Why I Left Jehovah’s Witnesses: former ministerial servant, pioneer, LDC | AltWorldly

[@RainAngel111]

It's the saddest thing when your parents raise you to be compassionate and thoughtful and to think things through and not rely on your preconceived biases, but when you do exactly that and it leads you away from their religion, they don't see that you're just being the good person they raised you to be

[@stacyyoust]

Deep!

[@equality379]

Exactly, they don't see the irony though at all

[@squidyinkydink]

I think the hardest part of being disfellowshipped is knowing your whole community really wasn’t a community at all. I never had true friends or family for most of my life which is very sad.

[@user56gghtf]

It's sad but it's your story. And because of that you have a prospective that a lot of people don't have. When something or someone is not right you see it before others. The friends and family will come. Family doesn't have to be people blooded related to you. This time alone is to work on yourself and develop a real relationship with the true God not the god you were being told you were serving. You are not alone. God loves you and He has never left you. He is always in control and everything that has happened for your greater good.

[@GeistInTheMachine]

@@user56gghtf Amen. I am the same. Raised in this cult.

[@ritae5316]

That really is the saddest part. I am also disfellowshipped but, I have to say, a few years ago my worldly grandma died and Mom's whole congregation showed up for the memorial service. They all talk to me and were sweet and wonderful, and it made me miss them so much. I don't hate the people, just the organization. These people were like parents to me, more than my own sometimes... It was just sad to only have one good day, but I know that's the manipulation

[@user56gghtf]

@@ritae5316 That's called a trauma bond. Trauma bonds are emotional bonds with an individual that arise from a recurring, cyclical pattern of abuse or manipulation perpetuated by intermittent reinforcement through rewards and punishments.

[@pridemuramasa1820]

OMFG yes, that shit hurts like a MF😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@stevenparkin6486]

I've never been JW and have no family, near or far, that are in it. Somehow, I stumbled onto your video and was awestruck for most of these last two hours because of the level of your Candor and Recovery. One of the clearest evidences of an unhealthy organization is not allowing members to leave with dignity.

[@151prospect151]

“Indoctrination is giving people defense mechanism against critical thinking.” This is a great quote.

[@tripleraze321]

Indoctrination combined with confirmation bias is a damn near invincible weapon. I left the Mormon church last year.

[@derelbriarley6786]

Who of?

[@151prospect151]

Where for?

[@josepheridu3322]

If we are just flesh, it does not matter if you have critical thinking or not... you are just dead atoms.

[@SoniaShowalter]

As a grandmother, your parents will really be sorry when you have children. I deprogrammed myself before picking up the phone and calling the head elder to tell him I was leaving. It was amazingly liberating to do it that way. I was absolutely solid in my decision and completely free. This elder tried his best to convince me I was making a mistake, but I was so prepared for all his lines that his attempts were completely futile. I was saving my girls from them because they were entering the age of accountability. I didn’t want to be shunned by my own daughters in the future, if I waited too long. It was a two year process because of all the research and I can definitely identify with the misery of sitting through those meetings and listening to what I knew were lies. I still belive in God and attend church, but even picking the right church took research because I wanted to be sure I didn’t repeat the same mistake. I have been so, SO happy this way. I left the org in 1992!

[@aviewer9516]

May I ask what kind of church you decided on? I kind of miss going to a 'church' but as you said want to be careful. A true non-denominational would be great, but kind of hard to find.

[@SoniaShowalter]

​@@aviewer9516 I chose the United Methodist church by the doctrine. Ironically, the UMC has become very left wing and the individual congregations have been voting as to whether to remain as UMC or disaffiliate to join the Global Methodist Church. Our church voted to go with the GMC. The GMC is continuing with the original basic bible truths as it pertains to Jesus and to strive to be holy in word and deed. The UMC, via disobedient clergy, has lost the doctrine as stated in the bible. It’s not so apparent in each individual church, but the time came to make the decision. You’ll want to ask the local UMC how they voted so you’ll know what you’re getting into. Most of the churches have voted to become GMC. We love our church even more now since we are now GMC. I hope that helps.

[@aviewer9516]

@@SoniaShowalter Thanks so much for taking the time to give me your input and information. Just curious, I know most other Christian religions focus on the cross and we know how the witnesses viewed that. Did that take you awhile to get over that? It's just so fundamental that I'm wondering how you've navigated that. Thanks again!

