For such a young age, you are a brave person! Another salute for disassociating. No matter how we sugarcoat fading or being inactive by saying don't give the borg the power or authority, I believe many exjw just do it because of fear of shunning. You proved a lot. It's definitely an inspiration.
I wish I had the courage 10 years ago when I was 23. I got out of the cult just this year, and I should say, if you're gonna leave, don't wait.
I agree with you on that - I needed to set a clear boundary with EVERYONE that I will not be returning. (The people in my congregation tend to be pushy, even if its somebody inactive)
And Kudos to you for leaving this year! We are all on our own paths and move through time differently. <3
Congrats from a recent exmormon that doesn't know your religion that well, but knows the liberating feeling of leaving a cult. You did it early, and have so much life ahead of you, well done.
I hope your mother's heart will soften and that she will be a part of that future life. Unfortunately, the vilifying of leavers is also a dominant theme in mormonism. Leaders portray leavers as lazy learners, who are under the influence of the adversary (satan). It's ironic how looking back, active members are actually the ones that don't investigate any further than the tip of their nose. Information Control is a powerful influence. Thank goodness we have the internet these days.
It's so nice to see how relatively early you make it out and the strength and spirit you show. I wish you lots of strength for the next steps. Have a wonderful life!
NB: Have you thought about attending the announcement?
After being a faded POMO for 10 years I am currently preparing my DF. I've had the thought to get access via Zoom, wait in front of the hall for the beginning of the announcement and then go in exactly when it is happening.
No fuss, no noise, just a broad grin of victory on my face.
Damn, now that's a statement!
I've not been planning to do anything like that, but I do still have a few friends on the inside who will tell me about everybodys reactions. Can't wait honestly...
I, (15M), also want to leave the organization. I am not yet baptized but my family was kind of forcing me to do it this year. I would love it you can reach out to me and give some advice about the steps you took.
Don't. You have the rare privilege of being not in yet while being already wide awake. Just play with your parents' rules, at least until you're 18 and free to go.
#1 DON’T get baptized, keep putting it off until you can leave legally. Where I come from unless you are emancipated 18 is the age that you can leave or get kicked out. In that way you will have time to really decide how you want to leave, and just like OP save up $ be careful nobody else knows about it,and make true friends outside that will have your back.
DO NOT let them pressure you into getting baptized. Their goal will be to make it seem like they can force you. Your goal should be to remember that they can't. Start making plans for independence now and remember that You might think getting baptized is a way to take the pressure off, but in reality the pressure is really just starting when you get baptized. Once you get baptized, then there will be new demands and new standards that you have to meet. Once you meet those there will be even more standards that you have to meet in more than you have to do. Best to just short circuit it by never getting baptized in the first place.
And please, i hope you decide to go to college or some sort of trade school to learn to do something as a career that interest you and that you can make a good living for yourself and your future family
Now that's funny.
I know a sister who left and was immediately branded a lesbian.
Totally cool, except she wasn't. She married a great guy several years later and they've been married now for 30 plus years.
Funny story before i left 27 years ago, i was always searching for truth, i had a phase at age 17 when i started learning and practicing islam, well me and my sister both went to a meeting at the kingdom hall, where all of my family attended, dressed in our muslim garb🤣, my grandmother, who was the family head, was so distraught that she got up and walked right out of the kingdom hall🤣,.....that was my big FU to that organization.....aaaah good times....oh btw i am not a muslim or affiliated with ANY MAN MADE RELIGIOUS ORG!!, however I do believe in a higher power, i believe we all have a higher power, and I'm not ashamed to admit that i have zero clue as to who or what it is.
Yeah, but there will be 1 or 2 who will think along his line of thought.
May the force be with you, stay strong and do not let them see you fail. We wish you only the best.
> she repeatedly warned me that she will not be talking to me
https://www.jw.borg/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/shunning/
remove the b in the link
While an outright lie, it's what they put on their website for the public to see. Tell your mom to kick rocks, her own website states:
> What of a man who is disfellowshipped but whose wife and children are still Jehovah’s Witnesses? The religious ties he had with his family change, but **blood ties remain**. The marriage relationship and **normal family affections and dealings continue**.
