While the aspect of being an abuse survivor is a big part of my story, being one of Jehovah's Witnesses for 32 years is as equally large. Being a Witness was my identity, my reason for living. All of my dreams, hopes and aspirations were founded on the JW (Jehovah's Witness) belief system. All of my decisions were run through my JW filter. For myself personally, it was an all-encompassing and engulfing way of life…...a way of "being."

 

Being a Witness formed my heart, mind and soul in ways that I am still having to work through. While there were positives to being raised as such, the environment of legalistic, grace-less, critical, conditional love has wreaked havoc with my ability to believe in the Lord's love for me and the abundant grace that He has for me. And the enemy has used that affect to piggy back off the low self-esteem and self-loathing that comes from my abuse.

 

So, it has been a double whammy. But there's nothing and I mean nothing, that the Lord can't heal! He has and He is continuing to work healing in my heart and I am so thankful! I can tell you that my life is completely changed from what it was 15 years ago......before I accepted the Lord. I encourage you to take heart if you are coming from the background of being in a cult. There is redemption from any past that you may have.

 

I struggle at times feeling like I wasted so much of my life in the JW’s but then the Lord nudges me softly and reminds me that nothing is wasted with Him. He uses ALL things for good! I learned a lot about discipline as a JW. I learned a lot about the Bible that was true. I learned how to speak publicly by the time I was 12 years of age, speaking in front of over 1000 people. The Lord wants me to use this ability to share my testimony with others. So, there is much good that He has gleaned from my past, to my benefit. Take heart, dear one. The true, Great Physician, Jesus Christ wants to do the same for you. Search for Him and He will be found! 

 

There are many resources for those that are questioning the JW beliefs or that have come out and are trying to build a relationship with the true God. I want to share a very powerful resource with you. The founder is a wonderful Christian woman that the Lord called to ministry at a young age. Christy has a zeal for the Lord and for ministering in particular, to JW’s and Mormons. Take a few minutes and look at her website and see what the Lord calls to your attention. I know you will be blessed.