Wow! Your experience is pretty rough! I can't help thinking of all the horror stories in that evil cult that are going on right now and it's like this in many other cults and religions all over the world. Deceived men deceiving others!
When I first decided 2b an Atheist, I thought it meant being cold, depressing- but I had 2 screen out all bs, even if it meant rejecting good ideas, info if I wasn't comfortable with it. I needed 2 protect my sanity.
I was SO wrong about Atheism! The BEST demolition service ever provided for the mind! Tear down the Tower to let the sunshine in!
I can't believe how much I helped my wife + teen stepdaughter (not xjws)the same way ur husband helped u! Helping them 2 love & own themselves.
Danmera, don't let what JWs say derail you. Speaking out is the right thing to do, even if some people (1) don't get it, (2) criticize you for marrying an abusive man or (3) are so indoctrinated that they will excuse any cultic behavior and blame the victim (in your case SURVIVIOR!). There will always be JWs (and believe it or not, even ex-JWs) who try to cannibalize you. You know the truth and that's all that matters! Stay strong for all the women who haven't yet found their voice. :o)
@OutoftheCocoon Thanks, and most of them don't get to me. 99% of them I just toss up as trolls. Some however give me something to talk about or let me show how their comments actually sound to the rest of the world (at least the part of the youtube world that may watch). Many make me sad, I know they are in a "cocoon" and aren't aware of it.
@Justice4vr Thank you, but this is not why I stopped believing in them. This is just my experience in regards to the new Feb 15, 2012 study edition. I believed in these men most of my life, finding out the truth of the "truth" was even harder than this. I don't regret it now. Narrow is the path, I feel like I am finally on it.
@Justice4vr A congregation is a people of like minds, not a building, not men who govern all, including telling you not to read the bible alone. Again, the WT tells you what they want you to believe and you do, without question. I am just asking you to question. But who am I? If you are certain, stick with them. This is a serious matter, your very salvation is on the line. If you are sure, great.
@Danmera "...all speak in agreement, and that there should not be divisions among YOU, but that YOU may be fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought." 1 Cor 1:10. You are correct, that is what a congregation is, but where is it? Can you point these people out to me? Jesus said he would be with his congregation until the end of the system of things.... where are these people??
@Justice4vr Does it really need a location? Does it really need a label? Or do you think he will know who is following his commands and who isn't? That's all I am doing, trying to follow Jesus' commands, one of which is not to follow men.
@Danmera but Hebrews 10:25 teaches a fellowship: "not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as YOU behold the day drawing near"
"For where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst" Matt 18:20
Where is this body of disciples that work together like a body? You surely believe Jesus' disciples dwell together in unity right?
I'm proud of you for the way you clearly spoke YOUR truth regarding what you dealt with while in that organization. My story parallels yours in many ways. I also recall sitting there during meetings or when I was reading the latest magazine and thinking, "Really? You're changing it again? or What, you're taking something ELSE from us?" I found their love to be conditional and their truth a load of barnyard waste. My space here is limited but I wanted to say that I'm happy you have found a voice
You married a jerkoff and you blame the Watchtower? Perhaps next time you will do more research on your mate before tieing the knot. Always follow Jehovah. I have a feeling you will come crawling back. They all do.
@winstong2000 Crawling back to what? The evil slave? A group of men who put themselves as your saviors? A group of men who call themselves anointed (christos = anointed emphatic diaglott by the WBTS) when Jesus clearly said not to follow them? I will NEVER follow men again. Turns out Jesus is actually pretty clear on that, but again who really cares what Jesus says? Not the GB that's for sure. I think not. Narrow is the road..I'm just glad I am finally on it.
Respond to this video... even the Keep Yourself In God's Love book, the index in the back the appendix p.220. you CAN and should separate for willful nonsupport and p.221 extreme physical abuse elders should investigate....and legal SEPARATE..... folks, if violence GET OUT of there.
@winstong2000 What is WRONG with you??? Do you not GET IT??? Do you even have the capacity to GET IT?? This lady is telling the TRUTH...do you even know what TRUTH is??