[@phenylalanine1042]

You are halfway to being free I hope you make it out of the second cult and rid yourself of christian dogma

[@henrydejong8448]

Hi Sonia, we're you raised as one of jws? Curious as to what religion you joined. When i left I came to a realization that religion only divides. I have kept my faith in God and have many interesting discussions with people about God. The first thing I had to deal with was how judgemental I had become through the teachings . It didn't take that long to change with the organization in the rear view mirror. For me , I have concluded religion just doesn't work. They all have an agenda. It many cases its to get more'believers' to justify their correctness of their faith. My believes are not threatened by different beliefs of others. I find it interesting to hear what others believe. I actually listen to what they say and share mine as well. I hope all continues to go well in your life when you exited watchtower.

[@maddog46]

You did fine, I used to be one too. Lost my grandparents, parents and a quarter of my family to that cult. And I have no regrets. Thanks for getting out and welcome home. It is worth it my good man.

[@simoneneveragain2939]

After watching video up to this point… I can not wrap my head around shunning my child. I’ve lost a child and grieve their absence every day. I will never believe that God instilled the parental bond and made it a law to care and love the child but will stop and say, “only if they are a JW”. If parents fall short just know that it’s them- not you. What parent wouldn’t be proud to claim you unconditionally. I think you’re completely lovable, sane and worthy. I’m sending my love to you Jake. ♥️

[@michaeljohn2826]

A really lovely comment.

[@A_prostate]

I know a really sweet sister whose son died in a car accident while he was df'd. She actually had people come up to her to offer their condolences but with the implication that he wouldn't be resurrected because he died while he was out. I can't believe she's still in. That would've been the last straw for me.

[@A_prostate]

Also, I'm truly sorry about your baby. My heart hurts for you and I agree wholeheartedly with your sentiments. No one could keep me from my child. Screw that.

[@marchi.fleming]

I enthusiastically 2nd this entire comment. 👍🏼

[@ronhansen8471]

It is not the parents. If the young adult wanted to be with his family again he could make some changes in his life and return. In fact we all make mistakes and in most cases the person that gets removed wants to be removed and not thinking about his family in the least. Minor children are not thrown out of the house or shunned.

[@TheTheblackraven]

I didn't realize how judgemental I was until I left "The Truth" , I left at age 16 and wasn't yet baptised. It took me 10 years to shake it. JW's are mostly well mannered and kind, but simultaneously smug, ignorant and elitist. Two things so resonated with me about your story. Realising how homophobic my Mother is, as the Brothers never spoke much about it so I didn't really realize that was a thing. And the day I asked about the NO BLOOD card in her purse when she told me she would refuse blood to save my life. I remember I asked her (think I was about 10) when can I decide for myself? She said when your 18, I remember thinking I needed to be so careful until then. I was shocked and saw my Mother differently from that moment.

[@sugoruyo]

I think we may all have been mistaking politeness for kindness with some of these people.

[@ThatRedhedd]

The part of you that even thought about when you could decide for yourself (and at such a young age) is evidence that you are an old soul, and this isn't your first rodeo. Not everyone would question it or seek to think/decide for themselves. It depends on how far along we each are on our journey of spiritual growth.

[@kyleharrison7881]

Pimo and your thoughts about repressing creativity speak so powerfully. forced to live a double life to do something completely harmless is so awful and it really eats away at your soul. Everything about the org teaches you to throw away a sense of self and to focus entirely on them. I hope someday I can follow your example and escape

[@realliving7340]

We are rooting for you. You are not alone♥️💯

[@justinthyme5382]

Best advice I can give you is to become TOTALLY INACTIVE, tell ANYONE about your inactivity is because you are having a PERSONAL, PRIVATE, CONSCIENCE ISSUE. You MUST tell them no more, even if Hassled by the Elders tell them the SAME REASON. But you MUST stay silent, it worked for Jesus when he was confronted by the Scibes and Pharisees. Remember silence is GOLDEN. you will be soft shunned and classified spiritually weak, not to worry though because the pressure soon eases. I've been out now for over 3 years after 46 years as a jw, I'm not disfellowshiped, I've become like the once a year memorial attenders (we all know that they are always love bombed) You will soon see who your true friends are. All the best for the future, remember you MUST stay Silent. Bye from Perth Australia. 😎🖐💕

[@symone3113]

The weight of it all became way too much for me. Once I tasted freedom, it felt amazing to live my life on my terms. I didn’t grow up in this org I studied and was baptized. In it for 11 years (married divorced) eventually faded..

[@astralclub5964]

The Internet is the modern day Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil! The Watchtower wants you nowhere near that tree.

[@justinthyme5382]

@@astralclub5964 excellent analogy, I must remember that.

