------------------Encouragement for those who miss Family Members-----------------
When a person decides for whatever reason to leave this group, or they may have been disfellowshipped, one of the hardest things is to leave family and friends. It can be very painful and encouragement from others is very important. Your world may feel turned upside down. But, there are people who care and who have been through the same thing and feel your pain. These are the ones who can help and hopefully give you the encouragement you need.
For me, my mother has decided not to have any contact with me. I have never been disfellowshipped and I have not formally disassociated myself but she insists that it is God's will that she not speak to me. The only way she will resume a relationship with me (she said) is if I go back to the congregation and explain that I was reading apostate literature and repent of my sin. She says that the Jehovah's Witnesses are God's earthly organization and by leaving them I have turned my back on God. I am really not surprised by this except that I have never been disfellowshipped. But, she has taken it upon herself to cut me off anyway.
This has been very painful but I am moving on without her in my life. I spend a lot of time researching the Bible, religions and church history, and working on my spiritual life. It is really important to me to be able to have some answers for my children so that they can stand up for themselves and their spirituality. So, it is really nice to be able to talk with others on the Internet who are going through the same experience. And hopefully our loved ones will come around in the future and will want a relationship then. We are all at different levels of spirituality and Bible study.
Keep praying and keep in touch with others for support. Unfortunately we live in an era where there are many cults and high control groups. But, this also means we have great freedom to leave these groups and we are fortunate to have the Internet where we can find those who understand what we are going through. Please feel free to write to me for encouragement. We CAN do this! and we will be happier in the future.
