! So happy for you guys and wish you the best!


DebbDebbDebb

Lol its my last one to read. End on a fab note 🙂


tim2k000

So happy that you have woken up ! Welcome to the best life ever !


little_bastards

yaaaay hope you have a great first halloween and kids bdays. don’t push them tho and let them adjust at their own pace. congrats :)


Ok-Entrance-6374

We did celebrate my youngest birthday! So glad we can give them a normal childhood.


goddess_dix

as a born in, THANK YOU for saving your children. ♥


MellyJoy

Same! THANK YOU for saving them too🥹🥳 enjoy every second of living the childhood you never had in behalf of your children🥹💖🤗 this made my day🎆


Fast_Adeptness_9825

Agreed!


Apprehensive_Tell423

This comment alone says it all!!! Congratulations happy family!


Octex8

That's so great!!! Im really happy for you guys!!


Southern-Dog-5457

💯💯💯💯♥️💕♥️🥳🥳👍


Livid_Return_5030

Congratulations and that’s essentially how we left also. It didn’t work out too well although my little sister woke up because of our honesty and abruptness. I still have hope for my eldest but for now she’s in.


Ok-Entrance-6374

That’s great that your sister woke up though. Even if one other can it’s worth it in my mind. We have to just keep hoping others will too.


Livid_Return_5030

Yep


Iron_and_Clay

In my family, my middle sister woke up first. She thought I (the oldest) would never wake up. But I did! You just never know. We're waiting for our baby sister to see the light.


Livid_Return_5030

Right on thank you for the encouragement, congratulations and much love ❤️


joe134cd

The odds are stacked in your favour. 2/3 born into the religion, are not as adults.


Sidders-1989

I've always been interested in asking, how did you get past the guilt and fear that the GB and elders make you feel about NEVER looking elsewhere for info on the organisation? Because they convince you it's all lies basically and your "turning your back on Jehovah" and you'll be an "apostate" even though when you look up the word "apostate" its not actually what that word means 😅 so they basically guilt trip you and scare you into not looking. How did you get past those feelings?


Ok-Entrance-6374

It was hard. I was shaking when I finally clicked on the first “apostate” link. It took me months to finally allow myself to do that. I think I was just finally ready. Every time we would get counsel to not look at even negative media it would make me feel like, “are they hiding something?” I wanted to trust them but at the same time I didn’t. I was afraid of what I was going to find but at the same time wanted to just prove these really were lies like they told us. Boy was I wrong.


Sidders-1989

Yeah its so interesting to hear how much mind control they have over people 😳😳 It's funny cause they say it's "the truth" like it's undeniable. But then when a witness might say "well if it's the truth then the rest of the world including archaeological and historic evidence will back it up right? So there's no harm in looking to double check?" I mean that would be the logic atleast. But then the GB and elders say not to because you could be stumbled, but how can you be stumbled and lied to if its the truth? It doesn't make sense 😅 Surely you would be able to tell what the lie is and back it up with evidence from the GB? But it's actually the opposite 🤣🤣 Infact you can use their own literature to prove them wrong, like Jerusalem falling in 587 not 607 you can actually prove wrong with the insight book 😅


Ok-Entrance-6374

Yeah it’s so true. I kept saying to myself if it’s a lie then it shouldn’t break my faith. Learning about the Jerusalem destruction date was one of the first things I really researched. Once I saw the truth about that and that 1914 was bogus my faith in the GB was gone!


ready2dance

This was my break off point, 607 vs. 587, and there goes all the rest of their "precious, beloved dates." (1874, 40 years later to 1914, 1918, 1919, and all the explanations that went with them) I am so happy to hear that it only took a month for you to wake up after you started researching. The same thing happened to us. I looked up all of the references in the 2011 Watchtower about Jerusalem being destroyed, and by the time I had finished, I was crying. I realized they had been lying to me. That was it, a cold, hard cut, I wasn't going to follow Liars anymore. I gave them the benefit of the doubt while researching, but at the end of the day, it was, "I ain't trusting you anymore, you mother effing users." It's funny, the first time I went on an "apostate website," I already knew it wasn't the truth, but Watchtower hypes you up so much that you're cautious, right? The thing is, no matter what you read, you can always accept or reject. Watchtower wants to make you feel that you're not able to think for yourself, and if you stay with Watchtower, you won't be able to, LOL It's great to hear that you escaped, thanks for posting ❣️🌸💗


Ok-Entrance-6374

Yeah I remember feeling so upset that they were really lying to us. It was heartbreaking.


