For a podcast that holds so much tragedy and deep sadness, it was equally full of love, genuine understanding and a gentle compassion. Unfortunately the lack of support and rejection from these cults, when members need them the most, is all too common. Every case is full of heartbreaking emotional pain. Sarah's story is particularly hard to hear because she tried so hard, over and over to be free of all the symptoms of her pain. Thank goodness she had a wonderful husband who was constantly by her side, looking with her for a way out. Life is so unfair sometimes, far more often than any of us can bare. I have so much compassion for Sarah's husband. He did a wonderful job in paying tribute to his Wife, his Love. I wish the very best for him as he moves on with his life. 💗💗💗
I will share your story with others. Every JW needs to hear this one day! It has helped me and other exJWs and I hope it continues to help and touch many others! (Including still believingJW's) thank you. This subject of mental health and emotional health needs to be addressed!
I’m so sorry Cameron for the loss of your beautiful wife. These stories of the organisation’s not only heartless but total inability of understanding humans proves what they truly are. If they truly were from the creator of humans they would understand the make up of us. As I hear about Sarah’s strength but how she became exhausted and too tired to keep fighting, too tired to keep thinking. I am angry at the hypocrisy considering how we can see drunk Tony Morris muttering his dictates. She was lucky to have you Cameron and I hope you are seeing a professional to help you to debrief and get over your pain of dealing with all you have faced. Thankyou ❤️
Thank you Shona! But I was lucky to have had her. I have sought help, and I don't think I could've made it without. Mike has been a tremendous piece of the puzzle to my healing.
If Sarah’s story doesn’t open people’s eyes, I don’t know what will. I feel so so sad for Sarah and those who (truly) loved her. She deserved more. 🗣shunning is NOT loving! It’s hurtful and hateful.
Thank you, Molly! It makes me smile that you can relate to her art, and that you are now free. I hope those feelings are in the past and you have been able to heal! Thank you again for your kindness!
This was so very tough to watch...I'm so sorry for your loss Cameron. I think I kind of understand what you went through and are still going through. I lost my son to drugs despite supporting and trying to help him for many years. It's a hard place to be, on the one hand, relief from the chaos, which is as you described, exhausting; and on the other hand, the grief and loss of our precious loved one. I have found counselling helpful but the journey is long. Take care Cameron.
Thank you so much for sharing your loss, I'm so sorry! It's so painful fighting so hard for the ones we love only to lose them. My heart hurts for your loss as well. I wish you the best in your journey to healing and peace, Christine!
You have my condolences Cameron. Sarah was a beautiful soul that found a beautiful soul. RIP Sarah. Thank you immensely for sharing her story; it is more valuable than you probably know. ❤, GBL
My heart goes out to you. You ARE enough and she was lucky to have such a loving husband. Unfortunately alcohol is a downer and anti depressants are an upper and when you combine the two they actually create an entirely different drug. This is NOT your fault. You did everything you could. The religion let her down with the shunning policy. She needed her parents and sisters and psychological help. Again Soo sorry for your loss. Heartbreaking 💔
On a side note, even the bible says that the wages sin pays is death. Therefore her sins were paid and she ABSOLUTELY should have had a talk done at a proper funeral.
Disfellowshipping someone for a mental illness like addiction is like disfellowshipping someone for having cancer. Sometimes mental illnesses are terminal. There was nothing you could have done. I know this for certain. I tried to take my own life and I had a wonderful loving partner who did everything a human could, just like you. Sarah was very lucky to have you. I'm so sorry for everything you have both been through. Thank you for your immense bravery in sharing your story. We will remember Sarah. Sending so much love and strength your way.
Thank you for sharing your story. I hope you sharing is therapeutic for you. I shared your experience with my daughter who dealt with depression. I wish you happiness and peace.