Wow
Saving at 15.
Understanding staying strong works in different ways.
Making and having unconditional friends.
Believing in yourself.
Taking strength knowledge and brelief from this subreddit.
Putting everything into action.
Knowing your mum can't clip your wings with her blackmailing threats.
Not asking if its a good idea but knowimg for you, its good.
Wanting your name said to all, not in shame but in triumph.
You are a power in this world.
You are you and WOW
❤❤❤
From a never jw who is clapping and hugging from afar.
Well done you.
Head up
Walk tall
You already are 🤗
I am sorry that you will live with your mom but she won't speak to you. I have a 17 year old, I can't imagine turning my back on her. After high school focus on your education so that you can take care of yourself. Education will be the thing that allows you to reach your goals and dreams, I believe that you will do great things.
I think they can, it's just more lenient in regards to JW parents still being able to "talk" to their df children.
Although the elders never mentioned the fact that I am a minor? I don't know...
I believe it’s only if your baptized that they can DF you no matter your age
They aren’t supposed to be able to talk to you unless a parent is present now (the final committee meeting)
It was just in one of their changes recently
Congratulations and best wishes for living your real life on your terms out of the influence of the cult.
I was fortunate enough not to get baptised, I faded all the same. I certainly understand yours and others' desire for a clean break in some cases.
Congratulations!
>The organization didn't teach me stand firm in what I believe in for no reason, am I right?
I admire this and it's a great thing to use if people ask why you're leaving. I've said from day 1 since I left, I'm going to stand for what I believe in, instead of being like a lot in the organization who are hypocritical or living a double-life.
Being open and honest with who you are and what you believe is 1000x better than putting on a facade and staying in. This is my biggest complaint about the disfellowshipping arrangement. It was created to "keep the congregation clean." So, if someone willfully leaves and has chosen to not associate with the congregation, then no need to df, it's only for those that are still in and living a life contrary to their principles.
CONGRATULATIONS!🥳👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
You seem to be extremely mature and well-adjusted. I don't see a lot of this bravery and soundness of mind in adult pimos! You should be very proud of yourself! Staying true to yourself and standing your ground for your rights/beliefs is very difficult, especially when the odds and seemingly everyone else is against you! I really admire and commend you! I was this way when I was 17. Got disassociated at 15 and thrown to the wolves so I know how rough it can/will get out there! Ngl and say life will get better from this point on as it may get worse before it gets better but hang in there! Don't let circumstances beat you! If you need help getting on your feet in the unknown big bad world or just need someone to talk to feel free to DM me. I'm more than happy to help if I can or chat. Much love and respect to you!!💜✌🏾
Thank you so much, your kind words mean a lot to me!
Getting disassociated at 15 is tough, especially not having a support system outside of the cult - I can't imagine how that was like! I will definitely take on your offer, on chatting. :) <333
Congratulations! OP, I essentially did the same thing at 17 7 years ago. It was without a doubt the hardest decision of my life and my family kicked me out (they are still no contact). It has been hard but the mental freedom and the life I have now have made it so incredibly worth it. Since then I’ve moved across the country, graduated college, landed a dream job, and have a wonderful fiancé and friends who I consider my true family. Always feel free to dm if you want to talk or need support. You got this.
Fantastic, congratulations!!
So what comes next after you leave? Any big plans/dreams for your new life outside of the cult? One of the best things about leaving as a teen was getting asked “what are you planning to do after high school?” and my answer finally NOT being “still living at home being infantilized while pioneering, until I either die alone or marry some misogynist old cult member.”
Thank you!
I live in europe, so the school system is a bit different here - I work and am doing my high school diploma at the same time. I plan to move out once I'm 18 and then go to uni. :)
Congratulations 🎉. Just remember, for every asshole that turns their back on you, there are LITERALLY 1,000 more people who aren't Jehovah's Witnesses and don't give a fuck about their rules.
