Mistakes We Made While Leaving Jehovah's Witnesses

[@mickylove76]

I dodged baptism. I did the book 3 times with 2 different ministerial servants. I knew if I got baptized, the bOrg could get their claws on the rest of my life. But if I left the faith , I would have to leave school and move out. I managed to surprise my dad and he didn’t kick me out, but he made it very uncomfortable.

[@ezekielpennington1502]

Few people outside the organization, besides Amish ,Mennonite, or Mormons i guess, can understand the sacrifice that comes with leaving our faith. I know people from "the world " whove hopped from one church to another looking for a place that fits and have friends from each place to this day. That alone should cause questions from our "brothers and sisters" who are still active. How loving is that? Then again there is no hate as terrible as Christian love.

[@TheSollyolly]

When I talk to my friends and co workers I say you cannot truly understand the weight of trying to unlock your mind and relearn your personal beliefs in life. Everything. I'm agnostic and starting over. I love our creator, but I need to know more. I have 3 children who I've saved already.

[@mamajan99]

"I love our creator" Isn't that what it is all about? I was there as a little child. I have since found out who the wolves are that our brother Christ warned us about, but just like children we have to find out for ourselves sometimes. Your Heavenly Father knew you and loved you before you were born! He loves to hear your prayers and answers them when we are ready.@TheSollyolly

[@jtopdawg6]

Great video

[@mamajan99]

"still active" according to the newest light is just checking a box. I guess that soon "publishers" of GB Worship magazines (rather than the "Good News") will be officially called "Specially active, Above Regularly Active, Regularly active, temporarily active, Part time Active, Almost Inactive Active, and "constipated, barely going Active".

[@stevenparkin6486]

Ezekiel. Thanks for your though-provoking comment. I have never been a JW, nor are JW people among my family line of aunt, uncles, cousins, in-laws, etc. ~ My main comment is this: When I visit a different church, I look for new and interesting features that my home church does not have; then I add that feature to my own thoughts and worship. Every different church has something good to add to my life. Some other people do this too; it's been named, "Holy Envy", and is a valuable feature for all. When back at my home church, I am not shy to share that discovery with my church community, an acknowledgement that a JW member would not dare share during a JW meeting. Roughly every 10 years, I have visited a JW Hall; and I sympathize with you on the oddity of some of those meetings. I feel your pain of member-on-member shaming and judgment.

[@mamajan99]

JW Rule #1: Do not put your trust in humans. (Psalm 146:3) JW Rule #2: "Forget rule #1 and trust us humans!" (Watchtower 1:1) Cults are defined as ideological organizations, typically held together by a strong leader or leaders that demand high levels of commitment. It takes enormous amounts of strength - an almost imaginable degree of resolve - to leave a cult, particularly when you may have been born into one and have no friends or connections on the outside world. Cult survivors are often ostracized by friends and relatives remaining within the organization. Psychological experts point to high incidences of exploitation and emotional manipulation, even abuse, which prevents members from leaving and often lead them to surrender their entire lives to the organization. Christians surrender to Christ, not humans. (We left the cult 40 years ago! It is much worse now!) PS: Thanks to the internet, there are now many finding Godly friends worldwide! What a blessing.

[@TheSollyolly]

Lol sad corrupt and hard to talk to your loved ones trying to open their eyes to the clear deceit watchtower feeds their own people.

[@mamajan99]

Jesus was deeply moved in spirit and troubled, and Jesus wept. @@TheSollyolly

[@MrMrmetro]

JW Rule #1: Do not put your trust in humans. (Psalm 146:3) JW Rule #2: "Forget rule #1 and trust us humans!" (Watchtower 1:1) That is simply brilliant!

[@mamajan99]

@@MrMrmetro I thought so! LOL!

[@Duhble07]

@@MrMrmetroAgreed!!