I know your pain. I lost my husband 4 years ago to alcoholism and putting himself into a situation that he was victim of a homicide. He was in rehab more times than I can count on both hands. I myself was never a witness but he was raised in, 3rd Gen (at least). I didn't find out that he was molested by someone in kingdom hall as a kid until maybe 2 yrs before his death. His father is/was an elder and the whole 2 witness rule played out. Even though I have never been a witness I am shunned. His father called him a liar, when he was a boy and again as an adult. It ate him alive. When he spiraled I had to ask him to leave our home. I couldn't have that degree of alcoholism around 2 little kids. My point here is I have learned forgiveness by watching and listening to this podcast and others. I had to forgive him to move on. It's painful but you will get there. I know now that if he had this community he might have had a chance. He couldn't let go of the JW teachings. I have often wondered how many people have lost their lives because of shunning, losing community, family and dignity. You have friends here and if you need to talk to someone I'm always willing. Just as someone whose been there.. You are not alone.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I'm so sorry to hear of your loss as well! I have recently found more support and have been able to work through the trauma and loss. I hope you were able to heal as well! Losing someone we love is never easy, but I feel that losing them suddenly leaves us with words unspoken and no closure. A sudden crumbling of your whole world that you don't anticipate, and I greatly appreciate hearing your kind words and the support of others who have left the cult. Thank you, and I wish you well on your healing and your journey! 🤗
@@Cam-ir9zw Thank you for the reply. I knew a lot about JWs or I thought I did. I have had a few aha moments listening to Shunned and Lloyd Evans channel. He was so scarred by his childhood in this cult. We are touched by these people and yes, lose them suddenly. I hope you heal. We will never forget them, but they leave their mark on our hearts. Take care of you..
Thank you Cameron for sharing Sarah with all of us! Her beauty & love for life will live on forever in your heart & we all have a spot for Sarah in our hearts too. She’s resting in peace now & little things will forever remind you of Sarah.🥰
I'm sorry to hear the difficulties you experienced and your final loss. I hope you manage to find resolution for yourself. Thank you for sharing Sarah's story.
Wow, how raw. And humanizing addiction. These are real people. How tough for the spouses and partners on so many levels. Thank you for your honesty and willingness to share. I wish you healing and peace, my friend. You stood by her. And now you give witness to the complexity of who she was. And who you are.
What a wonderful man you are! You gave all you had, and more! Coping as you did, with zero family support, is amazing! Don't EVER blame yourself! You didn't let her down, everybody else let you BOTH down! I know how hard it is to have no family support, and it's brutal! You are a beautiful man, and you have some beautiful memories. Please don't let all the bad memories, and the terrible pain, strip them away from you. Sarah is now at peace, and i really hope you can find some peace too. Don't feel guilty when you are ready to move on either. You DESERVE to find happiness again. What a wonderful man you are, and thank you for sharing your beautiful wife's tragic story, because people need to hear this. Hopefully, by doing this, other such tragic losses will be prevented. Love, hugs, and best wishes for the future.
We are too often misdiagnosed... they diagnosed me with BPD , lately: they changed it for RTS + CPTSD... It's happening way too often 😕 😪 . I feel for you man and what you do is wonderful, you're immortalized her ❤, her beautiful person and personality. I admire you for this. And the patience you had for her.
@@Cam-ir9zw , thank you!! I was born in jw and I was abused in many ways and 1 of it is CSA from birth until 13 years old. I thought about ending my life seriously with a plan since I was 5 years old... I understand her and you! Edit: I don't have those thoughts anymore!
We need to start suing these people for damages to lives, it's unnatural and evil to say the least, I've been out since 2012 and I understand what it's like, please except my love .
This is so sad. As a recovering alcoholic (31 years sober) I feel so sad for Sarah. The statistics for long-term sobriety for alcoholics are very grim. I believe they are around 35% or so of alcoholics who remain in sobriety for the remainder of their lifetime. A relapse is just one drink away and the worst thing is that even though an alcoholic has had many years of sobriety when they take that first drink the relapse is such that they will drink as if they never were sober. In other words even though an alcoholic remains sober the disease continues to progress. Alcoholism is a very difficult disease to deal with and the worst thing that can happen to a JW alcoholic who gets DFed is to have friends and family turn their backs on them and to shun them. Where is the love in that?