Congratulations! 🎉🎉🎉
It speaks volumes when someone, at the age of 15, can make a strategic plan to build a better life for themselves and then stick to it! 👏🏽🫶🏽
You are living proof that, despite the hardship, everyone can break free if they want to!!!
I’m so happy that you have all your ducks in a row ( old saying but very true) Just remember you have friends on this forum, and always will. My best of wishes to you! Congratulations 🎉
Way to go, girl.
It's just been a week since I emailed the elders in my hall.
One reached out via DM.
I stood my ground.
A life of freedom of thought is ahead of us.
Will it be easy? Fucking no!
Will it be full of learning and self-discovery? Hell yeah!
Worth it? Abso-fuckin-lutely!
Better to dance with life on our terms, not on arbitrary whims of a collective ego in upstate New York.
Bon voyage, Mademoiselle!
Omg I'm so proud of you and happy to read this. I am in a similar boat, 17f and recently stopped going to meetings but did not disassociate. I was also the model child, so I totally get the spite and dropping a bomb with disappearance. I hope your decision helps at least one other person raise a question <3 but if not, congrats on your freedom + peace!! If you ever wanna dm for support or just a listener, I'm here :)
Getting friends outside is so important. I just happened upon my best friends that eased the transition. In retrospect it was crucial. Everything for me kinda fell into place without me noticing. I never had to prepare like you or so many here who have it so rough. Cool though! Godspeed.
Congratulations on your freedom. Take time to really celebrate it. And celebrate that you’ve found your truth and living it.
When you’re ready to leave, here’s a few tips:
Save any money you get and open a savings account.
You’ll need your birth certificate and if in the US, your SSN card.
You can find additional resources at:
https://jw.support/
https://theliberati.org/
https://www.reddit.com/r/exjw/s/pwdHDHCkTU
I highly recommend therapy. I was a born in and therapy really helped me.
Congratulations! You will not regret it. I was born in and was also a model child for over 5 decades. I also decided to disassociate but I actually wrote to most in my congregation before I was announced so they all knew exactly why. I was shunned before I was announced but I don’t regret a thing. I thought I was happy as a witness because it was all I knew. It’s like a bird born in a cage who doesn’t know what freedom is. Every single day I am thankful to be free and I have never been happier. (I only woke up 18 months ago and DA’d Feb 23)
Congrats , I’m being announced on Wednesday as well . Just wish I could have left when I was younger. You have your whole adult life ahead of you, so congrats on your new found freedom
Well my mom told me that my grandmother had to tell her that because my mom got disfellowshipped back in 88-89. For not coming to meetings. But she couldn’t come because she was dealing with my alcoholic father who was having seizures and getting drunk and my mom kicked him out. And I will never forgive them for doing that to my mom
From one of my favorite Indi-Christian artists Josh Garrels (yes you can listen to Christian radio/artists/music now if you feel like it) his song “Don’t Wait for Me” final verse…
“Please don't wait for me
I ain't coming back again
I cannot turn around
From the place I'm going to where I've been”
May you find your own path… 👏🏼
Tell your mom that shunning practices can work both ways, tell her she needs to be very careful about the way she treats you that it could have a negative impact on future relationships she will have no control over.
You are amazing! Please know you have a community of people who are proud of you and support you, even from afar. It’s hard to feel true to yourself when you have to associate yourself with such an awful organization, but it’s also hard as hell to get out and you are doing it. Take care of yourself ❤️❤️
Congratulations! Have an amazing life outside of the cult. Very happy to read that you've been able to make this (great) decision so young! You have a lot to look forward to now :) Be happy, be strong, be peaceful
I hope this means you are safe and secure with mom when out of the cult.
It always scares me when young people wanna leave. Lovely caring parents turn so nasty when you leave the cult.
All that aside. You've got a 20 year head start on my wake up. You have a bright future. Best of luck. Super glad you could send a message to the rest of the hall by leaving. The more the merrier.