[@southernbawselady7092]

Thanks so much for sharing your story! 🌻 To anyone leaving the JW religion pease do not talk with the "Elders"... Elders are really "company men" who act as human resource agents for the Watchtower organization. Remember, human resource agents act only in the best interests of the company. Elders search out any who are not loyal to the company, and those who are not actively supporting the policies and mission; as well as, individuals who are not reaching established goals within the corporation. All of these individuals threaten the profitability and outward reputation of of the company, and may affect others in the organization. When individuals inside of the organization/corporation have learned of hypocritical actions, deceitful policies, or lies regarding the actions of representatives of corporation, departments or heads of the corporation (Governing Body) and begin exposing these... Elders (human resource agents of the Watchtower ) are assigned to eliminate or lessen the effects of "whistle blowers" by labeling them "apostates". Once they identify an individual as a "whistle blower" they follow well established company rules and actively pursue any threat that may expose secretive practices, hypocrisy, or harmful or illegal actions that may impact company's profitability. Elders follow corporation guidelines set forth in the exclusive manual for elders, entitled: "Shepherd the Flock of God" published by the WTBTS. 1. To become informed as to the level of knowledge and information a potential whistle blower possesses. 2. Have a formal meeting (Judicial Committee hearing) with them to ascertain the level of dissent or waning support for the organization and threat they pose to the corporation. 3. Formally put the whistle blower on notice their actions constitute disloyalty to the corporation and they will be "fired" from the company losing all benefits and any ties to other members of the corporation. 4. During a congregation meeting ( regularly scheduled corporation workshop) announce the "firing" of those who have failed to follow company rules.

[@ShoNuffSoulBro1]

So true 😆 Eliminate any dissenters or doubters = “keeping the congregation clean”

[@aloramermaidful]

I love what you said about projection. For the majority of people that aren't self-aware, they think others think and act the way they do. Condescension, arrogance and judgemental. Which isn't the case. Great channel 🥰

[@ezekielpennington1502]

Falon im sorry to hear your story. Im sorry for the loss of your brother. Im sorry for the way your parents inflicted the "prodigal son" ideology on you both. For what its wrth i believe you handled the situation in the best way you could and im sure your brother knew that you loved him dearly.

[@DiffiCULTChildhood]

Thank you sweet friend! That means more than you know 🥹💜 -F

[@prenticedarlington2720]

I'm very impressed with the points you brought up from your personal experiences. Jason, I was touched by your empathy. You come across as a good, supportive team and I'm very glad I took the time out to watch this video.

[@DiffiCULTChildhood]

Thank you! I’m not allowed to watch Old Yeller at home. 🥲 No really, thanks for your kind supportive comment! - J

[@vusimngomezulu2500]

Leaving to which way between this 2 ????? Matthew 7:13-14.

[@vusimngomezulu2500]

​@@DiffiCULTChildhoodLeaving to which way between this 2 ???? Matthew 7:13-14..

[@mamajan99]

@@DiffiCULTChildhood Worship of Old Yeller cuts in on the worship of the GB.

[@THErealOGse]

My Dad left the JW Cult as a teenager. Basically ended up on the streets as a result but had zero regrets. My Grandfather then died and he reconciled to a degree with my still JW grandmother since she was no longer under the control of her deceased husband. A few aunts and uncles had left as well. One Aunt and Uncle had stayed and are still JW and I don't have any relationship with them and my now deceased Grandmother and I didn't have a relationship as well. I am 110% it is because of the JW Cult. It makes me angry. I have been dealing with the impact on me and my generation of this horrible cult in therapy and in day to day life.

[@DiffiCULTChildhood]

I totally understand! I spoke to my paternal grandmother twice.... once when I was about 12, when I met her for the first time and once during a secret phone call made to her shortly before she passed away. The only reason she was not allowed to be part of our lives is because she left the organization & never came back. I'm sorry it's been such a painful journey for you. I love the expression "If you don't come from a good family, make sure a good family comes from you." May Generational curses be broken in 2024! Thank you for sharing! -F

[@THErealOGse]

@@DiffiCULTChildhood thanks so much for the kind words. It is hard to fathom how this cult continues on with all the damage it does

[@kathiewalli8746]

There are so many things i would have done differently like leaving as a teenager which was when i felt the first inclination……but one that affects me now at 61 is being retired with a full pension Since Arm was always right around the corner i never gave consideration to my future because i didnt think it would come in this system I had a really good full time job right out of high school which i would have been retired from at 48 if i chose to leave then…..instead i moved back across the country to where my family lived and started to pioneer