[@catmeow333]

Thank you for articulating the extreme despair so many of us experienced. I was only a member for 4 years but I’d believed it for years. I can’t imagine how a “born-in” can awake. The fear rips your very brain apart. Suicide felt like the only recourse, and I had whirly family to run to. I appreciate your honesty and sincere love of humanity.

[@IraFinn]

Damn dude, when you start talking about how you weren’t allowed to pursue higher education and how disappointing that was- got me right in the feels. I’ve been in school most of my life, I love learning, I’m literally studying education and the barriers students face. Hit really close to home.

[@IllMosti]

1 university degree= 1 person that veered further away from their wicked grasp. I have a JW family member who told me that they feel sorry for me for contributing to my daughter's education fund and that it's no use to do so. If you give these people an inch, they take a mile. Best thing to do is stay as far away from their Hall as possible and if possible, from them individually as people.

[@michellegodwin6567]

What I like about your story is that, as dark as it gets sometimes, you still tell it with humor and warmth

[@nesbo7578]

A touching, personal and heartfelt video that got me in the feels. Thank you for being so open and honest, Jake. ❤

[@bahamabarb]

I am in the Bahamas, and I live next door to a Kingdom Hall. I visited once but would have never even been tempted to join. However, I've always been curious. I sat and listed to every word of your video and I was fascinated and entertained the entire time. Be assured, you are now wide awake! Bless you always!

[@JawnzyboiGem]

Honest, Open, Vulnerable, Emotional, Engaging, Sincere, Genuine...i could continue but you all saw it!! Jake.......JAKE!!!.......Jake Jake Jake. This is one one the best videos from the ExJw community that I've ever seen. Very relatable as Im also of the LGBT+ community. I wish so much that you were in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. After this video, you just seem so....I cant describe it. I just want to have lunch and drinks with you like twice a week. Thanks for sharing the intimate parts of your story. The realness brings your authenticity to such a new high level. If I weren't struggling with rent and finances so bad I would literally drop $1000 in your Patreon. Bravo man!! This video made me want to make my own "how I woke up story"...but I just cant remember a lot of stuff. I've tried to block so much of it out because of the hurt. I'm very glad you're in a much better place mentally and so very glad to hear that your health is much better. I DO feel the mental freedom has and will continue to play a large roll in your convalescence!

[@minniemeowmix2934]

Very well said! I'm listening for the second time right now.

[@justintime5021]

A long time ago one of the people in my friend group was named Alex. She was a JW. I get the feeling that she was only a part of it due to pressure from her family since when she was around us she really didn't seem to follow most of the JW rules. I was just out of high school at about 19. This friend group was a bit younger than me with most of them being seniors. One day I was over at my friend's house just hanging out and someone knocked on the door. It was Alex with one of those rolling luggage bags. She was absolutely hysterical. She told us (and our friends parents) that her parents had kicked her out of the house. We had no idea how bad it was... my friends parents gave her a place to stay for a while. We later learned that she had been disfellowshipped and shunned. I never really learned exactly why... it was a very painful subject for her. She was 17. Its been 20 years and she hasn't spoken to her parents or siblings since. Thankfully she had a network of non JW friends that could help her land on her feet. If she didn't have that I can't even imagine what would have happened. Anyway... this is a disgusting practice and I hate it. Whenever the JWs show up at my door I tell them all about it.

[@ChristineRossi-rc7xl]

She was under 18. She can sue the pants off them and her parents, for compensation, expenses, trauma, therapy, medicine and PTSD. JWs are a horrible cult. 😡🤬

[@ThatRedhedd]

I loved hearing the full, complete, step-by-step process! It's awesome that you're creating this content because it helps people who are realizing they've been brainwashed! I love hearing stories of people who've come to that realization & how that played out.

[@samanthadonelan8559]

You did such a great job telling your story. I love your sense of humor and how authentic you are. I’m so glad that you are out and I hope your friends and family come out!

[@juliasweat2419]

Hi everyone, the name on my comment is my actual name, I’m in New Mexico! If anyone knows me and tells the elders then good. I’m pimo for my family, married happily to a none jw and have an awesome support system but I cannot find the guts to tell my family. I have plenty of excuses. Maybe it will happen for me. Jake I love your videos they have helped me so much to wake up! And listening to your story of how you had the courage to show your face on KZbin gave me the same courage for this comment. Probably won’t come anything of it but who knows! Maybe the elders will be guided by Holy Spirit lol Anyway thanks again for the video

[@kittana365]

I’m in NM too but I don’t think I know you don’t worry I don’t speak to elders anyway lol

[@Flamsterette]

Pimo?