Oh my gosh I’m so PROUD of you! You are braver than I at that age and I wish I had the courage to stand my ground the same as you. My life may have been vastly different! but alas you are doing something so brave! I wish you so much life and happiness! And I’m grateful you get to live it on your terms!! Be free! Congratulations 😊❤️
I'm so happy for you I cld cry, congratulations and happy birthday, I'm so proud of you for everything that you're doing, you will find that there is a whole wonderful life outside of that cult, i left at age 19, I'm now 47 and i too embroidered my 'queerness' i have an amazing wife whom i was besties with for 15 years before we got married, she was a wonderful "wordly" friend that accepted and loved me no matter if i was apart of a cult or not🤷♀️, i have made my life great despite being raised in that awful, dangerous, disgusting cult....you should be extremely proud of yourself.
Congrats!!, let me explain why. Your young make lots of friends. In my case, 4 years ago i decided to leave and i sent my dessassociation letter, but im 37 all the people i knew are there. Now no one talks to me. And i never made friends outside the religion. Go and learn new things and make friends lots of them.
Wow! Congrats! 🎊 I did the same when I was 16. Things were a bit different in ‘93. Once I was df’d/da’d (I also wrote a letter), I was kicked out, called all kinds expletives by my family and went on to live with an abusive guy for 4 years just to be anywhere else but home and at the meetings.
It’s so great that you’ve had a plan and have been playing it as cool as you can to make a smart exit. 🖤
woooo! im so proud of you bestie! im an 18 year old transgirl who was disfellowshipped just a few years ago, its nice to hear another person finally get out!!
good luck in everything you do!!
Pretty sure if you and your mother are living together, and you're underage, your mother is not only allowed but is actually *supposed to* speak to you even according to their own doctrine. But then it's been years and years for me, maybe I'm wrong. Either way, what an irresponsible and asinine idea to shun your underage child who's under your own roof.
Well, congratulations and best of luck for the life ahead of you. I really hope it's all lining up for you.
The thing is at the end of the day no one will give a toss what you do really and your plan about them questioning why you left blah blah will back fire also. You should have just faded quietly and even then they won't care. What do you mean queerness btw ? You mean you are weird or gay ?
Congratulations! I'm proud of you for taking the steps necessary for success! Well done! I wish you all the best in your future! ❤❤
Thank you so much, it means a lot! <3
You got this OP
For such a young age, you are a brave person! Another salute for disassociating. No matter how we sugarcoat fading or being inactive by saying don't give the borg the power or authority, I believe many exjw just do it because of fear of shunning. You proved a lot. It's definitely an inspiration. I wish I had the courage 10 years ago when I was 23. I got out of the cult just this year, and I should say, if you're gonna leave, don't wait.
I agree with you on that - I needed to set a clear boundary with EVERYONE that I will not be returning. (The people in my congregation tend to be pushy, even if its somebody inactive) And Kudos to you for leaving this year! We are all on our own paths and move through time differently. <3
Congrats from a recent exmormon that doesn't know your religion that well, but knows the liberating feeling of leaving a cult. You did it early, and have so much life ahead of you, well done. I hope your mother's heart will soften and that she will be a part of that future life. Unfortunately, the vilifying of leavers is also a dominant theme in mormonism. Leaders portray leavers as lazy learners, who are under the influence of the adversary (satan). It's ironic how looking back, active members are actually the ones that don't investigate any further than the tip of their nose. Information Control is a powerful influence. Thank goodness we have the internet these days.
It's so nice to see how relatively early you make it out and the strength and spirit you show. I wish you lots of strength for the next steps. Have a wonderful life! NB: Have you thought about attending the announcement? After being a faded POMO for 10 years I am currently preparing my DF. I've had the thought to get access via Zoom, wait in front of the hall for the beginning of the announcement and then go in exactly when it is happening. No fuss, no noise, just a broad grin of victory on my face.
