Hi Dana ..... I've not been in here much the past few weeks but I'd like to add that you'll know what to do when the time is right. So be patient ... take a deep breath ... and think of all the things you'll be free to do once you leave. If it means thinking about those things during meetings ... then at least you won't be wasting your time there!

Try and keep in mind that regardless of your religious feelings .... your parents truly believe in their chosen path in life and no doubt truly believe that it's the right path for you too. It's never easy to tell our parents that we no longer wish to live the lifestyle they've chosen for us and have raised is in since birth ...... however the best way to tell them is to do so quietly and not to be too confrontational. Let them know how much you love them and that they've raised you well (that's not admitting to agreeing with the religious side of the upbringing) .... and that not being religious doesn't mean it will change you much at all. Which it shouldn't.

Hopefully your parents love for you will overcome their fear for you ... if that makes sense. Given your dad is an elder and coordinator of his particular group of elders ... he may well cop a little more flak than the average dad as he's supposed to be 'leading by example'. If your dad is strong enough ... he may be able to ward off the naysayer types by maintaining his love for you rather than shutting you out. Just take your time ... suck in those feelings of anger and disbelief for now, specially when in meeting mode ...... and treat the meetings like you would do if you had to go along to one for work purposes. Really listen to the content and you'll soon reaffirm your desire to leave ....... because you'll hear for yourself those gaping great holes between doctrines and the indoctrination for that matter. Think of the meetings as yet another foothold into the real world!

In the meantime until you're ready to leave the religion publicly ...... remember the only people you owe an explanation to are your parents not just because you live in their home but because you love them. The rest of the people you don't have to worry about ... if they're upset about hearing YOUR truth ... then that's something they have to deal with, not you. Take care

"You can only be yourself ...
don't try to be someone else"

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