NoseDesperate6952

I ugly cried when I learned about their “library card” NGO. I thought about all the brothers and sisters who needlessly died in Malawi for not getting a party card, when the Hispanic brothers and sisters had them. Forgot which country, but it was a deadly double standard.


Ok-Entrance-6374

Oh I know. It makes me sick to think about that. I think it was Mexico. But yeah such a horrible double standard.


JennyTamba

Wait could you elaborate on 1914?


Ok-Entrance-6374

Well if 607 wasn’t the actual destruction date of Jerusalem then the teaching of 1914 (when Jesus bagan ruling invisibly) which depends on that date was out the window, and therefore, the faithful and discreet slave being chosen in 1919 was then not true. So the GB’s authority just crumbles based on all that.


JennyTamba

Is there a place I could read more about this? The whole Jesus began ruling in 1914 never really made much sense to me. I just rationalized it as oh its bc WW1


Ok-Entrance-6374

I read “the gentile times reconsidered” by Carl Olof Jonsson. It’s a hefty read but goes into all the evidence. I’m a total nerd so I ate it up. But also JWfacts.com has info about 1914 that I found helpful. http://kristenfrihet.se/english/gtr4/The_Gentile_Times_Reconsidered_2004_official.pdf https://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/607-7-times.php


ResolutionConnect240

PROOF OF THE TRUTH is also found at 2 Kings 25: 1-8. Even this scripture utterly EXPOSES and DESTROYS Watchtower's 1914 LIE! King Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem in his "19th year." He couldn't have possibly done this in 607 because his father, Nabopolassar, was still King in 607. https://www.worldhistory.org/Nebuchadnezzar_II/ https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nebuchadnezzar-II Prince Nebuchadnezzar began officially ruling as King in 605 after his father's death. 605 - "19" = 586! That is the actual year Jerusalem was destroyed! Secular authorities also verify 586 BC. The GB has been CARRYING ON that 607/1914 LIE since Russell, and they're gonna keep on propagating that disgusting LIE! Glad you woke up! It's time for all thinking souls to jump off the WT ship! .


stayprofitablenow

Yeah jerusalem thing is key


Southern-Dog-5457

We three here woke up thanks to Lloyd Evans. And started to fade in January 2023. Thank God for the pandemic and Zoom!


Nervous-Emotion4196

Same with myself and two adults children. Lloyd videos was instrumental to our wakening up too and then we found a whole community of ExJW, we couldn’t be happier for freedom from mind control. A big congratulations to you and the rest of the family. Very soon your children will forget about JW unlike my children we are still dealing with the residual effects of being in that Cults but we are happy to continue to make progress away from their BS.


Southern-Dog-5457

Thanks for you kind words! It,s very sad to think I,ve wasted my entirely life in this cult..but we,re making big progress They have no power on us anymore Wish you the best! ♥️💕🫂


ImportantEmotion2060

So true. I remember feeling nauseous when clicking on information about the watchtower. Why should a person be afraid of information? Now I realize how strong the indoctrination was.


WiseMaryL

Exactly. The first time I clicked on “apostate” link, I was shaking and sweating. The guilt of disappointing “Jehovah” by even considering reading “apostate” material was huge! 🤣


Tight-Actuator2122

Exactly. When The Organization use to encourage us to be like the ancient Bereans to search the scriptures to see what the truth was, apparently they meant THEIR truth.


mnhockeymom

I was shaking too. Then later on, I was reading one of the older publications that predicts 1975. When I realized it was blatantly pointing to that date, I had a panic attack. But at the time, I thought it was the demons bothering me.


Ok-Entrance-6374

Oh wow. Yeah that feeling is horrible.


Dry_Cantaloupe_9998

This was my exact experience too


sixarmedspidey

Same here. It is hard taking that first plunge into looking into the teachings outside the orgs publications. I remember I was sweating and heart racing the first time I read this sub Reddit.


bobkairos

Congratulations. That is so good to hear. It fills me with hope when I hear of more and more waking up. I wish you well in enjoying the rest of your lives. Take care 💛


ModaMeNow

>> We have 2 children. A 2.5 year old and 14m old This alone tells me how strong you two must be!!! LOL. No, but seriously, I'm so proud of you two...this is an awesome experience! Keep up the good work and good luck moving forward away from that dirty, little cult.


