Lyrics,
Well, as you can see you are not alone. As for me here is what I have learned. I was really hurt by the JW faith. My personal experience with them is that they base their salvation on works period and since only Christ was perfect their belief system causes people guilt,failure, and/or passing judgement. I after many of years, have found my salvation simply by putting my faith in Jesus Christ, our Savior. Many of years after leaving the JW faith I tried to label myself as agnostic( which to me meant that I beleived in God just not in religion). After years of not being accountable to anyone nor feeling I could trust anyone one for direction regarding God, He led me to a chuch.
This church was different first of all the pastor wore jeans! The churchies their were all different some dressed up, some dressed down (this was something I struggled with growing up I thought if God is everywhere why do we have to get super dressed up for him doesn't he see everything?). Also, all of them seemed sincerely GLAD to be there (I thought Why?) Then, the music started man was that awesome, the churchies( people attending) were singing along they had no hymn books the words were on screen so I felt like joining in. Then when the pastor spoke about everyday stuff and how the bible teaches you to deal with it. This pastor spoke about how he and his wife were no different than us that they had certain struggles.When it came time for the tithe and offering I thought " I knew it he just wants my money!" but he said this "My friend it is time for the tithe and offering and if your a guest here I want you to know I don't want you to give. Let this service be a gift to you and if you like what you heard today about God I want to invite you back. If for any reason you are not comfortable here I want you to know there are many other good churches in town, I'm pretty partial to this one. But, in all seriousness we just preach the gospel so that you may have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. My prayer is that you find a church to strenghten your walk with Christ. I thought I haven't been to church in a long time but I never remember the JWs ever being real nor transparent. I remembered who ever spoke back then, spoke mono-toned and they always taught like they were reading an instruction manual and they never endorsed any other church nor congregation. This church blew me away! But since I was really hurt by the JWs it took awhile to let myself really listen to the Good Word. One time I went in there and they had a different pastor speaking this guy was a recovering addict/ alcoholic I thought Wow theese guys must be real they deffintely are not hiding their junk. I started to think. Let me tell you thinking is a Powerful Thing! I thought if He ( Jesus) did it for him then He just might be able to do it for me. And since I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Personal Savior He has blessed me beyond what I could imagine. As for Family he has Blessed me like he Blessed Job for his faithfullness. There are at least twice as many Christians as there are JWs and the Christians I know do not forsake you. We have not foresaken our friends that no longer come to church with us. Jesus Christ has commanded us to Love on another. Please understand that I am sharing my testimony as a form of Worship and Praise to God. I am in no way telling you what to do. If any section of this letter is instructional please forgive me. I just feel that site like this one are for people to share thier experiences. May you find encouragement in this and all the letters that are sent to you, not only from myself but all those who take the time to share their love with you no matter how long or short their letter.
Sal
P.S. May I pray for you that God may bless you with all your needs and that He reveal himself to you?