"Follow Jehovah"??? How does that excuse the abuse and the disgusting things that has gone on for decades in the Watchtower?? How does this excuse the cruelty allowed where the abuser remains in "good standing" and the victim is seen as the problem?? "Crawl Back"??? Are you twisted???
@1955annemarie I dont know if she's telling the truth but its possible it could be entirely fabricated as that is what apostates do. Wait for Jehovah.
@winstong2000 Dude...seriously? From all XJWs who are critical of the WTS and JWs...thanks for being such a good example of why we left. You're awesome. Christmas just came early for me this year.
Best of luck to you, Danmera. There is life after the WTS. I hope yours just keeps getting better.
I can feel you all getting ready to type, "Well, what are you doing watching these videos if you are so happy?" BUT:
For me personally, the witnesses have taken me in as family. I came from abuse, and they have bent over backwards to protect me - even going so far as to reject people from the KH because I have felt threatened.
I have been thinking for a while that the Governing Body is not who they save they are, hence the reason I am watching this... (sorry this doesn't make much sense)
@TR4C1G0LL4N You are quite fortunate, and an exception to the rule. Perhaps the congregation they belong too still has their own conscience in tact. There are rare cases of that. However it is not the norm.
I am extremely glad to hear you were able to escape abuse, NO ONE deserves that. May I ask if you are baptized or if you are in the love bombing stage still?
I am only doing this to help victims become survivors.
@Danmera I have seen enough congregations to understand that this congregation is not the norm... There are many in the congregation that have been abused by husbands, fathers, etc. I actually took the little I know about your case to an elder here and asked what he would do in this circumstance - his response: "GET THE WOMAN OUT OF THAT ENVIRONMENT ASAP and then deal with the brother". I am a Bible Student.
I spent 15 years with an emotional and mental abuser. The elders told me the same thing. I should treat him better, be more submissive. The second time he laid hands on me was the night i kicked him out. He also tried making me feel crazy. Mind games daily. Divorcing him was the 2nd best thing ive done. The 1st was leaving the wt.
@thepixieful I knew him and his family most of my life. There is no real dating in the organization. Today I find our courtship insane, back then it was normal for everyone I knew.
@Danmera yes I know our subculure. wow no one told you of his temper, etc. so glad you are happy now. I look back and makes me feel okay of how my teen years went and they were a mixed up time. hey. Today was okay.
Danmera, a brilliant (brilliant in the sense of off-the-cuff and articulate) heartfelt personal story, one that I wish the entire country could/should see. I linked this video to my personal page. Your strength and honesty are amazing. I would love to see the complete downfall of this destructive cult. cheers to you.
@Truth4JWs Thanks, your videos have been helpful for me as well. I agree about these videos. I am big on research research research this organization. The more you know, the more the programming breaks down.
Thank you for sharing that. They justify cutting you off by saying its necessary and even 'loving'. They take joy in it because they've been told that the more suffering they have the more willing they'll be to come back or else to see them pay. They wait for you to 'earn' back their acceptance. As if! These abused 'sisters' don't deserve this. Why aren't they being reminded that being harsh with their wives is not 'Christian'?
@Sheraseven Because they are not christian. They don't follow the teachings of Jesus unless it can be slanted to their (WT) favor. Jesus showed mercy over the law, they don't care. Jesus said love your neighbor as yourself...your wives? f**k 'em. It is sickening.
I never realized I was a weapon. He was sick before being a JW, but then used those 'be in submission' scriptures right along with 'I'll take Hillary away and you'll never see her again." I had an understanding of what my mom went through knowing that, but I never felt the pain of it until watching this. Thank you for your continued openness. xo
@hilldiggity I am sorry to bring back painful memories, I just feel so strongly this stuff needs to be said. Plus when is making me crazy, I find putting it out in the world, gets it out of my head.