Prayers , deeply praying for you , and I will pray 🙏🏼 for you every time the Sara’s story come to my mind , I just heard from beginning to end , tear for your pain ,
Thank you, Josh! I'm sorry for what you are going through as well! Going through my loss, people told me to take it one day at a time, and that time heals all wounds. For a long time I felt that this wasn't true, and I almost took offense of people telling me this. Sometimes trying to offer advise isn't what's needed, but offering understanding. I feel you, brother. I don't understand from your perspective, but I can relate from my own. I hope you have someone to talk through your loss, like Mike Shemwell. And your leaving the JWs is a loss. Hang in there, it may take a lot of time, but you do have a new life ahead!
I watched till the end! Beautiful story all of it the good and bad! She showed her true beautiful self in the photos at the end of the video. Blessings on you and peace be with you!💖
You are a valuable man , since you accept her since the beginning, you already was an strong soul ,, you did your best , wish you soul heals soon ,,, out of any religion ,, Jehovah and Jesus are and will keep you in their harms . They love you , we all love you , our prayers for you and all the thousands of human are suffering from this horrible punishment
So sorry you and Sarah went through this Cameron. I can relate. I was diagnosed as being bipolar and was told there was no cure. I left the Watchtower organization and pursued a goal of developing a relationship with Marie Osmond. She wrote the book, "BEHIND THE SMILE" that Chronicles her journey with depression. I have learned so much during my journey. It is sad that Watchtower is so full of calous indoctrinated ignorant inhuman robots who are programmed with WE MUST BE IN CONTROL FOR WATCHTOWERS GLORY!
Cameron, my deepest sympathies go out to you. Sarah would be proud of the way you are honoring her. No one deserves to be thrown away and cut off from their families and friends when they need them the most. I too struggled with alcohol for years before getting sober, and I want you to know that you are enough. There was never anything humanly possible to save someone in the throws of active addiction coupled with mental illness. She loved you. I'm going to remember her story. Thank you.
Thank you, Jen! For sharing your struggle and for your kindness! Congrats on your sobriety, I can appreciate it to be something you worked hard for. Good luck on your journey, and thank you for remembering Sarahs story!
This is the most heartbreaking story I’ve ever listened to on shunned podcast. How people just think the average JWs are just brainwashed and not complicit in the way they treat people is beyond me. The JWs showed me so called “good people” are capable of committing some serious atrocities. It’s scary, really scary. Instead of helping Sarah they turned their backs on her in her greatest hour of need. I’m so so sorry for what had happened to you and your wife. Thank you for trying to help your wife. You are a good man. I wish you nothing but the best for the future.
This touched my heart, i have bipolar and i understand...Sarah is brave, she did her best. I cried when you read acceptance. Im so sorry for your loss ❤
The organization rules, procedures, guidelines, take precedent over the pains, and suffering of any individuals. The organization are really showing how far they are from the real Christians love
She had you. Best person possible as I listened to you. JWs look through a prism created by the organization which distorts feelings and proper perspective. So sorry.
I am disable and I have come to have self- love.And there are good loving men still out there like you.They are hard to find or come across but God can put two people together.I know she loved you.
That one elder that made that callous comment about what you had to do to see your wife again would have eaten his own teeth if I was the one in your shoes at that moment. Cameron you're a stronger man than I my friend.