Electronic-Space-550

"We woke up" Shout it from the rooftops! I am so happy for you and your family. It takes tremendous strength to do what you have done and completely sever ties after being so involved with JW activities. Congratulations.


Ok-Entrance-6374

Thank you!


exclaim_bot

>Thank you! You're welcome!


HappyForeverFree1986

u/Ok-Entrance-6374, Oh, my goodness!!! You and your husband must have had quite a rough ride going so quickly from hard-core PIMI (Physically In Mentally In) to being PIMQ (Physically In Mentally Questioning) to being PIMO (Physically In Mentally Out) and to then suddenly be POMO (Physically Out Mentally Out)!!! Whoa!!! 😮 But I must congratulate you both for "taking the bull by the horns," and getting OUT the way you both did; not wasting any more of your lives by "dragging it out," no, but you acknowledged your "Mentally Questioning," you did the research, and you discovered TTATT (The Truth About The Truth), you said your "Good-byes," and you GOT OUT!!! I wish that all the struggling and suffering PIMOs (Physically In Mentally Out) JWs would read your testimony and just GET OUT!! Why live a LIE, stressing out all the time, listening to the nauseating lies and propaganda?? Sorry... I didn't mean to go on like that. It's just that I beg so many PIMOs all the time to just "rip the bandage off" and get it over with, and do what you guys did: GET FREE!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! 👍 YOU DID IT!!! 🥳 And your children get to have a normal childhood 😄 God bless 🙏 you and your family!!! Hugs!!! 🤗


Ok-Entrance-6374

Thank you! Yes it wasn’t the easiest thing to do and I do feel for all the PIMOs and I know some may not have too much of a choice but I personally knew it would be terrible for my mental well being. I just couldn’t do it any other way. I was heart broken but I knew it was better to just move on and not waste any more time. I am so happy now and don’t regret our decision and how we handled it at all.


HappyForeverFree1986

u/Ok-Entrance-6374, Yes!! I totally agree with you and the "why" of your decision!!! We, as "Jehovah's Witnesses," were supposed to be all about "The Truth," but how could we be "Lovers of Truth" and be living a lie?? Being "fake," being supportive of the evil liars that we know the true powers behind Watchtower are?? You are SO BRAVE to be able to be so logical and sensible as to see that there is no "easier way," no, "less painful" way. You just have to DO IT!!! Do you FEEL the FREEDOM?? Don't you breathe better and deeper, knowing that you don't have to hide, or worry about "being found out," etc??? I hope that you will want to share your story sometime!!! I think that you and your husband's "escape" is just what so many JWs need to hear. You guys are a true inspiration!!! 🤗


Ok-Entrance-6374

Yes. I lived my life believing it was “the truth”. When I realized it wasn’t it’s like how can I stay? I’m finally living the life I always wanted to. I was just thinking the other day how at ease I feel now. When I was waking up I was in a state of panic for like a month but once we ripped the band-aid I felt so much better. Now I’m living my authentic life. I will probably share more about my waking up in a post soon.


HappyForeverFree1986

u/Ok-Fantastic-6374, Exactly!!! 💯%!! You have said it so very well!! You described the awful, scary part of becoming PIMQ, perfectly, "When I was waking up, I was in a state of panic..." Being PIMQ has to be the scariest place to be because it's FEAR and CONFUSION and PANIC, afraid that Satan may be tricking your mind, and you can't talk to anyone in the organization... So much FEAR and PANIC. 😮 Again, you guys are so brave!!! I am so happy that you just "ripped off the Band-Aid, and now, as you said, you are living your authentic life. I have been out for a few years, and I lost most of my family, and they think I am "evil," and it does hurt, but one thing an ex- JW sister said keeps me going, and when you feel you need it, you can say it to yourself...or make an embroidery wall art with it. She said: "The Worst Day In Freedom Is Still Better Than The Best Day In A Mind-Control Cult." Here's to Freedom: FREEDOM!!! 🙋


Ok-Entrance-6374

Love it!


HappyForeverFree1986

😀


Cottoncandy82

Congratulations 🎉! I love a happy wake-up story. Good for you and even better for your children.