@Danmera No, no don't be sorry. I whole heartedly agree that it needs to be said and I value the new perspective greatly. I worked through this shit for 10 years in therapy...I'm good...lol
Powerful video.
DblOSmith 4 weeks ago
Thats why truth can only come from the heart and you have a big one! Thank you and best wishes!
TRAVERSEPOINT 2 months ago
Wow! Your experience is pretty rough! I can't help thinking of all the horror stories in that evil cult that are going on right now and it's like this in many other cults and religions all over the world. Deceived men deceiving others!
TheScrewedGeneration 3 months ago
When I first decided 2b an Atheist, I thought it meant being cold, depressing- but I had 2 screen out all bs, even if it meant rejecting good ideas, info if I wasn't comfortable with it. I needed 2 protect my sanity.
I was SO wrong about Atheism! The BEST demolition service ever provided for the mind! Tear down the Tower to let the sunshine in!
I can't believe how much I helped my wife + teen stepdaughter (not xjws)the same way ur husband helped u! Helping them 2 love & own themselves.
727Phoenix 3 months ago
Danmera, don't let what JWs say derail you. Speaking out is the right thing to do, even if some people (1) don't get it, (2) criticize you for marrying an abusive man or (3) are so indoctrinated that they will excuse any cultic behavior and blame the victim (in your case SURVIVIOR!). There will always be JWs (and believe it or not, even ex-JWs) who try to cannibalize you. You know the truth and that's all that matters! Stay strong for all the women who haven't yet found their voice. :o)
OutoftheCocoon 3 months ago
@OutoftheCocoon Thanks, and most of them don't get to me. 99% of them I just toss up as trolls. Some however give me something to talk about or let me show how their comments actually sound to the rest of the world (at least the part of the youtube world that may watch). Many make me sad, I know they are in a "cocoon" and aren't aware of it.
I to thank your kind words and for watching.
Danmera 3 months ago
@Danmera Don't worry girl- you still look hot... From England xx
galin95 3 months ago
@Danmera sorry you had to go through this.
Justice4vr 3 months ago
@Justice4vr Thank you, but this is not why I stopped believing in them. This is just my experience in regards to the new Feb 15, 2012 study edition. I believed in these men most of my life, finding out the truth of the "truth" was even harder than this. I don't regret it now. Narrow is the path, I feel like I am finally on it.
Danmera 3 months ago
@Danmera Can you tell us where we can find the disciples of Jesus Christ today?
Justice4vr 3 months ago
@Justice4vr There are many scriptures that talk about how one will know "you are my disciples" not one references following men.
Love each other is the greatest one, but there are others, as I am sure you know. As I said I will not get into a biblical debate here.
Danmera 3 months ago
@Danmera Thats fine, I would just like you to point out Jesus' congregation today. Can you do it for me?
Justice4vr 3 months ago
@Justice4vr A congregation is a people of like minds, not a building, not men who govern all, including telling you not to read the bible alone. Again, the WT tells you what they want you to believe and you do, without question. I am just asking you to question. But who am I? If you are certain, stick with them. This is a serious matter, your very salvation is on the line. If you are sure, great.
Danmera 3 months ago
@Danmera "...all speak in agreement, and that there should not be divisions among YOU, but that YOU may be fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought." 1 Cor 1:10. You are correct, that is what a congregation is, but where is it? Can you point these people out to me? Jesus said he would be with his congregation until the end of the system of things.... where are these people??
Justice4vr 3 months ago
@Justice4vr Does it really need a location? Does it really need a label? Or do you think he will know who is following his commands and who isn't? That's all I am doing, trying to follow Jesus' commands, one of which is not to follow men.
Danmera 3 months ago
@Danmera but Hebrews 10:25 teaches a fellowship: "not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as YOU behold the day drawing near"
"For where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst" Matt 18:20
Where is this body of disciples that work together like a body? You surely believe Jesus' disciples dwell together in unity right?