I am so sorry for your loss and how the religion failed her. She was still looking for approval and acceptance and they stole it from her. Just like the rest of us. May she RIP and I send my deepest condolences. Thank you for sharing Sarah's Story. I hope this story opens so many others eyes on how so many suffer behind closed doors once they are disfellowshipped/shunned! My heart goes out to you. ❤️
We are living in very stressful times..critical times hard to deal with. Add to that out weakened state sometimes made worse by trauma..tragically. I'm so sorry for your loss..just started listening..@5mins in..approx.. You're a beautiful man..a loving soul..the type God wants around forever . My heart goes out to you..having lost my brother at 31..over 20 plus years ago What a wonderful blessing the resurrection hope
Hi Cameron. I'm so sorry. I want to hug you through this screen. Thanks for sharing this with us. I can't imagine how hard this was. If you start a channel, go fund me....I don't care which one you start...I'd love to know. You're an amazing person. I'm so sorry.
Thank you, Reece! Thank you for your kindness! I've thought about starting a channel, but I'm not sure what to do. In the ExJW realm I feel that everyone already doing it......I don't know what I could add to everything that's already out there. So many amazing people already making top notch videos! But if that changes, I greatly appreciate your encouragement!! 😊 I would be happy to let you know!
One more note: Alcoholics who are in the mid to last stages of the disease do not sleep. They drink until the alcohol causes them to pass out. When they finally come to they have to start drinking right away to avoid the DTs. This is a stage when the alcoholic is getting near to their end.
Cam... You are so brave for sharing her story! I relate on so many levels ....from the disfellowshipping to the shunning and also dealing with the disease of alcholism with my daughter. I am a certified peer counselor and would love a chance to talk with you anytime you need to listening ear.
Thank you, Melanie! And I'm sorry that you can relate to Shunning and Alcoholism with your daughter. Thank you, too, for offering to be a listening ear! It means a lot! I would like that!
Cameron you are so brave to share Sarah's story and yours. You are enough. Such anguish all brought on by cruel shunning. 😤😡😠🤬 Much love to you. Unconditional love till the end.
It's so lonely being a JW especially when you have to endure it as a child. My childhood as a JW was awful crushing loneliness and I carried that internally my entire life. I acted in such bizarre ways because of the JW tramma that I lost friends and relationships for my best years. I does pass but takes many years. All JW's every gave me was misery, I don't have any good memories being one of JW's.
As ex jehovah witness. Sara family should be ashamed. How treat your child like that. I'm sorry for your loss. Thank sharing sara story. Sara beautiful person who deserves be remembered and you great husband. So sorry she had go through so much pain.
25min.04 : I was diagnosed bipolar years ago. I was diagnosed something else/Don't remember what. Now they found out that it was RTS (RELIGIOUS TRAUMA SYNDROME). Most of shrinks have no idea about what's inside our hearts 💔 😢 😔 ♥ I had to teach the psychologist ... now: she retired and went back home other side of Canada 🇨🇦 😒 🙄 not easy. I am so scared to be in front of ignorants like I was all my life. I am not bipolar and anything else RTS THAT'S IT 👌 💯 😤
Dear Cameron, had to pause & go to work nearing the end, just before Sarah’s photo gallery, have to say, picture of her in car with shades reminds me of Amy Winehouse, both gone too soon 😢 I was deeply touched by your support of her 😌. It was wonderful to see your eyes sparkle when you spoke of your rescue “PITA” 🐶. I left org. In 2018, year later my mariage of 33 years, needless to say, my rescue “Scooter” (Shitzu/Yorkie), going on 14 years old, is my saving grace. When I’ve had a long, weary day, I snuggle up to him for comfort ❤️🩹 (my emotional support dog!)Thank you for introducing us to your lovely wife, her story will stay with me for a very long while. 🌸🌺🥀. All the very best for you, & yes…”Love Life” is my takeaway… Take Care…🇨🇦 neighbour to the North P.S. the beard suits you, keep it!