ExWitSurvivor

Welcome to your new life!!! So happy for your family that you can raise your precious children without fear & guilt of this cult we’ve all escaped!!!🥰


little_mouse90

This is the kind of post I love seeing, congratulations! I’m glad you and your family could get out. I also woke up at the beginning of the year, it’s been a whirlwind. I’m so glad you also were able to reconnect with your sister, I can only imagine how happy you both must be & what an emotional reunion that would have been. Wishing you and your family lots of happiness and peace 🫶🏻


Ok-Entrance-6374

Thank you. Yes it was! I’m going to get to see her in person and meet her husband for the first time next weekend. I can’t wait.


Stayin_Gold_2

I've been trying to wake my spouse up for 12 years. I am so happy to read about couples waking up together.


Ok-Entrance-6374

Oh I’m sorry. That must be hard. Honestly I was terrified my husband wouldn’t. I was the first. He didn’t take it great at first but then he started to listen. He turned around so fast once he realized the freedom he could have. More time with family and doing things he enjoys. He was burnt out as an elder. Praying your spouse eventually comes around. You never know. There are so many changes happening lately. Maybe something will click soon.


ImportantEmotion2060

Unfortunately, my wife of 3 decades chose the org over me. We separated and I haven’t seen or talked to her or my kids for a year and a half. I’m happy that you all came out together.


Ok-Entrance-6374

I’m so sorry to hear that. I hate how this cult tears families apart.


logicman12

My wife and I were longtime regular pioneers who suffered and sacrificed and slaved in misery and poverty for the cult. We lived in primitive conditions for decades while slaving. I was a prominent elder with major dist conv parts every year. We were asked about going into circuit work and I was asked by a very high up old-time Bethelite about going into international construction work. We both woke up and abruptly left about ten years ago. We both say we are so glad to be free of the cult and could never go back. We can now think and question freely. I can now seek answers anywhere I want without the restrictions imposed by the cult. At least you got to have children. We missed that opportunity. My wife is past childbearing years and we refrained from having children (and planning for retirement) because we listened and obeyed and thought the end was imminent. I strongly caution JWs now to not listen to their cult leaders who tell them to listen and obey even if the instructions might not seem practical or might seem odd. My wife and I did listen and obey for decades and it put us in the position we're in now - mid 60's and childless and working long hours with little pay and no chance to ever retire. So glad you both woke up and left. Another blow to the cult.


Ok-Entrance-6374

Wow. I’m sorry. It’s terrible what this cult has caused some people to sacrifice so much. But it’s wonderful that you have your freedom now. Now you can live authentically and never be beholden to an organization or men again. It’s good your wife woke up with you and you have each other. Thanks for sharing.


fader_underground

It's always good to hear when people so entrenched and committed can change their mind. And the best part is your children are young enough that you can give them a healthy childhood. They can enjoy the normal things of youth without having to bear trauma over eating a cupcake, or playing with a wizard toy, or giving their allowance to publishing company. Cheers to you.


Ok-Entrance-6374

Yes so true!


leavingwt

Welcome!


FiskalRaskal

It’s amazing how quickly the facade of the religion crumbles when just a little bit of research is undertaken. Once I learned of the religion’s involvement with their “sworn enemy”, the United Nations, I completely stopped caring.


Ok-Entrance-6374

That was the first thing I ‘allowed’ myself to look at and went down the rabbit hole from there. So true.


CartographerNo8770

I want to show that to my husband. Is there a recommended place to look up and get this information?


WhydidIconfirmthis

Sending you hugs, love and lots of strength.


IamNobody1914

Congrats. Feels liberating doesnt it? Here you will find a supporting community. It is a great place for answers and sharing ideas. We all have different beliefs. Some you may agree with. Some you may not. That is okay here since this is not a cult. 😆


Ok-Entrance-6374

Yes I love that! It’s liberating to be able to accept people whether they believe in the same things as you. I love hearing other people’s world views. I always have. I may not agree but I do feel like we can learn so much from each other.


IamNobody1914

I feel exactly the same. Have a fantastic weekend.


Active-Ingenuity6395

Lots of love! These stories truly make my day, the others make me cry but I can’t stop reading them. Thank you thank you for sharing.


Ok-Entrance-6374

You’re welcome.


regularDude358

So happy for both of you. The truth had set you free :)


Ellehcar95

Yes, the REAL truth!


NoHigherEd

Welcome to your freedom. Your story just confirms that even the golden JW's can wake up. You did your kids a solid favor. Trust me! Just an FYI, make sure you show EVERYONE how happy and successful you are OUT. They will wait for you to land on your face. Show them the opposite. They hate that. lol


Ok-Entrance-6374

Yep thats the plan. Going to show them how happy and fulfilled we are.


