“All of your worth is only as a JW” is a quote and common theme from Laura’s story of falling for a young man that was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in high school. Meeting this person at just 16 years of age would send her down an intense path of self-denial at the behest of him and others that would come into her life. Ultimately she was manipulated into doing what they wanted. For a religion that calls itself “The Truth” this story involves so many lies, the ones told to others, the ones she told to herself, and the ones told to her. The cult dynamics were seen in her relationship early on. This 16 year old girl unknowingly entered a world that would take her from her family, take years of her life, and things got even worse when she met an elder that took advantage of her. Today Laura is an educated woman pursuing things that she values in freedom.
The song that Laura chose to represent her journey is Bird Set Free by Sia.
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This podcast was made possible by my original podcast This JW Life. You can find it on any podcast app or on YouTube. 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.
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Music by Fair Voyeur entitled “No Hell Yet”.
Laura:
Just want to say I enjoyed your interview so much. I too was in a very controlling relationship from age 19-24 so I could identify with a lot of what you said about your ex husbands behaviors. When you related the experience about how you tried to report the behavior of your abuser and they wanted him to be the second brother in the meeting, then you told another group of elders the situation and they questioned you why didn’t you have the meeting you had 2 brothers there? Omg! The stupidity of these so called elders who are suppose to lead the congregation. It’s so ridiculous. I’m glad you got out and got help and seem to be doing better than ever. I commend you for staying in college. As much adversity as you faced you never let them stop you from doing what you wanted and that’s very admirable. Yes you had bumps along the way but ultimately you never gave up. You are very strong for sharing your experience And I know this will encourage others. Hugs ♥️
Hi Laura
Thank you for sharing your story. I could identify with so many of the things that you shared…especially about your relationship with your husband and how complicated it was to gain the skills and confidence to got out of it.
This is the first in this series of podcast that I have listened to. I find it healing and supportive to be able to listen to people with similar experiences with abusive groups.
I was shunned by my family when I was 19 and it took 34 years for me and my three sisters to all reunite again. I have struggled so much to unlearn so many harmful ideas and so have my sisters. We still don’t talk about religion because even after all these years the woulds are still unhealed and it has been over a decade since any of them have been in the religion. We are all coping in different ways but for me, knowing that there is a community out there that wants to connect is a huge support.
Thank you again and I’m so glad that you are free.
Hello,
My name is Derek.. I also live in Arizona! Thanks for telling your story. I can relate to some of your relationship struggles as my wife is a pimi. I have endeavored to be as nice as possible and understanding of her situation but she refuses to fully love me anymore since I told her I know longer believe. Its sad that she loves watchtower more than me. This organization ruins everything. I am currently pimo. But it is only a matter if time. I smiled when you said you got a tattoo because I just did the same! Also I am on exjw reddit as Ontheroadtesla. It is comforting to know others are going through similar issues and that thread, this podcast and other resources have been great to not be alone in this fight. Thanks for your strength with everything you’ve been through and speaking out.