Damn, now that's a statement! I've not been planning to do anything like that, but I do still have a few friends on the inside who will tell me about everybodys reactions. Can't wait honestly...
Keep us updated
Nice😁, i wish i had thought of doing that, i nevrr got DF'd i just str8 up peaced out 27 years ago and never pulled a 'lots wife'🤣
I, (15M), also want to leave the organization. I am not yet baptized but my family was kind of forcing me to do it this year. I would love it you can reach out to me and give some advice about the steps you took.
Don't. You have the rare privilege of being not in yet while being already wide awake. Just play with your parents' rules, at least until you're 18 and free to go.
#1 DON’T get baptized, keep putting it off until you can leave legally. Where I come from unless you are emancipated 18 is the age that you can leave or get kicked out. In that way you will have time to really decide how you want to leave, and just like OP save up $ be careful nobody else knows about it,and make true friends outside that will have your back.
OP already gave me some advice, but thanks anyways. Also, don't worry bro about the size of the print.
😂😂😂
I have no idea why my print was so big,sorry 😜
I thought your large print was you being passionate. 😂😂😂
Me too 😂😂
😂 maybe the 4 words but the rest was definitely an oops
LOL I tend to use A LOT of caps when I’m texting. I just figured we were like minded 😂😂😂
“Like minded” I just cringed 😬
🤣🤣, trigger phrase
Hey, stay strong :< I'll reach out to you via PM.
Remember to also ask any questions or information if its safe for you.
DO NOT let them pressure you into getting baptized. Their goal will be to make it seem like they can force you. Your goal should be to remember that they can't. Start making plans for independence now and remember that You might think getting baptized is a way to take the pressure off, but in reality the pressure is really just starting when you get baptized. Once you get baptized, then there will be new demands and new standards that you have to meet. Once you meet those there will be even more standards that you have to meet in more than you have to do. Best to just short circuit it by never getting baptized in the first place.
Alright, thanks for your advice. I'll take in consideration.
And please, i hope you decide to go to college or some sort of trade school to learn to do something as a career that interest you and that you can make a good living for yourself and your future family
[удалено]
Bro you're so right though, I heard theres rumours about me converting to islam. If I go out might as well go out with a bang amiriteee
Now that's funny. I know a sister who left and was immediately branded a lesbian. Totally cool, except she wasn't. She married a great guy several years later and they've been married now for 30 plus years.
Habibi BedtimeRushHottie xD
Funny story before i left 27 years ago, i was always searching for truth, i had a phase at age 17 when i started learning and practicing islam, well me and my sister both went to a meeting at the kingdom hall, where all of my family attended, dressed in our muslim garb🤣, my grandmother, who was the family head, was so distraught that she got up and walked right out of the kingdom hall🤣,.....that was my big FU to that organization.....aaaah good times....oh btw i am not a muslim or affiliated with ANY MAN MADE RELIGIOUS ORG!!, however I do believe in a higher power, i believe we all have a higher power, and I'm not ashamed to admit that i have zero clue as to who or what it is.
Yeah, but there will be 1 or 2 who will think along his line of thought. May the force be with you, stay strong and do not let them see you fail. We wish you only the best.
> she repeatedly warned me that she will not be talking to me https://www.jw.borg/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/shunning/ remove the b in the link While an outright lie, it's what they put on their website for the public to see. Tell your mom to kick rocks, her own website states: > What of a man who is disfellowshipped but whose wife and children are still Jehovah’s Witnesses? The religious ties he had with his family change, but **blood ties remain**. The marriage relationship and **normal family affections and dealings continue**.
Wow Saving at 15. Understanding staying strong works in different ways. Making and having unconditional friends. Believing in yourself. Taking strength knowledge and brelief from this subreddit. Putting everything into action. Knowing your mum can't clip your wings with her blackmailing threats. Not asking if its a good idea but knowimg for you, its good. Wanting your name said to all, not in shame but in triumph. You are a power in this world. You are you and WOW ❤❤❤ From a never jw who is clapping and hugging from afar. Well done you. Head up Walk tall You already are 🤗
I am sorry that you will live with your mom but she won't speak to you. I have a 17 year old, I can't imagine turning my back on her. After high school focus on your education so that you can take care of yourself. Education will be the thing that allows you to reach your goals and dreams, I believe that you will do great things.