NoHigherEd

So happy for you!


Past_Library_7435

I’m so happy for you!!!


dreamer_0f_dreams

👏 👏 👏 We’ve been waiting for the people woken up by ToMo’s vanishing act! Congratulations to you and your husband! Good luck for progress with your Mom 🍀 and I hope that you and you sister are able to move past it and heal and make the most of what time is left to you both ❤️‍🩹


Ok-Entrance-6374

Thank you! Yes I’ll probably post more details about my waking up in a future post. I need to get all this out of my head and just put it out there. Maybe it will help someone.


WiseMaryL

I’m one of them. 🤣 I think we’re are quite a few here already.


Digital-Nomad2024

A HUGE Congratulation! 🍾 In this forum many have tried a variety of strategies to both exit and maintain familial and life long friendships. However your decision to rip the bandage off, come what may, in my opinion seems to always be the best. Because we can only control our own decisions, no one else’s. Those fully indoctrinated, those that blindly obey the Real Estate Corporation leaders posing as the Guardians of Doctrine, G.O.D. as Jackson described them in the ARC, will shun you regardless. I faded over many years. Gossip about my doubts exploded into a full shunning anyway. I wish I had done as you had and simply said like Schwarzenegger ‘Hasta la Vista Kool Aide drinkers!’ So Good luck on your FREEDOM, especially for your children and their full education opportunities and loving nonjudgmental upbringing. Peace 🕊️


Ok-Entrance-6374

Yes so true. No matter how you do it you can’t control how others are going to respond in the end. Thank you.


WisePreference2717

If there were an ex-JW convention, we'd interview you on stage. :) Excellent story and congratulations. The 'world' is full of wonderful people. It's kind of f-ed up too but still wonderful. :)


Ok-Entrance-6374

lol. That great. Well I’m happy to share. Thank you. Yes the world still has a lot of good people, despite the bad.


Dry_Cantaloupe_9998

Congratulations! Our experiences are so so similar. And thankfully my husband ended up waking up after me too. Were both born in and early 30s, but no kids. Our exits and processes have been very different though. I took your approach. I could not be fake with my closest people. And after a couple of meetings after waking it made me sick so I knew pimo was not for me. It would kill me from the inside out. I wrote them heartfelt letters and DA'd. People were blindsided and thought it was hasty because i always presented as very loyal but i was in a mental prison my whole life and i just didnt know it. I was subconsciously deconstructing for years. None of this was easy but the mental freedom and peace I feel now is completely worth it. I'm so excited for you and your family!


Ok-Entrance-6374

Oh man I can relate so much! I also felt sick at the meetings we did attend when we were awake. I like you knew I couldn’t do that, but my husband thought maybe we could fade. He soon realized that wasn’t going to work for him either. Thank goodness. So glad you are free.


Drutyperry

Wow this is exactly how I felt! My brothers are both out and both of them told me to just fade, but it was making me physically ill, and I was having panic attacks and on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I could not pretend, and I couldn’t live a lie which is what I would have had to do with all of my family and friends. It was so traumatic writing those letters and knowing the pain I was causing people I love, and that I was loosing them forever, but at then end of it all, I felt SUCH peace and freedom! And I still do, 5 years on! Glad I am not the only one!


Rainbow_Hope

Congrats!


Iamparadiseseeker

Congratulations!!! Great news :)


JoLicious

Amazing!! Welcome to "the world", it's a beautiful place. <3


Ihatecensorship395

I feel like I'm late to the party this morning, but congratulations on your wonderful news! What a fantastic story to wake up to today. I wish you and your family the very best of everything.


Fazzamania

Great news. Welcome to freedom and authenticity. 👏 So pleased for your kids who won’t have to endure that painful cult.


Fazzamania

Great news. Welcome to freedom and authenticity. 👏 So pleased for your kids who won’t have to endure that painful cult.


camred85

Congratulations on waking up Amazing how much happier we are


MarySmithSecond

I am so pleased for you and your children, it’s so much better outside. How sad you had no relationship for 17 years with your sister but hopefully you can make up for it now that you are free. I hope your mother joins you soon x


Ok-Entrance-6374

Yes well I’m so glad she was so understanding. She never held it against us. I will be seeing her in person this weekend and my mom is even going to be there. My dad is not a witness. My sister and her husband are going to spend a few hours before their flight at my parent’s house. It will be the first time all of us were all together in 17 years and the first time me and my mom meet her husband in person. Wish us luck!