[@juliasweat2419]

@@Flamsterette currently yes

[@Flamsterette]

@@juliasweat2419 And what does that mean for everyone currently reading?

[@jackymitchell6982]

@@Flamsterette physically in mentaly out. You go though the motions and go to meetings and all that but mentally you no longer believe in are completely out. The fear repercussions is what keeps you physically in

[@DeannaDionne]

You really laid it all out! A masterclass in sincere honest authentic vulnerability. You're saving lives by posting this. People will connect and not feel alone. Brave Jake! 💚 Thank you.

[@realmms]

My cousin is a JW convert when she got married. She raised her children as JW and is very passionate about her faith and has passed her views on her kids. In fact, she full on dismissed and ignores her son’s fiancé because she is of a different faith. Her choices are incredible painful for us as her family.

[@ThatRedhedd]

Maybe you could casually ask her some of these questions that helped him start questioning more & more.

[@mr.atheist8848]

@realmms try to wake her up. Or her children. Ask her about the sudden changes of doctrine? Tell her about the Norway Lawsuit

[@ChristineRossi-rc7xl]

HER loss. They're all brainwashed and VERY deceived. They teach that we need to listen to God rather than men, but you have to obey the Governing Body over everything else without question. Their doctrine is twisted and evil.

[@Sanfransweety]

Thank you for sharing your personal journey. Your strength, transparency and self acceptance is incredible. Your mom must miss you terribly! I've studied on and off for 17yrs but haven't yet been baptized yet due to misgivings regarding shunning and disfellowship. I've seen a handful of families get torn apart and isolated from one another. My oldest daughter is 17. At 13yrs old, my daughter became depressed and engaging in self harm. I found out my daughter hated herself for being bi. Ironically, my daughter had stayed in the closet for fear that her dad and I WOULD accept her. [My life long BFF is bi and we had lived with her and her girlfriend for a time] Upon finding out the cause of the depression, I stopped studying abruptly and forced my then 13yr old to stop studying and going to meetings.... Today my daughter loves herself but still wants to attend whatever church I attend....there are so many positive aspect about Jws that I cannot find in any other church.... Deep sigh.. Christianity as a whole is largely failing the LGBT community.

[@angelac2228]

Why should Christian religions care about the LGBT community?

[@gabbie921]

When I was growing up, there was a lady, Mrs Robinson, who attended every meeting for years but NEVER got baptised. Even when she died, she had her funeral at the hall if I remember correctly, but she was always referred to as Mrs Robinson (from the platform) rather than Sister Robinson. Just sharing that you can attend forever & not “take the plunge” so to speak 😂 I’m in a similar mindset to yourself, there are many positive aspects of JW’s and then many problematic aspects too 😢

[@rebella5769]

Jake, I am enjoying this so much. I've been listening for hours, as I keep rewinding the video to re-listen some parts over and over. It so resonates with me and my own story. I Love, Love your humor as well. You So Funny, you should do stand up. Thank you for always making me laugh, cheering me up no matter what my mood. Loving the Satan skits, absolutely hilarious (Muchas Gracias por compartir tu historia) Well, back to your story, can't wait.

[@junipercedar]

Very informative video, thank you Jake! I laughed my ass off when the “DOUBTS” transition happened, because that’s when I knew that shit would hit the fan pretty soon xD it’s very interesting to know your story on leaving! Thank you for taking 2+ hours to explain everything…. For free! Haha. A lot of us appreciate it!

[@sjoerdglaser2794]

Clicked this during the premiere. And now I saw it is 2.5 hours! I hope I have this much time to watch this, beecause I really like your style and I really like these kind of videos. You explaining how sharp your family is definitely explains why I like your content. I really enjoy sharp, witty people.

[@Rohishimoto]

This was really well edited and structured. I kept forgetting that this is not a video from a KZbinr with hundreds of thousands of subscribers.

[@stephaniekary2759]

I appreciate your vulnerability and how you express yourself. Ex jw here, in for 41 years and 4 years out… recovering is no joke! Thank you for what you do!

[@T101cyberdynesystems]

This is by far my most favourite of your videos. I think because it's super interesting, personal, and very relatable. I'm glad you've made your marriage work and your wife sounds like a special person to have gone through all this and be by your side. All the best for the future Jake.