Justice4vr 3 months ago
I'm proud of you for the way you clearly spoke YOUR truth regarding what you dealt with while in that organization. My story parallels yours in many ways. I also recall sitting there during meetings or when I was reading the latest magazine and thinking, "Really? You're changing it again? or What, you're taking something ELSE from us?" I found their love to be conditional and their truth a load of barnyard waste. My space here is limited but I wanted to say that I'm happy you have found a voice
RaineeG62 3 months ago
You married a jerkoff and you blame the Watchtower? Perhaps next time you will do more research on your mate before tieing the knot. Always follow Jehovah. I have a feeling you will come crawling back. They all do.
winstong2000 3 months ago
@winstong2000 Crawling back to what? The evil slave? A group of men who put themselves as your saviors? A group of men who call themselves anointed (christos = anointed emphatic diaglott by the WBTS) when Jesus clearly said not to follow them? I will NEVER follow men again. Turns out Jesus is actually pretty clear on that, but again who really cares what Jesus says? Not the GB that's for sure. I think not. Narrow is the road..I'm just glad I am finally on it.
Danmera 3 months ago 2
@winstong2000 I am also wondering if you watched the entire video, or just picked out what you wanted?
Danmera 3 months ago
@winstong2000 statistically, they don't esp. if they experienced abuse with in their family. or from brutal gossips.......
thepixieful 3 months ago
Respond to this video... even the Keep Yourself In God's Love book, the index in the back the appendix p.220. you CAN and should separate for willful nonsupport and p.221 extreme physical abuse elders should investigate....and legal SEPARATE..... folks, if violence GET OUT of there.
thepixieful 3 months ago
@winstong2000 What is WRONG with you??? Do you not GET IT??? Do you even have the capacity to GET IT?? This lady is telling the TRUTH...do you even know what TRUTH is??
"Follow Jehovah"??? How does that excuse the abuse and the disgusting things that has gone on for decades in the Watchtower?? How does this excuse the cruelty allowed where the abuser remains in "good standing" and the victim is seen as the problem?? "Crawl Back"??? Are you twisted???
1955annemarie 3 months ago 2
@1955annemarie I dont know if she's telling the truth but its possible it could be entirely fabricated as that is what apostates do. Wait for Jehovah.
winstong2000 3 months ago
@winstong2000 Dude...seriously? From all XJWs who are critical of the WTS and JWs...thanks for being such a good example of why we left. You're awesome. Christmas just came early for me this year.
Best of luck to you, Danmera. There is life after the WTS. I hope yours just keeps getting better.
IsaacJ 3 months ago
I can feel you all getting ready to type, "Well, what are you doing watching these videos if you are so happy?" BUT:
For me personally, the witnesses have taken me in as family. I came from abuse, and they have bent over backwards to protect me - even going so far as to reject people from the KH because I have felt threatened.
I have been thinking for a while that the Governing Body is not who they save they are, hence the reason I am watching this... (sorry this doesn't make much sense)
TR4C1G0LL4N 3 months ago
@TR4C1G0LL4N You are quite fortunate, and an exception to the rule. Perhaps the congregation they belong too still has their own conscience in tact. There are rare cases of that. However it is not the norm.
I am extremely glad to hear you were able to escape abuse, NO ONE deserves that. May I ask if you are baptized or if you are in the love bombing stage still?
I am only doing this to help victims become survivors.
Danmera 3 months ago
@Danmera I have seen enough congregations to understand that this congregation is not the norm... There are many in the congregation that have been abused by husbands, fathers, etc. I actually took the little I know about your case to an elder here and asked what he would do in this circumstance - his response: "GET THE WOMAN OUT OF THAT ENVIRONMENT ASAP and then deal with the brother". I am a Bible Student.
TR4C1G0LL4N 3 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
NO ONE SHOULD BE SHOCKED BY WHAT PEOPLE UNDER THE WATCHTOWER RULERSHIP GO THROUGH.
NO ONE SHOULD BE AMAZED OR DISGUSTED AT WHAT THE WATCHTOWER LEADERSHIP DOES TO IT'S FOLLOWERS, BECAUSE.....
