Hi Tracy:

Well, I think humility is overrated to begin with. I'm not saying that a person should be arrogant. However, there is something said about having some pride in who you are.

You have been in a religion that demands a time card as proof of your value. If you get 10 hours this month, that's great. If you are still only getting 10 hours next year, why aren't you doing more? You aux. pioneer once or twice a year. That is fine, but couldn't you continuously aux. pioneer? It goes on forever. As a JW, you are never allowed to be who you are. Ultimately they believe everyone is sinful and the only reason people have any value at all is because of their association with the spirit annointed sons of God. Everything considered valuable was tied into being a JW. Careers were considered secondary. Hobbies were considered "empty works." Even family, although they say differently, is considered of very little value.

Anyone who has lived under that kind of pressure is sure to walk out with some level of forced humility. I know I did.

So you shouldn't apologize for simply being who you are or sharing your opinion.

"Let truth and falsehood grapple; whoever knew truth put to the worse in a free and open encounter." --- Milton