[@DiffiCULTChildhood]

Yes! So many JW families were sent into the senior phase of life with no savings, no retirement, no pension, nothing. My own parents included. Heartbreaking! Sorry for the frustration you feel! We love you & thank you for sharing! 🥹🩷

[@Seasiren1215]

I agree, Falon, regarding taking care of parents. My mom hadn't talked to me for almost 15 years. And when my brother called and said she was really sick (Alzheimer's) and needed to be put in a home, I was there and I did a lot for her for the last 6 months of her life. It was happy and sad at the same time. She wasn't mean to me anymore, because she didn't know who I was. And as you said, I will not let what others do to me dictate what I do. My oldest brother is now the only one left and he doesn't speak to me, but if something happens, I will be there for him. The sad thing is, when people take the stance that "you don't want me because I am not part of this so I won't be there for you" they are allowing a person's actions due to being in a cult dictate what they do and when someone is gone, they are GONE.

[@DiffiCULTChildhood]

Oh friend, I'm so sorry to hear that about your momma... I know how bad that stings. But I'm so proud of you for sticking to your character, which obviously is very selfless. I always say, I don't have to answer for what they do, only for what I do. In the end, you can feel proud of the choice you made & rest well at night. Thank you for watching & for sharing your experience with us! -Falon

[@staceyosullivan548]

Ahhhh, I love you guys too❤ Keep living your best lives and know you are supported and cared for.

[@billjones261]

It be should clearly realized that love among people who are in this cult which includes personal friends and family is conditional upon if you are only an active participating member . So when a family member leaves and does it without behind openly objectionable they are still seen by the active ones as being evil and unloyal to Jehovah . So the participating ones are instructed to shun and disrespect these ones who left. This over the years has broken apart and decimated many families over the years. 😳 It goes further and deeper shunning if that person was Disfellowshipped by the congregation to which they attended. This shunning activity by JWS has caused hundreds and maybe thousands of suicides over the years . To date people are more likely to die from that than refusing a blood transfusion. 😳

[@zanvanrensburg3831]

Yes this is true. They leave a trail of dead bodies. In everyway. One of the most selfish of cults.

[@Duhble07]

Wow! This episode is so great. I hope every JW can see this. TY.

[@ShoNuffSoulBro1]

Such a great quote ! “ I’d rather regret the things that I’ve done than regret the things I didn’t do”

[@k3shaffer]

Thank you for another great show, and fascinating topic! I love what you are doing.

[@DiffiCULTChildhood]

Thank you my friend 💚

[@GeistInTheMachine]

There is no easy way to undo a bear trap. It's not pretty. So we have to have self- compassion. It's not like there's a manual for this insanity. It isn't normal or right for an organization to do this to people.

[@greenline5351]

It's so good to see the watchtower doesn't turn all who figure out they are fale in to athiests, God is good🙌

[@DiffiCULTChildhood]

All the time! 🩷 -F

[@thetruthk5138]

What the same God or god who causes and allows so much pain and suffering and gives us 35.000 days of life on average. Who separated us from love ones in death . The same as human misery animal suffering. Just because of disobedience in the garden of Eden to prove a point when you have made a perfect Man and Woman it defies logic. Just to prove a point. Saying that I am agnostic.

[@greenline5351]

@@thetruthk5138 thanks for letting me know your thoughts on the topic. Those questions aren't new but are valid things to wonder. I don't think I could answer as clearly as many have already. 🙏

[@thetruthk5138]

@@greenline5351 And I didn't mention how 150 thousand people die every day with the population explosion even more will die . Estimated that 78millon die every year year after year it's difficult to have faith

[@edeecampbell9278]

Totally get it!! The love is conditional based on if you’re in or out of the org.

[@zengalileo]

Interesting point about the idea that you can never leave too soon. Of course preparing a landing spot is smart. But nobody ever recommended lingering on.

[@AnthonyMorrisReturns]

Great points Jason and Falon. I love your balanced and sincere style🎉 Great content!