Thank you, Marie-Claire!! She was a beautiful woman, and a beautiful soul! PITA has been my support animal too, and if still happy and healthy, but less of a pain in the A! I'm so happy to hear that you have Scooter to help you through your divorce and losing people. 💕 Thank you for hearing Sarah's story, and for sharing such kind words! It's brought a smile to my day, thank you! Your neighbor to the south, -Cameron
My heart breaks for him. She was not even treated like a human being. All my condolences to her husband. I would love to do a video for you. I am 43 been born and raised as a JW kicked out 3 times abusive husband and the lies I was told even qhen I tried to kill myself twice. Reach out to me for an interview
1h05,30sec : You were enough and more than enough. Most people don't care and do that much. It's not you! I attempted suicide more than twice... you couldn't do more. Man I was abused physically, morally and CSA too. I just wish that I could talk to all the victims of that cult before they do something drastic... sometimes, you can't do anything about it. I am glad that she had You!!! She was not alone.
I never had 1 friend 😕 in jw's// forget about true friends... I have great and best friends in the 🌎 world. You have to be able to go and make friends... you will keep 3 too 10 real friends for all your life ❤... I can call them anytime// they can call me anytime I have 4 excellent and exceptional friends . I am in my 50th. I was not allowed to talk to that only person... we were 8 years old. I was born and raised and abused physically, sexually and mentally since birth. // we reconnected a few years ago at the beginning of Facebook.... the first person to ask me for a friendship was her. ❣🙂❣she made the 10000km to be together when we both turned 50 years old. We have projects in common. She is just the same person that I knew... I keep my friends and they keep me...
We are so fragile. We have scars all over us/physically and emotionally 💔 😢 mentally. I tried to end my life so many times...I can't say a number/ lots of times 💔!
I am so sorry that you've tried so many times to end it! That's a horrible place of pain to stay in! We are so fragile. Life is so fragile. I'm so glad to see you are strong as well, strong enough to have pulled through and you are still here. Hang in there, and I hope your journey is one that brings you more joy and less pain. 💕
Alcoholism is a sickness and people need support from family and friends. I’m sorry that that support was denied from pretty much everyone in her life other that her husband. He also needed support and it’s a shame that he too was denied of the support he needed. Those friends and family that shun her do not even feel the part they played in what caused her death. It’s such a shame they accept that they did what they did because of love. Jehovah is a god of love and they are not imitating that love then they do not have his favor. I hope that by sharing your story it helps you and others who might be struggling with mental illness or alcohol.
I am soooo sorry, I'm literally crying watching this video. I really believe that when those elders show you the Bible in their hands. Then ask you to step outside of the room...then pull out that literally Corporate Punishment rule book. Decide people's fate..then tuck it back away..then put the Bible back in their hands while they ask you back in the room. People should start doubling back and giving their in version of Corporate Punishment to these elders!!!!! I mean this from every single part of my being.
It is corporate punishment. And they do a good job of manipulating everyone into thinking it's love from God! I regret, deeply, ever thinking it was a good idea to involve the elders. I thought they would help. Little did I know that the wolves would devour her.
Nobody stood up for her and she needed a strong man who could talk to even the governing body. She was left alone. Being abused in many ways in the jw cult : I understand how she felt. Now: I want anyone who is depressed to talk to me...
I don't even know what it's like to live in a controlling religious environment and I don't even know this young lady but I'm simply in tears. I can't even imagine what you are or went through during that time in your life. I'm in tears because my daughter attempted to take her own life a few years ago but we were able to help her through the toil of PTSD, bipolar schizo-effective and borderline personality disorder and she is now on her meds regularly, I'm there helping her each step of the way but so is my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My daughter had a friend who died of a heroin overdose, she blamed herself even though she was miles away from her, she took her death very hard, still does but she's getting better now then when it first happened in 2014. She ended up going in-patient from 2014 on and off till 2019, the stay in 2019 was just get her meds under control. My heart just goes out to you and I pray that your mental health is strong. I'm so very sorry for your loss and I will be praying for you.