[@Kat-eo4pm]

I absolutely loved this video! So much of your waking up process and the doubts you experienced are very relatable. And I Loved how your wife popped in at the end to compliment you. 💕

[@jpeterse5525]

Jake! You are such a natural storyteller! I was captivated the entire time. Thank you so much for sharing your story with such honesty and vulnerability. 💙

[@Neo-ri2ug]

Hi Jake. Thank you so much for sharing your story!! I don’t know why I found your story even more touching than all the others I heard up to now. Maybe because we are about the same age, I have also a great supportive Wife, and my Dad is also an Elder. I am currently a baptized physically in-mentally out JW, so I still have a Part of my journey in front of me. And I can honestly say that your story told in such a nice way brings me really further. So thank you very much! I hope in the future you will be able to have at least a bit of contact with your family and that we will hear more from you. I wish you all the best! And once again thank you very much!!!

[@michaeljohn2826]

A supremely enjoyable, comprehensive, eye opening invaluable account of living that life and what you go through.

[@RobbieJayOne]

I appreciate you sharing your experience. It made me realize the pressure placed on men in the organization. I was a member from 1970 to 1994, from 5 to 30 years old. I was single, female, and a pioneer. I could only see it from my suppressed female viewpoint. Thank you for opening my eyes to seeing another perspective about this cult. As a side note, I left in 1994, before the internet was readily available, and went on with my life. I didn't agree with 1914, the 144,000, etc. But I didn't thoroughly research the fallacies of Watchtower until the past month. It took me 30 years to fully WAKE UP.

[@ingramwright5399]

I was once involved with someone who has Crohn's Disease.The Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic deserve much credit, they saved his life. Transfusion, surgery, all that. I helped him through his recovery. Sorry to say, your teacher had a point. Any stress AT ALL is not good for your condition. Just thinking about dying for your religion because of the blood issue was definitely undue stress for no reason.

[@kittylove2975]

It breaks my heart that parents, family, siblings and friends are willing to throw it all away in the name "love". It's 🐂💩

[@cookiequeen5430]

What a powerful video. Glad you made it out alive and well ❤️ All the best to you and your family!

[@freebird197]

I have been out for a year and have listened to loads of your videos ! I came across this one last night . I was so glad I knew that Kristine has already joined you !!!! Some of this broke my heart !! The reason I woke up is because my daughter was disfellowshipped after leaving her abusive husband and going off with someone else . I just couldn't shun her . I am heartbroken for all those being shunned , and all those mothers brainwashed into thinking it's the right thing to do !! 😢 Sending you a massive mummy hug Jake !! You are amazing ❤

[@nolimetangere2364]

Thanks for sharing your story. My wife is trapped in the religion pretending so she can speak to her family. I was a Christian before I began studying with elders in her congregation...now I'm an athiest.

[@jackiepowell7513]

Don t throw the baby put w the bath water. Keep yhwh, preincarnate, incarnate, and alpha and Omega, Jesus.

[@zeroplanet9]

@@jackiepowell7513 All religions are cults

[@m.arnold717]

Jake, this is THE BEST video you have ever made! Thank you so much for sharing you story.

[@donovanv6219]

Awesome video Jake. I never knew all of this about you growing up. Amazing of you to be able to share your story to help all those stuck in similar situations out there. Major respect.

[@lisettebordeleau3765]

I never thought that I would hear you for almost 3 hours but I did and I'm so glad I did and grateful too. What a courageous man you are. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your honnesty. We live at a strange time in our history but at a time where truth is revealed in so many aspects of our lives. You are one of the truth seeker who is strong enough to let people know what he found out. I admire you for that.

[@crissabin3164]

Very brave of you to tell your story My heart goes out to you. Left when I was 16. Im 64 now. My mother almost shunned me, but my mother was so mentally ill, they let her talk to me after i threatened to sue them. She spent the next 48 years trying to make me feel guilty. She had to live with us for 20 years because she was mentally ill and poor as dirt. I hope your wife has left also. Enjoy life!

[@alphaspearl9728]

What helped me wake up was when I learned about appeal to emotion vs appeal to logic, and realized that in JW religion everything is about emotion. Suddenly I realized that there was never a single logical argument to convince you about the legitimacy of what was said. Great video as always Jake, I'm glad I found your channel!!! ♡♡♡

[@JD-nb4rp]

Thank you. You are a wonderful, intelligent, courageous, honest and, gifted guy! Great things you are doing here. I'm very thankful for your candid manner. Hopefully, your family comes around.

[@mrgordy1980]

So much to unpack in this heartfelt disclosure. Thank you for your honesty and truth. The bit where the elder looked you up on the voter registration complete with screenshot and sent it to you. This behavior was something I saw from the moment I was wheeled into the Kingdom Hall from birth onwards. The reporting and searching for dirt on fellow brothers and getting anyone into trouble has always been rife. It’s like members extract a sick sense of satisfaction seeing someone go down.. all in the name of keeping the congregation clean. Every single relationship I had including my own family was conditional to my obedience to the religion, not Jehovah… the religion.