[@tarajohnson4422]

Love your channel, I have been DFd for 5 years but only mentally out for 2 years. It's been a crazy, awful, enlightening, terrifying, but life changing experience in all the best ways. Keep making content, I will be watching!

[@DiffiCULTChildhood]

@tarajohnson4422 I agree, it feels like a circus in your head when you first wake up but wow, is it worth it! Thanks for joining us! -Falon

[@DiffiCULTChildhood]

Good for you Tara! I know Falon already replied but my two cents: my last JW activity was the 2018 convention. It has been crazy and awful and great and weird. Somehow feels like 10 years ago and also just last year at the same time. There were some seriously hard patches, but life is so much better on the outside. Because even on bad days, it’s not “a bad day plus I’m in a cult.” Wishing the very best for you! - Jason

[@tarajohnson4422]

@DiffiCULTChildhood so true! Even though I'm coping with the grief with a little more grace lately, it's still touch and go some days. Having channels like yours makes it all a lot more bearable and not feel like I'm totally crazy!

[@latonyasmith683]

I love you both doing videos together!

[@zodwapzwane4913]

You will know the truth and the truth will set you free. its your freedom that you choose

[@zanvanrensburg3831]

Its hilarious u guys. How they constantly look for the fault like if you were dishonest...thats it! But they are completely fake ALL the time with each other even. Jason u gave me a good giggle. 😂😅😊

[@joshuaryan1946]

You're great!

[@gabrielgomez-iy1wh]

Thanks for both of your experiences. Falon my wife and myself feel exactly like you on not having kids… now we are both in our fifties with no kids… been out of this religion 5 years now and going strong.

[@DiffiCULTChildhood]

I'm sorry to know you share that same regret but I'm so happy that you're forging ahead free! Love you guys! -F

[@toddhayes3506]

Great Job Thanks

[@haan3549]

Loved this, thanks ❤

[@suchenliao2710]

Please subscribe Difficult Child and 💥 the like buttons

[@JC-be5cc]

I wished i lied more on those stupid timecard sheets. 20hrs would have been good 😂

[@DiffiCULTChildhood]

This made me laugh out loud 🤣 Thanks for that! -Falon

[@Strutingeagle]

So the lost sheep are not saying bah ah ah ah ah like Steve Lett said?

[@toddhayes3506]

Watchtower is DANGEROUS

[@jtopdawg6]

Just subscribed

[@Myke_thehuman]

A little bit confused about the whole regret not having kids part. If they had kids then leaving the cult would have been so much harder. They likely wouldn't have left at all. I understand that they really desired to have kids so not doing that is what they regret. But other than just being lucky and not being raised as a jw, other than that scenario. I don't see how it could have been better to have kids younger. But I'm not in Falon's position so I could be wrong.

[@CassieDavis613]

Agree, she would have been permanently tied to a JW ex and I have seen epic child custody battles with JW families.

[@christophersharp2212]

I've never had the want or the desire to join the jws. I did however have a few visit me while i was recovering from my leg injury and i made them angry when they said Jesus was Michael and not God. I asked "well that doesn't sound right" the elder say straight up and asked me what i meant. "Well you see if he was who you claim him to be why didn't he just come out and say that he was the archangel instead of saying he was the first and the last, that he is I Am, that those who look upon him is looking upon the father" he couldn't answer and i made them not sure up anymore after i said i understood why Satan rebelled but do not agree. Laid it out like so. So Lucifer was basically standing at the right hand of God. Beautiful, powerful and favored above all others in heaven. Then God creates the earth and then humanity and tells Lucifer that he is less than or equal to the human. Well like any older child who gets a younger brother and or sister and they take all your parents love and attention. Two routes the older child can take. One you live with it and adore your new brother or sister and do everything you can to help them, ortwo become spiteful and vengeful to show that the new children are nothing special" i again told them i didn't agree with Lucifer just understood why he did it. They promptly left and never returned. I have nothing against jws but when i didn't adhere to their ideal convert they run away or shun you. I follow Christ as close as i can. I claim no denomination as they shouldn't be butting heads and instead come together as lovers and followers of Christ. And as it stands i love everyone no matter if we met or not, whether you believe as i do or not. Love one another is blanket and all encompassing. Personally i won't judge you as we're all sinners and I'm not wanting to be the cast iron pot or pan calling the kettle black and turning my nose up at you. Live life, seek truth and love all.