Thank you! For your kindness and for sharing a bit about your daughter and what she is going through. I'll keep you both in my prayers, and hope you both find peace. She has a wonderful mother that has stood by her through her ups, downs, and likely even times where she has come unglued - she is fortunate to have you! God Bless you both! 💕
John 9: 34 & 35 The congregation threw a man out. It doesn't say why or what he did as it evidently doesn't matter. As soon as Jesus heard he went out and found the man to minister to him. He did not shun him or anyone else. Shunning is so wrong and has caused many to commit suicide. Some even kill their whole family and themselves because of the false teachings of the Jehovah's Witnesses. Their so-called love is conditional. Do something they don't like and they won't even speak to you again. They ae a cult and have blood on their hands. Sarah worked hard to get reinstated in six months. The power the elders hold over people is life and death. I heard a video where a young lady tried for years to get back in. They constantly told her she wasn't good enough to try again as she cried and begged and pleaded to be re-instated. She had medical problems mentally. She ended up taking her life. I have read so many scriptures in the context that the witnesses read one verse and use it for what they want as their agenda. Read the whole chapter and it is about a whole different thing. Your Sara will always be in your heart and memory. I believe we never get over our loss but in time learn to live with it. You have some bad memories but you also have beautiful memories of your love. Hold onto that always. This story and seeing your pain hurt my heart and I did not know her or you. The pictures at the end, Sarah was a beautiful woman. Jesus reads hearts and if you just read what Jesus said you know she is saved. He made it so simple for our salvation. Jesus paid the price for all our sins and all he asks in return --Romans 10: 13 Confess our sins to God, Jesus, Believe Jesus came to Earth, died for our sins and rose again. Call upon the name of Jesus and he said "you WILL be saved" not maybe, he will think about it, you WILL. Nowhere does it say you have to be a JW or obey 8 old men who control the people's lives. They control every aspect of your life. You are free from the cult. Now remember your love for Sarah and heal from the false teachings of the cult. By the way, her artwork is beautiful too. I pray for Jesus to heal your heart.
How much credit I give to Sara and to you too... Why ??? All the love and attention you gave to her. Probably her struggle with acceptance starts with the molestion that she went thru.....why does someone need or aim to come back to a cong.that makes so difficult to come back??? When those situations became so deep..it's between you, Crist, and God... nobody else. I,m a Bible believer, and for sure Sara will come back when Crist rules over mankind. Why ??? Crist knows our pain better then anybody else. Please don't lose your faith to hag her back again...( I,m crying right know ) and I can't stop my tears... Because I went thru a lot too. We all can encourage each other....if you can find the right people. But mainly we need to depend on the love of Crist to continue living. Thanks much.
It wouldn't be proper for me to divulge much because it's not my story to tell, but Cameron is still hanging in there and working on his life like so many. I'm sure he appreciates that care and concern.
Thank you, Dawn, for checking up on me!! That means the world to me that you care! I've been healing. Today is the 4 year anniversary of losing her. I miss her deeply. Though I feel I'm healing more than I feared was not possible. Today is very difficult. And just seeing your comment that you left a few months ago helped brighten my day, thank you!! It means so much that you care enough after hearing Sarah's story that you'd reach out and ask about me! ☺️
My heart hurts for you.... so much. Not only to lose your wife in part to such a worthless "religion" but to have her memory disgraced by the men who hurt her so badly to begin with.... I am so very sorry for your loss and I am sure she knew you cared so so much for her. ❤
I would love to talk to you regarding the drinking and stuff. My late husband, I went to elders for my husband, mistake... he passed from alcoholism :*(
You have to know that person. You should be her confident/best friend... it's not easy 😕 😔 😪 It took me years and psychologist etc, who all said that I was lying 🤥 😒 I was not. I left in 1985 same year I was blackmailed into baptism. They told me that I was a liar because Jehovah's witnesses were great people...