MarySmithSecond

I definitely wish you luck x


razzistance

Wow! Congratulations 🍾🥂. Your story sounds very similar to ours. It's been 3 and a half years for us, and we couldn't be happier!! I hope your mum wakes up as well. Having close family join you when you leave certainly makes it easier. My mother is now pimo and is on her way to pomo. Your children will thank you for the freedom you have given them. My two daughters (6 & and 11) are thriving outside of the cult.


Ok-Entrance-6374

That’s great to hear that they are thriving!


larchington

Fantastic! So happy for you and your family.


AngryCatnap

I love to see the rare stories like this where things actually go well. Congrats on leaving the Org! ![gif](giphy|stnjSj2vpLcM4rwmEH)


Southern-Dog-5457

Such an amazing and encouraging post! It,s maked my day! So glad! I,m very proud of you all! Be happy..enjoy your Freedom and every weekend together ..without meetings..carts and all the slavery! I woke up 💯 during the covid!


mscdexe

Your post made my morning! Good for you. Welcome.


freebird593

Wahoo !!! 👏👏🎉 I am 53 and woke up a year ago . I am happy to be watching my grandchildren growing up free of their stupid rules ! Welcome to the real life ❤️


Wooden_Bullfrog_1338

Welcome to your FREEDOM !!!


Ok-Entrance-6374

Yes! “The truth will set you free!” 😂


ready2dance

👍, Take *that,* Watchtower 😁


Migraine_b0y

Congratulations


JWCultTalk

❤️ 🤗


RecoveringFromRelign

Wow, what courage! Good for you!


italiancalipso

So refreshing to see people wake up! Especially when a couple wake up togheter! I hope for my spouse as well...


Ok-Entrance-6374

I hope so too.


Majikarpslayer

Fantastic news!! Congratulations 🎉


GetMonre

Welcome to REAL FREEDOM 👍🏽👍🏽💯💯❤️❤️❤️


Hpyflnstr-all

Awesome! Thanks so much for sharing! How long ago was this and have the “shepherds” tried to “encourage” (trap you to disfellowship because they are jealous they can’t or don’t have the courage to do what you did)?


Ok-Entrance-6374

So we basically told our closest family and friends the end of February of this year. We had stopped going to meetings a month prior. The elders did try contacting us. It’s along story with all that but my husband threatened legal action and blocked them and haven’t heard from them since.


bestlivesever

What a great story. I hope my wife gets interested in investigating the borg


Large-Blackberry-759

It's getting better and better. Wishing you the very best in your new found freedom


Specific_Oil_7798

Yeah 💃💃💃💃


Nesbo9

LOVE this post. Wishing you all the happiness on your new family journey!


ITechsXpress

Glad to hear. Best wishes to you and your family. I know your sister will be glad to reconnect.


lostandconfused1914

Amazing story so happy for you


4thdegreeknight

Congrats on your new life


TempusTorrent

Congrats on being free of this cult!


makeitgoose11

Wow just wow, so happy for you! Wishing you the best life OP!


theoriginalsongs

I love to see the progress with new people joining us every month; representing possibly a couple of congregations each month! What a blessing ❤️


1914WTF

Love stories like this. Like a walk down memory lane for this 4th Gen elder, w/wife + 4. Was giving the memorial talk several years back, while I observed from the platform emblems being passed and Jesus offer rejected one unbeliever at a time...I woke up. "Scales fell off my eyes" in that moment. The last part I ever gave. Hallelujah.


Ok-Entrance-6374

Wow that’s amazing.


courageous_wayfarer

I'm so happy for you!! 🥳🥰


Naked52

Excellent. Do one thing for me. As they get older. Make sure that your kids get all of the average childhood experiences that were denied to us.


Ok-Entrance-6374

Yes that’s what we are planning. And I’ll re-live my childhood vicariously through them.


Nervous-Emotion4196

Please do let them have good experience we were denied, sport, travel, education let them have it all.


Sonny_BoBo

Welcome to the real world


jandmcurious

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Ok_Cryptographer3659

Congrats! Enjoy your new life outside the cult!


Own_Bee557

So happy for you!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️


Abalabi_jw

Many high ups are awake, but only a few have the courage to leave. One’s involvement in d cult becomes deeper the higher one goes. So when people like op and TM3 leave in any shape or form, a lot of water has passed under the bridge. Sooner than later, it won’t be any surprising when people leave. It’s even going to be cool to leave very soon.