***THAT'S WHAT A GENUINE FALSE PROPHET ORGANIZATION DOES!***
TheSnarkyApologist 3 months ago
Your vid made me cry. Just wanted you to know. Love you. D
BianchiRoadshow 3 months ago
powerful thank u
fem40trish 3 months ago
wow
fem40trish 3 months ago
Everyone always seemed so happy. It was unreal.
Jbeliski 3 months ago
I spent 15 years with an emotional and mental abuser. The elders told me the same thing. I should treat him better, be more submissive. The second time he laid hands on me was the night i kicked him out. He also tried making me feel crazy. Mind games daily. Divorcing him was the 2nd best thing ive done. The 1st was leaving the wt.
lipvixen 3 months ago
so. much. good. stuff.
stressful, but good. thanks :)
abitofneither 3 months ago
how long did you date/court him? I wonder how many young sisters do know know WHO or what they are getting????? yes ivory tower.
thepixieful 3 months ago
@thepixieful I knew him and his family most of my life. There is no real dating in the organization. Today I find our courtship insane, back then it was normal for everyone I knew.
Danmera 3 months ago
@Danmera yes I know our subculure. wow no one told you of his temper, etc. so glad you are happy now. I look back and makes me feel okay of how my teen years went and they were a mixed up time. hey. Today was okay.
thepixieful 3 months ago
I want to give you a big hug.
KezoZydis 3 months ago
You are so damn brave. Much love and hugs to you. <3
mysteryinthealley 3 months ago
Danmera, a brilliant (brilliant in the sense of off-the-cuff and articulate) heartfelt personal story, one that I wish the entire country could/should see. I linked this video to my personal page. Your strength and honesty are amazing. I would love to see the complete downfall of this destructive cult. cheers to you.
MuscleMaxZ1 3 months ago
I totally feel your pain and am happy you are doing better now. I went through 3 years of hell getting away from those cazy assholes. Peace :)
Templehatchet 3 months ago
Thank you for the video, appreciate you poring your heart out and telling your personal story. I learned from you.
shaddelick 3 months ago
"They don't care about you. They just care about keeping the numbers up." Sums it up perfectly. I'm learning A LOT from this these videos. Thank you.
Truth4JWs 3 months ago 6
@Truth4JWs Thanks, your videos have been helpful for me as well. I agree about these videos. I am big on research research research this organization. The more you know, the more the programming breaks down.
Danmera 3 months ago
Damn, that was off the chain... I always knew you were brillant. you nailed it on the head... best video ever but painful to watch.
huffdawgs8 3 months ago
Thank you for sharing that. They justify cutting you off by saying its necessary and even 'loving'. They take joy in it because they've been told that the more suffering they have the more willing they'll be to come back or else to see them pay. They wait for you to 'earn' back their acceptance. As if! These abused 'sisters' don't deserve this. Why aren't they being reminded that being harsh with their wives is not 'Christian'?
Sheraseven 3 months ago
@Sheraseven Because they are not christian. They don't follow the teachings of Jesus unless it can be slanted to their (WT) favor. Jesus showed mercy over the law, they don't care. Jesus said love your neighbor as yourself...your wives? f**k 'em. It is sickening.
Danmera 3 months ago
I wish my "rambles" were this authentic ~ Betsy
kristobetz 3 months ago
I never realized I was a weapon. He was sick before being a JW, but then used those 'be in submission' scriptures right along with 'I'll take Hillary away and you'll never see her again." I had an understanding of what my mom went through knowing that, but I never felt the pain of it until watching this. Thank you for your continued openness. xo
hilldiggity 3 months ago
@hilldiggity I am sorry to bring back painful memories, I just feel so strongly this stuff needs to be said. Plus when is making me crazy, I find putting it out in the world, gets it out of my head.
Danmera 3 months ago
@Danmera No, no don't be sorry. I whole heartedly agree that it needs to be said and I value the new perspective greatly. I worked through this shit for 10 years in therapy...I'm good...lol
hilldiggity 3 months ago