[@50shadesofnewlight73]

Interestingly in Australia we CAN be on the voting register, (it's compulsory over 18) but there is an out to not vote due to "religious reasons"

[@mrgordy1980]

@@50shadesofnewlight73 OK that’s different. Sounds like it is location appropriate. Like if you have a beard and are located in Russia, you’re safe. Grow one in Miami… you won’t be an elder and you won’t have privs

[@KlementinaWilbur]

That was an incredibly honest and fascinating (and funny) 2 hours and 43 minutes, thank you! I am very sorry for what happened to you, and for your relationships that had to suffer, i think you are very brave and strong for being able to talk about all this with so much grace and humor.

[@MsLorriedee]

Thanks Jake for the long video. I, for one, enjoy a longer video and I enjoyed hearing your full story. I watch you and Christina all the time. It helps to feel like I know and can relate to you guys when I’m missing my family.

[@DavidTaylor-ki2ir]

Your discussion around the hour mark about breaking off a relationship as a JW is underrated. I married someone I shouldn’t have because of wanting to avoid the “scandal” of a breakup. This is the pressure that is JW courtship.

[@pamelabravo8671]

i knew like 80% of the thing you said in this video yet it was still very entertaining and touching. and stop your old-videos-slander agenda!!!! they were perfectly good and one of the best explorations of jw doctrine that i've seen over here. anyways, thank you for being so open about your story and your pain, and the cameo at the end was 12/10 very cute yes

[@fleurhufflepuff2198]

As a bi ex Mormon woman is crazy how even tho our ex religions are very very different the overall experience is very similar.

[@autumnpiper60]

Powerful...heartfelt...raw - the thoughts and emotions this has left me with have rendered me speechless. THANK YOU - SO MUCH for what someone else called your "authentic vulnerability"...perfect description. Much love, many hugs, Peace, Love & Light to you and your wife. I hope you recognize how much STRENGTH you both have.

[@gamom1]

Wow this was so perfectly articulate and very much how many ex JWs can understand many of these situations. Thanks for sharing something so personal 💜 you wouldn’t believe how many experiences you went through emotionally I went through and still do to this day

[@woolieweenie]

Well done Jake. Great video. Probably the longest KZbin 'clip' i have ever watched. It seemed so honest and openhearted. My own story as a former JW is so similar to yours. Very sad to hear of your illness. I wish you good heath. I also know what it is like to lose a gallon of blood down the toilet. Terrifying. Thank you for introducing me to Natalie Transgender on KZbin - She's great

[@deborahwentworth8792]

This took you a lot to do.I have to say you have really poured your heart.It took days for you to do this,a lot of time invested and I know you didn't do this primarily for the public.I think you did this to give your family the full opportunity to hear the WHOLE STORY Commendable Thank you for posting.Hopefully one day they(your family) will allow the blinders will come off

[@bishop7609]

Jake, when I saw the video duration I though, no, I'm not watching 3 hours video on youtube. But, I started... and now just finished, two days later. Great video. I love the beard growing, I Imagine the editing for that, great work, well done. I imagine what would have happened if you were not wake a year ago. I'm glad all went well. Just to give a little bit about myself: I'm POMO, not Dfd/DA, I can still talk to my parents and wife's family, I'm an apostate undercover. I managed to help my wife wake up and with our 2 kids we are out for 1,5 years now. yeah!! It's been great.

[@SayinXJW]

58:00 This is why I would start and stop things that I was interested in. I really wanted to but I was committed to the organisation. Wasn't till I realized how abused I was before and after joining the organisation that it made no sense to stay. JUST now realizing these things. I'm free.❤

[@governingbodylanguage2025]

2:24 tears. What a beautiful message Jake. 🤗

[@bigskypioneer1898]

On the serious side - being vulnerable in front of a camera is tough stuff, especially when your hoping for a miracle - like your parents will watch it and overcome their cult-brain. I think your extremely talented and I really hope you can follow your passion for arts (but I still think you should be in college pursuing a communications degree and make a living as a late night talk show host). Take care, but most of all I am so happy that your wife is the real deal and I wish you both well.

[@captianZull]

I got out in the late 90's and just listing to your experience even after being out all this time is very helpful. Thank you for sharing your journey

[@jwallaby7895]

I remember the first doubt I had as a kid had to do with the fact that watchtower NEVER recommended publications they themselves didn't write.