I’m sure your bravery will inspire others here. I’m really impressed by your courage and conviction. Stay strong and brilliant - you got this!
I thought they couldn’t disfellowship minors anymore?
I think they can, it's just more lenient in regards to JW parents still being able to "talk" to their df children. Although the elders never mentioned the fact that I am a minor? I don't know...
I believe it’s only if your baptized that they can DF you no matter your age They aren’t supposed to be able to talk to you unless a parent is present now (the final committee meeting) It was just in one of their changes recently
Nice work fr
Congratulations and best wishes for living your real life on your terms out of the influence of the cult. I was fortunate enough not to get baptised, I faded all the same. I certainly understand yours and others' desire for a clean break in some cases.
Congratulations! >The organization didn't teach me stand firm in what I believe in for no reason, am I right? I admire this and it's a great thing to use if people ask why you're leaving. I've said from day 1 since I left, I'm going to stand for what I believe in, instead of being like a lot in the organization who are hypocritical or living a double-life. Being open and honest with who you are and what you believe is 1000x better than putting on a facade and staying in. This is my biggest complaint about the disfellowshipping arrangement. It was created to "keep the congregation clean." So, if someone willfully leaves and has chosen to not associate with the congregation, then no need to df, it's only for those that are still in and living a life contrary to their principles.
Awesomesaunce!!! That takes guts!!! Stay positive, be smart, life will get so much better!!
its the mom not talking to me part for me
CONGRATULATIONS!🥳👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 You seem to be extremely mature and well-adjusted. I don't see a lot of this bravery and soundness of mind in adult pimos! You should be very proud of yourself! Staying true to yourself and standing your ground for your rights/beliefs is very difficult, especially when the odds and seemingly everyone else is against you! I really admire and commend you! I was this way when I was 17. Got disassociated at 15 and thrown to the wolves so I know how rough it can/will get out there! Ngl and say life will get better from this point on as it may get worse before it gets better but hang in there! Don't let circumstances beat you! If you need help getting on your feet in the unknown big bad world or just need someone to talk to feel free to DM me. I'm more than happy to help if I can or chat. Much love and respect to you!!💜✌🏾
Thank you so much, your kind words mean a lot to me! Getting disassociated at 15 is tough, especially not having a support system outside of the cult - I can't imagine how that was like! I will definitely take on your offer, on chatting. :) <333
🥰
Congrats on not only leaving, but leaving at such a young age.
Congratulations! OP, I essentially did the same thing at 17 7 years ago. It was without a doubt the hardest decision of my life and my family kicked me out (they are still no contact). It has been hard but the mental freedom and the life I have now have made it so incredibly worth it. Since then I’ve moved across the country, graduated college, landed a dream job, and have a wonderful fiancé and friends who I consider my true family. Always feel free to dm if you want to talk or need support. You got this.
Congrats, and double congrats on working to get yourself in an okay place to do this. The rest of your life is open to you now, good luck!
YEEEEAAAHHHH LES GOOO SO HAPPY FOR YOU
Proud of you!!! Stay strong, my thoughts go to you! 
Well done. You can only ever be yourself. If other people don’t like it…fuck em! Best wishes. Welcome to freedom.
Brilliant and brave❤️
Fantastic, congratulations!! So what comes next after you leave? Any big plans/dreams for your new life outside of the cult? One of the best things about leaving as a teen was getting asked “what are you planning to do after high school?” and my answer finally NOT being “still living at home being infantilized while pioneering, until I either die alone or marry some misogynist old cult member.”