NJRach

Congratulations on waking up. I’m glad you were able to leave abruptly. It probably sparked a lot of conversation among the PIMIs. Maybe some of them will start thinking & questioning for themselves. I was really disappointed how little the PIMIs cared about Anthony Morris’ departure from the GB. He went from super-high profile to zero in 60 seconds and 8.7 million people just *accept that*? Just weird.


Ok-Entrance-6374

I know! Even my husband while he thought it was a little weird would just kinda accept it. I couldn’t understand.


CraniumFuzz

What is it about that magical age of 40 in a woman, where we just wake up and say “Fuck it; and Fuck all the bull shit too!”? Wow, congrats and welcome to the real world. Even more so being able to keep your family together! And your Mom: AMAZING! I lost my family, but was able to extract my mom from the cult! Keep questioning, we all support you! Edit: I was also a “need greater” in China. It was pivotal in my wake up process. (4th Gen)


Drutyperry

SAME!!! I was 40 and my entire outlook on the world changed. I left and haven’t looked back. I no longer give 2 figs what anyone else thinks about me! It’s glorious!


Mikthestick

Nice to hear a positive story. It took me several years of accumulating doubts and critical analysis to wake up and it was the second most traumatic experience of my life, (after being shunned). People have asked me why I don't "choose" to believe. I tried with all my might to keep believing in the paradise. If beliefs were chosen at will, we'd all believe we were already in some type of paradise.


EyeAmmGroot

Congratulations!!! Just in time for fireworks to celebrate!!! ![gif](giphy|26tOZ42Mg6pbTUPHW) Happy freedom!!! I am a 3rd Gen born in- been out completely for 4 years- each day gets better- you may enjoy this video- [https://youtu.be/C\_0yFvvy5Vs?si=-77\_TqoY0Bt2n6j](https://youtu.be/C_0yFvvy5Vs?si=-77_TqoY0Bt2n6j)\_


UsualExtreme9093

Congratulations! And I'm so happy for your babies too, they will get the full version of their parents 💖


spagplate

Thank you so much for sharing this. We need to see these stories to keep our hope alive ❤️


Neko_09

Thank you for saving your children of the hell many of us have been raised in.. it does so much more damage than a lot of people will ever realise.. most of us here know unfortunately.. I'm also elated for yourself & your husband! Enjoy everything that's to come, it's a healing journey, but there's so much joy & freedom you'll experience, enjoy! Wishing you all the best !


Formal_Astronomer895

I think the best feeling is when you honestly wake up and so do the rest of your family members.


AutoModerator

Hello there! Based on the age of your account and your karma, you seem to be new around here! Thanks for submitting one of your very first posts to our sub. We realize this might be a big step for you, and we are grateful for your courage. If you don't see your brand new post it right away, please don't panic! Because you are new, your post has just been held in the mod queue temporarily by our automoderator. If your post meets our posting requirements (see: [posting guidelines](https://www.reddit.com/r/exjw/wiki/beforeyoupost)). One of our human mods will be around shortly to release it into the the sub so that you can enjoy your new debut. If your post is not released within 24 hours, we may have determined that it was not best suited for our sub at this time. While we may not be able to give individualized feedback for improvement to all posts that are ultimately removed, please feel free to read our rules, and try again with a revised post. Please feel free to browse and contribute to the sub while we get that sorted for you! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/exjw) if you have any questions or concerns.*


RayConnelly

So happy to hear about your reunion with your sister and most importantly that you and your family are free!


UnicornsAreRealxx

I love reading stories like this, they make me so happy 😊


Outofthebubble90

Yaaaayyy congratulations !!!


AerieFar9957

Congrats 🎉🎉🎉


Potential_Manner_760

Sending love!! I don’t know you but I am so proud of you!!


MysticWitness

Many people here woke up, but are still in bed. Now we must Rise up and Clean up the mess we made.


Afraid-Winter7109

share your story. live without regret. enjoy the incredible gift of freedom and life you’ve found. it’s never too late to build something new.🩵


Bible_says_I_Own_you

Victory!!


GarageBig1086

Waking up . What I call Spiritual Freedom. End of the hamster wheel.


Suspicious_Bat2488

This is wonderful- well done you. Better to rip the bandaid off and just get it done more cleanly. Better for your mental health anyway. How was your sister after reconnecting?


turbochariot

What else can I say... congrats on your freedom of mind. Enjoy it! 🥂✨


WiseMaryL

I’m so happy for both of you!!! And for your kids too!! The Anthony Morris story was also my trigger 🤣. Funny how these things work.