[@Nathaly0886]

Me too as kid that bothers me too... I've never felt like part of the organization either... thank god I've never get baptized.

[@honestheartedtruthseekerso5133]

KZbin Pattern of the Universe

[@evdmaia]

Hey! Congrats on your courage and sincerity in this video! ❤

[@rapperhostile]

This deserves multiple re watches. Honestly excellent video. I see this as therepy and "reverse indoctrination". Continue to heal community. Plz heal and get all around healthy

[@KayD]

I've been out more than 10yrs and still have nightmares about the screaming and abuse I got when I left 😫

[@sachadsouza5569]

Thanks for sharing your story Jake! I relate to SO many of the things you expressed!!

[@danielmatthews8080]

Excellent video.. thank you for just being you and being open with your thoughts and life.. so refreshing from the days of watching every word spoken

[@simoneneveragain2939]

Just love and enjoy your content. I’m 60 yrs old and want you to know how I understand and suffer like situation. You help me. I thank you for that♥️

[@mouthpiece806]

kid a record in the background is the mark of a very good, eloquent, thoughtful video that will resonate with anybody that has a similar experience, as it has me

[@Kimthulu]

Your storytelling is very engaging. Thank you for sharing your truth that I'm sure will help others❤

[@jcastrellon11able]

This was all very well done! Congrats to you for living your best life ever. Leaving the org is so hard especially when there’s a huge legacy of pillars in the congregation. My elder dad or Bethelite brother couldn’t comprehend my own leaving; so much so they never even said goodbye. Hang in there, please making content, and know you’re not alone . 😊

[@TheBeardedWitness]

This was such a delight to watch from beginning to end and I’m glad you’re still alive 😆! Thank you so much for sharing your entire story. I cried many times through it. It’s so incredibly sad to see how such a destructive cult can tear such a wonderful family apart, I’m so sorry. I’m glad you’re feeling well in every sense, even though I understand life is not perfect. Thanks again Jake, you’re so talented and hilarious! I wish we could be friends ❤️

[@KD-ee2vq]

Fantastic video! Vulnerable, heartfelt, informative, and funny. Your videos are great and you’re wonderful at storytelling and keeping your audience engaged. Thank you for being so brave!

[@JasmineKing5]

I finally submitted my JW resignation letter after 13 years and being raised in this organization my entire life. I’m so excited to get disfellowshipped 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@skippy1012]

You’re gonna die. I feel sorry for you.

[@user-rd6vf7xk1x]

I fell asleep listening to those cassettes too. The conditioning is real! Recently I began listening to them again to fall asleep and I'll be honest it does take me to a happy place! It's not so much the content, but the famliarity that helps me sleep. I'm so happy to be out (close to 15 years now) and able to listen to those brainwashing recordings and see them for what they really are.

[@awheatonful]

I read Amber’s book too. It was eye opening and beautiful you are right!

[@gabrielmoralesgonzalez6471]

Keep fighting for you dreams Jake. Life does not life forever.

[@ChasExplorz]

Your video describes my life exactly! Listening to the 607 BC prophecy blows my mind. Even after being away from the organization for years I never thought that date was wrong! OMG! Google says Babylon fell at 539BC! INCREDIBLE!

[@frankclaro451]

Not sure if I posted before, but this is such an awesomely “encouraging” video! I seriously look forward to your videos!

[@Gigislaps]

Thank you so much for opening up about your SA. So many AMAB here will feel so validated. You aren’t alone

[@Rage_Harder_Then_Relax]

It's always nice to have our straight allies stand up for us even if they get angry push back from their family, friends or just the public. So thanks for being that ally! Means a lot!

[@haan3549]

Wow, thanks so so much for giving us an intimate look into your life. It means a lot to me. I am a PIMO. Was a witness almost my whole life...over 50 years. You are very brave. I'm glad it didn't cost you your marriage. Your baby is beautiful #tabbyrock!!! xo

[@womanofthenang3210]

I am usually turned off by long videos but this has been captivating. Wishing you every success with your writing and all the best with your marriage and health. Thank you.

[@ApostatePajamas]

Having seen how much you've improved since the beginning of the channel, and how you've been taking care of your chronic health issues, I am proud of you. Keep up the good work.