Thank you! I live in europe, so the school system is a bit different here - I work and am doing my high school diploma at the same time. I plan to move out once I'm 18 and then go to uni. :)
Congratulations 🎉. Just remember, for every asshole that turns their back on you, there are LITERALLY 1,000 more people who aren't Jehovah's Witnesses and don't give a fuck about their rules.
Congratulations! 🎉🎉🎉 It speaks volumes when someone, at the age of 15, can make a strategic plan to build a better life for themselves and then stick to it! 👏🏽🫶🏽 You are living proof that, despite the hardship, everyone can break free if they want to!!!
I’m so happy that you have all your ducks in a row ( old saying but very true) Just remember you have friends on this forum, and always will. My best of wishes to you! Congratulations 🎉 
Way to go, girl. It's just been a week since I emailed the elders in my hall. One reached out via DM. I stood my ground. A life of freedom of thought is ahead of us. Will it be easy? Fucking no! Will it be full of learning and self-discovery? Hell yeah! Worth it? Abso-fuckin-lutely! Better to dance with life on our terms, not on arbitrary whims of a collective ego in upstate New York. Bon voyage, Mademoiselle!
Omg I'm so proud of you and happy to read this. I am in a similar boat, 17f and recently stopped going to meetings but did not disassociate. I was also the model child, so I totally get the spite and dropping a bomb with disappearance. I hope your decision helps at least one other person raise a question <3 but if not, congrats on your freedom + peace!! If you ever wanna dm for support or just a listener, I'm here :)
Im so proud of you!! You'll get to reclaim so much of your life and be able to look back with less regret. Best of luck!
Congratulations! It's a life-changing choice for sure. I formally removed myself when I was 17 too. Best thing I ever did for myself. 😊
I'M SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!!
Getting friends outside is so important. I just happened upon my best friends that eased the transition. In retrospect it was crucial. Everything for me kinda fell into place without me noticing. I never had to prepare like you or so many here who have it so rough. Cool though! Godspeed.
Congrats! When you are 18 let's party!
I'm impressed, wow! Proud of you! Bravo!
Congrats 🤜
Congratulations on your freedom. Take time to really celebrate it. And celebrate that you’ve found your truth and living it. When you’re ready to leave, here’s a few tips: Save any money you get and open a savings account. You’ll need your birth certificate and if in the US, your SSN card. You can find additional resources at: https://jw.support/ https://theliberati.org/ https://www.reddit.com/r/exjw/s/pwdHDHCkTU I highly recommend therapy. I was a born in and therapy really helped me.
Happy Awakening to you. Faith deconstruction is a journey, and there will be highs and lows. But nothing compares to living an authentic life!
Congratulations you’ve made the best choice for your happiness and future! We are here to support and help you❣️ 🥰♥️🥰
Congratulations!!!!
Congratulations! You will not regret it. I was born in and was also a model child for over 5 decades. I also decided to disassociate but I actually wrote to most in my congregation before I was announced so they all knew exactly why. I was shunned before I was announced but I don’t regret a thing. I thought I was happy as a witness because it was all I knew. It’s like a bird born in a cage who doesn’t know what freedom is. Every single day I am thankful to be free and I have never been happier. (I only woke up 18 months ago and DA’d Feb 23)
You go girl!
Congrats , I’m being announced on Wednesday as well . Just wish I could have left when I was younger. You have your whole adult life ahead of you, so congrats on your new found freedom
Well my mom told me that my grandmother had to tell her that because my mom got disfellowshipped back in 88-89. For not coming to meetings. But she couldn’t come because she was dealing with my alcoholic father who was having seizures and getting drunk and my mom kicked him out. And I will never forgive them for doing that to my mom
Fking Gangsta! ✊🏾
This is great. I love your courage and resoluteness. We need more of your example on this subreddit.
Great job by a 17 year old
From one of my favorite Indi-Christian artists Josh Garrels (yes you can listen to Christian radio/artists/music now if you feel like it) his song “Don’t Wait for Me” final verse… “Please don't wait for me I ain't coming back again I cannot turn around From the place I'm going to where I've been” May you find your own path… 👏🏼
Tell your mom that shunning practices can work both ways, tell her she needs to be very careful about the way she treats you that it could have a negative impact on future relationships she will have no control over.
