Imagine being five years old and having your dad reading you scary stories about the Nazi persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses to send you off to sleep. Those stories were often tied into the fiery Armageddon that would accompany the persecution and violence to come into the lives of Witnesses as the world would come to an end. Johanna had those stories firmly in mind in 2020, when the world descended into fear around the Covid 19 pandemic. The fear had come full circle, and it was a pivotal moment in her life. This is Johanna’s story.
The song that Johanna chose to represent her journey is Grey Street by Dave Matthews Band.
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This podcast was made possible by my original podcast This JW Life. You can find it on any podcast app. It is a 9 part series about life as Jehovah’s Witnesses designed to help you understand how it worked in one comprehensive story and to help you process your own if you came from that environment.
Music provided by Jane and the Boy, entitled Save Myself.
Hello Johanna! I’ve to all the episodes and I could relate to your story the most. Even though our stories differ,of course, I was well aware of the importance of 1975 to me. I was actually disfellowshipped in July of 1975. I was 16, baptized, and pregnant!! I did get reinstated after a struggle only to finally let go. It’s definitely a process. My hope for you is that you can enjoy birthdays. I’m sad sad for your relatives that shun your family because they are missing out. Be happy!! I finally am.
Thanks so much!