[@princemushkin2296]

Love the unscripted stream of consciousness format. Always relatable thanks again sharing Jake

[@AnimaOrphei]

I’m so sorry. I have had that conversation with my mother a few times. That I was leaving… I don’t know how you didn’t break down into tears telling these stories because I would have. I have. I did for you or me… Us. I know it’s never the same. -but I’ve hurt in similar story and I hate to think that you might have too. It was a nieve to imagine others haven’t. I’d hoped maybe. IDK. I’ve been watching you and others for weeks. Thank you for this. Thank you for opening up. Thank you for telling your story. I don’t think I can just leave. I think I have to do something like you did and help others. Thank you, thank you, thank you…

[@thnker3565]

This is so relatable, wow. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@pixels2u]

@AltWorldly Dear, dear Jake, this is priceless, you are a treasure, and you really must break this video down into multiple 20-30 min episodes so all the busy, short-attn-span folks can enjoy it, too. 💗

[@leannazanewich]

This hit my heart, thank you for sharing, it can't be easy.❤

[@gwenpytka6739]

Jake, I thank you for this! I thank you SO much! This must have taken so much time. ( enough time that by the end, you had grown a beard and a mustache...lol ) You are great at explaining your feelings through the phases you went through. I shed tears through this. For you and what you went through. And what your wonderful wife experienced too. I'm so happy your marriage survived and is so much better now. JWs would benefit from watching this too. I sincerely hope that your family members will secretly watch this and it will make them wake up and THINK about everything you said. Love to you and yours!

[@kerrinbooth2764]

Thanks for being candid. I appreciate your story, especially the salacious parts. Glad you went overtime.

[@lonee7886]

You speak my truth as well. I could talk for years about how my mind and heart walked away long before I finally actually left. I also saw the indescepancies and begged my elder father to show me proof. He could not. He told me that sometimes you just have to have faith. That is what shattered the windshield.

[@Aussie565]

Thank you so much for sharing this! “Freeze” is a legitimate response to assault I froze during at least one sexual assault The guilt that goes with not fighting/running is huge!

[@AbelCosentino]

Thanks for sharing. I was an elder and resigned in Jan 2019 when I could no longer “fake it” with regards to JW doctrine being the “truth”. My wife left me three times on grounds of apostasy. I never went public about my disagreements with the organization. Yet the elders in my hall sent me a letter saying I was no longer invited to attend meetings. Our marriage finally ended in Jan of 2022. She was definitely pressured to leave me. I think it is awesome your wife stuck with you ❤️

[@bumrush9422]

Entertaining and informative. Love your irreverant style. Good job!

[@laurakassama9092]

I love your humour! Glad you’re embracing what feels right for you. Your wife is a wonderful person for standing by you. May we all be so lucky to have someone like that in our lives.

[@Dogpool]

What a master story teller. Thank you for this. It’s so hard to get people’s stories. I once asked someone who came back into the congregation if they would tell me there story, they ghosted me after that. Being foolish, I didn’t realize at the time how risky it is to tell anyone on the inside your personal story. There is just so much that can go wrong. But I love these kinds of stories. They are so valuable. Only when the truth has set you free, are you able to not risk being an outcast for telling your story.

[@matrixnavigator6669]

Thank you for sharing all of this. Our upbringing can be so hard to deal with sometimes, but you present it with a sense of humor, which is healing. You are a deep thinker and I can relate to that, and I'll share that I sometimes realize that I'm overthinking it, and that's when I take the opportunity to remind myself that I AM a good person, and that I DO deserve to be loved exactly as I am, and that I deserve respect and kindness." Those things were offered to us only conditionally or in some cases, not at all if we had parents who really didn't want kids or were too broken, emotionally to handle the responsibility of nurturing another emotionally. That said, I realize that I don't really have a strong sense of what it is to be accepted and encouraged for who I really am, which is HARD! But I see that I can create that acceptance within myself and offer it to myself. It is a daily task most of the time, but it gives me a sense of power and brings me happiness, despite the scars and healing parts that still remain., not to mention the mess-ups. Anyway, that's my rant for now.

[@Arabella391]

This is a beautiful comment, I also have to constantly remind myself I am a good person and often forget to say that I do deserve kindness and love. We all do. I’m going to remember this for later, thank you. ❤

[@Titus2Thirteen]

Your channel is outstanding. I just love you to pieces! Ty for doing this. ❤️

[@CRNomad]

Man, I relate to so much of your story, my mom teaching me to read from a really young age, listening to the cassettes until I fell asleep, your waking up process was similar to mine. Thank you for making videos, you are great at it! Btw I love the word "defenestrate" haha.

[@wickedslashdivine]

Thank you making the hell that is assembling IKEA furniture bearable! Thanks for telling your story, you’re a natural storyteller. You ever thought about doing a podcast edition?

[@kristinewatson3702]

Thank you for sharing your journey. Just found your channel and I like your mix of vulnerability and humor when discussing some truly traumatic experiences.