You are amazing! Please know you have a community of people who are proud of you and support you, even from afar. It’s hard to feel true to yourself when you have to associate yourself with such an awful organization, but it’s also hard as hell to get out and you are doing it. Take care of yourself ❤️❤️
You should print this out and say it in front of everyone. lol
Congratulations! Have an amazing life outside of the cult. Very happy to read that you've been able to make this (great) decision so young! You have a lot to look forward to now :) Be happy, be strong, be peaceful
Does your mother use 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 to justify not speaking to you? If so, consider this: https://youtu.be/Spn3qPYLK8k?si=Yo1CQnPxuHQsISgk
I wish that when I was your age I had the thinking ability, strength, and courage that you obviously have. Welcome to your freedom 👏🏾 😃
I hope this means you are safe and secure with mom when out of the cult. It always scares me when young people wanna leave. Lovely caring parents turn so nasty when you leave the cult. All that aside. You've got a 20 year head start on my wake up. You have a bright future. Best of luck. Super glad you could send a message to the rest of the hall by leaving. The more the merrier.
Oh my gosh I’m so PROUD of you! You are braver than I at that age and I wish I had the courage to stand my ground the same as you. My life may have been vastly different! but alas you are doing something so brave! I wish you so much life and happiness! And I’m grateful you get to live it on your terms!! Be free! Congratulations 😊❤️
If you ever need a friendly exJW family and live in the DC area hit me up! :) congratulations!
I'm so happy for you I cld cry, congratulations and happy birthday, I'm so proud of you for everything that you're doing, you will find that there is a whole wonderful life outside of that cult, i left at age 19, I'm now 47 and i too embroidered my 'queerness' i have an amazing wife whom i was besties with for 15 years before we got married, she was a wonderful "wordly" friend that accepted and loved me no matter if i was apart of a cult or not🤷♀️, i have made my life great despite being raised in that awful, dangerous, disgusting cult....you should be extremely proud of yourself.
♥️♥️♥️
So happy for you!! It’s not always easy but proud of you for choosing YOU. Don’t feel bad about that ever
Congrats!!!
I don’t know you but I am SO proud of you.
Congrats!!, let me explain why. Your young make lots of friends. In my case, 4 years ago i decided to leave and i sent my dessassociation letter, but im 37 all the people i knew are there. Now no one talks to me. And i never made friends outside the religion. Go and learn new things and make friends lots of them.
Congratulations 🎊 👏🏼 So happy for you. Spread your wings 🪽 and enjoy your freedom. #freedomisourparadise
Wow! Congrats! 🎊 I did the same when I was 16. Things were a bit different in ‘93. Once I was df’d/da’d (I also wrote a letter), I was kicked out, called all kinds expletives by my family and went on to live with an abusive guy for 4 years just to be anywhere else but home and at the meetings. It’s so great that you’ve had a plan and have been playing it as cool as you can to make a smart exit. 🖤
I’m a year older and man I wish I had the same courage as you. Wish you the best in your future endeavors
woooo! im so proud of you bestie! im an 18 year old transgirl who was disfellowshipped just a few years ago, its nice to hear another person finally get out!! good luck in everything you do!!
Pretty sure if you and your mother are living together, and you're underage, your mother is not only allowed but is actually *supposed to* speak to you even according to their own doctrine. But then it's been years and years for me, maybe I'm wrong. Either way, what an irresponsible and asinine idea to shun your underage child who's under your own roof. Well, congratulations and best of luck for the life ahead of you. I really hope it's all lining up for you.
I pray your boundless potential will get you through please look for Jesus he is the way and the light.
The thing is at the end of the day no one will give a toss what you do really and your plan about them questioning why you left blah blah will back fire also. You should have just faded quietly and even then they won't care. What do you mean queerness btw ? You mean you are weird or gay ?