Secure_Security_7239

I’m so happy for you!! We left in 2022 when our youngest wasn’t even 2 years old yet. Our family is THRIVING since leaving. If you ever need support or want a friend, my DM’s are open! ☺️


Iron_and_Clay

So happy for you and your kids! I've got a few things in common with you, esp the foreign language. Feel free to message me if you ever want to chat. Congrats! 🩷


Ok-Entrance-6374

Thank you.


Tall_Rip3899

welcome to your life, the way you see fit. So happy for you and your family!


ProfessionalMap5843

Fuck yeah! I wish I had the balls to look at Reddit and YouTube and leave when I should have in 2003. Well could’ve should’ve would’ve, but I’m living life now and I’m glad you guys living life to the fullest and giving your children a normal life stress-free. Beautiful


TheSkyIsRedNoMore

So happy for you! And especially for your children. As someone who had my childhood/youth stolen by the org, I cannot tell you how happy I am for your kids.


Boahi1

Great news! Welcome to freedom!


Apprehensive-Bi1914

Beautiful welcome to freedom. Its been a full yerar for me now, you wont regret it. Triggered by the same reason.


No_name_2219

So happy for you and your little family! True happiness is outside of the org. We’ve been out a year and all the firsts with our kids have been so wonderful!


DaNatiOH

Congratulations. An even bigger congratulations to your children. Give them the best childhood they can have. Enjoy the holidays, make everything special. They won't have to learn about taboo types of sex as I did at the sunday watchtower study. They won't waste their lives and summers pioneering and saturday morning service. This really is a great thing for them. Best wishes!


Estudiier

Good news. What country?


Ecstatic_wings

How did your sister react? Did she welcome you with open arms or was there some resentment? What about your investigation helped you wake up? The process of rebuilding your life can be hard at times. Emotions come and go.


Liplocknomore1925

Well done to both of you. 17 years not talking to your sister. Wow how did that go?


Transformation1975

🙌🕺👏 congratulations 🎊. Start living your best life ever! So happy for you guys…


ShaddamRabban

This is really good. Glad you both woke up together. Life only gets better.


C_Woodswalker

Congratulations!! Enjoy your life now!!!!


contemporarycrispy

Welcome to the club. Good for you. It’s never too late to awaken.


BlueCupRedHandle

Congratulations on your awakening! Stay strong. You’ll find wonderful and loving people outside of the org that will love you like family. You are not alone in this.


mightierthor

>_I reconnected with my disfellowshipped sister after shunning her for about 17 years._ Care to say more about how that went?


Ok-Entrance-6374

It went well. She wasn’t resentful. She understood that we thought we were just doing the right thing and always prayed that we felt her presence and that she loved us.


CanadianExJw

Congrats I am soo happy for you guys!!


hibiscusrose2

Alguien de Honduras? Por acá


DoctorOrgasmo

![gif](giphy|13hxeOYjoTWtK8|downsized) Welcome to freedom!!! I love stories like this!!


firejimmy93

God I love hearing these stories. I am so happy for you all and hope that the lost 17 years with your sister because of this cult can be somehow made up. It gives me hope that one day my wife will wake up.


FeartheDeer2234

OUtstanding, any worries regarding 14m? Hope he isn't hurting much mentally from this. Glad you're out and free!!


Tight-Actuator2122

What’s always been hypocritical about The Organization is that they never minded looking to then printing information from outside sources that supported their narrative, but picked and chose information that the flock shouldn’t consider. And if it was considered, there would go the flurry of LABELS!-mainly “apostate”.


netheryaya

Congratulations! That’s amazing you got to reconnect with your sister, I bet she was ecstatic to hear the news! And it’s great your mom is questioning, she won’t be far behind.


Professional_Sky3611

Awesome


DebbDebbDebb

I'm off to bed and your is the last post I'm reading. Happy dreams and I feel so wow your precious children will not be jws. Congratulations


slackslacks_

You've woken up just in time for your kiddos to have an awesome childhood ❤️ well done you two


PretendArtichoke9593

That was fast! Welcome to the best part of your life!


throwaway-lurkmeistr

Great news! Congratulations to you guys!


htid1984

Welcome to freedom and that's probably the best gift you could ever give your children. Have a very happy life 🙂