[@DiffiCULTChildhood]

@@christophersharp2212 Well said!

[@robotaholic]

Born and raised jw in Oklahobo. I'm a gay atheist and single and a caregiver forr my mama. She takes advantage of every opportunity to force me into it still and im 49! I swear i was born and raised to hate sex and now it's no wonder I'm single. Evolution by natural selection is a fact and it slowly is dawning on my mom finally. I dont try to convert her, i dont bring it up. What I do is tell her about what I watched. I'm a science and documentary fanatic and i just share a little and stop when it gets uncomfortable for her...next day how vaccines work like covid...to james webb discoveries and deep time...99 percent of all animal species are extinct. That fact carries some weight for her. Deep time is so difficult for my brain too Anyway thank you for uploading this,

[@DiffiCULTChildhood]

Acting as a caregiver for any parent is a huge responsibility, ESPECIALLY if that parent is constantly trying to push their way of thinking. But that speaks volumes about your character, my friend & we're proud of you. Thanks for watching!

[@robotaholic]

@DiffiCULTChildhood aww 😭 thank you for making this video and others. They do have a good effect that is positive and reaches people like me

[@nowandafter3258]

💰JW💯CULT💰

[@ClovisPoint]

YT deleting comments again

[@DiffiCULTChildhood]

Sorry friend. It wasn’t us!

[@greenleaf4681]

@29:48 YES

[@gabrielgarcia-ms8sg]

👍🙏👏

[@gaetanodetorrice5555]

I'm from the screwed generation 1975.😂

[@Duhble07]

My wife is STILL in, and she is so condescending and arrogant. Very judgmental.

[@DiffiCULTChildhood]

I'm sorry to hear that, I'm sure that must put a lot of strain on you both. Praying for her freedom! Thanks for sharing. -Falon

[@oilusionistaxd]

Sorry but i didnt understood The "i was lyng and thats why no one belive me" i guess IF you know about The JWs, but didnt know how tô tell it At time, The results could bê worse, só....

[@StanMNdirt]

I grew up a Lutheran, joined the Navy during Vietnam and converted to JW in 1974. We left in 1999 and have now been out for twenty five years after being in for twenty five. I already knew how to not be a JW because I didn’t grow up as one. There was barely any internet and no KZbin when we left. When I became a JW in ‘74 I was disowned by my grandparents as I was an orphan and lived with them. When I left the JW’s we had one daughter that stayed in and three adult kids that left. Anyways, the best advice I can give is forget all this JW stuff and go live your best lives. It’s only going to “f” up your minds to continue to dwell on the sh*t you left. 😊

[@johnokka]

Me ExChristian turned agnostic

[@TheSollyolly]

Agnostic too, I want to know more

[@mamajan99]

"Agnosticism is the view or belief that the existence of God, is unknown or unknowable." It is said that pigs eat acorns but never look up to see where they came from. Likewise, "God's attributes have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. (Paul's letter to the Romans)

[@johnokka]

@@mamajan99 at least i m honest with myself that i simply dont know

[@mamajan99]

For me, I agree with Paul's honesty: "Since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship." Romans 1:20 @@johnokka

[@mamajan99]

Do you believe that Disneyland just happened, or was there an intelligent mind behind it's creation?

[@ManuelDiaz-l9g]

If you a Atheist you are in the boat is they are come to Christ Jason 14:46

[@TheSollyolly]

I want to understand what you mean by your comment. Peace be with you.

[@beverlyffrench]

It's so sad that you become an athest.Emagine you allow this evil organización to make you decide to leave God.I am sure you know there is a creator that you should worship.Please read the Bible with an open mind and pray for Gods guideance with the Holy Spirit.

[@pedrosamaniego8148]

Don't waste your time..I love Jehovah. And his organization....❤❤❤

[@DiffiCULTChildhood]

Well, that's the freedom of choice we all have. However, we are curious to know how you came to comment on a video such as this 🤔