The Scriptures teach us how to be good people, honest ,kind, hospitible, and so on. But we need to remember bad people can get mixed among us in the congregation. Exemple : Judes Iscariot he was one of the onointed ..... Didn't he betray the LORD CRIST ?? How did he betrayed Crist ??? With a soft Kiss.... The kiss of dead.!!!! When a child speaks about being abuse , don't call him or her a liar.
I’m so sorry for your loss…it’s heartbreaking 💔 On a familiarity note…How cool! Chain O Lakes! Fox Lake! You lived above Minneola??? Did you go to Spring Grove?
Thank you! I was on the South side of the lake near El Peurto restaurant, but I have a friend that still likes near Spring Grove! Are you in that area?
Too many jw's have the some stories of abuse...so many are evading a Day in court// 1 judgment / I will never get justice. We are so many, it's not funny to try to know! I wish I could have talked to her! We have ways to have a happy life 😊// we always have our downs ♥ tomorrow is a new day to enjoy life. I was victim of CSA from birth until I was 13 years old//I was beaten almost to death several times a week and was told everytime that it was now that I will die...I was starting 😳 to laugh 😃 at the face of my "father " laughing at him because his face was red...I was asking if he could be all red his face, feet, neck and shoulder ... it stopped to be funny for him 😐... he kinda doing it less but not that much. I was happy to be able to not cry. He's old and still a monster 👻 👽
I tried to kill myself so many times...I can't keep up with the numbers... when I learned about TTATT, I TOTALLY GOT IT! wasn't always easy, but it is way better 😌 ✨ after the VANCOUVER silent protest I felt like a thousand kilos got out of my back and my brain! Nobody's to blame she didn't wait enough!
Has anyone thought about the fact that even Jehovah allowed his servants, like Solomon and so many others that were doing things displeasing to Jehovah. He allowed them to be buried with their forefathers. Doesn’t that tell you something? The GB makes a mockery of Jehovah and his compassion for people.
Fucking Hell... that's not very articulate but I don't think there are any words I could string together and bring comfort, express sympathy, or do anything real. I do find myself wanting to do something real that honors the life and person she was. Is there something she loved to do, like; a favorite song to listen to, a joke she loved to tell, a card game, sports team to root for... anything.... just something real that I could do with a bit of mindfulness. Something that celebrates a person and a life that is passed, by enjoying something they enjoyed during life with the life I still have. If this is a step too far, and you would rather not, I totally get it. Just whatever the case... take care and know that you and Sarah have touched my life today.
Thank you for this, David! I think you expressed it well, sometimes "Fucking Hell" works well! And I greatly appreciate you asking about things to honor Sarah! She was passionate about helping animals that needed a home, donating to animal charities and volunteering at shelters. She also rooted for the Chicago Blackhawks and was a huge Hockey fan. I am thankful that her story has touched you, and cannot put to words my appreciation for everyone's love and support! Thank you for honoring Sarah!!
Shunning is just another way of stoning someone to death. Since they can't legally get away with stoning, they shun and each shunning is a rock thrown at the victim. This is not love but a high controlling cult.
Jesus never shunned anyone he ate with tax collectors and sinners the apostle Paul who wrote down the shunning doctrine in 1 Corinthians ch 5 had never even met Jesus. The apostle Paul is no different from Joseph Smith of the Mormons and the governing body of Jehovah's witnesses and I,m a born again atheist. So sorry dear brother for the loss of your beautiful wife Sara and shame on the apostle Paul and the evil cult of the Watch Tower . Justin porter ex jw
The government body and this organization they don’t know how is love those that they are still in they are very unhappy people I’m so sorry for your lost but you have a beautiful hart and soul
@@Cam-ir9zw Part of my family are Jws and I’m not but when they need something where they came to me because their dear brothers are never are there for them specifically if they need 💰 some of my young members they have double life and I feel sorry 😢 for them because they can’t be free when my Mom passed in they memorial they talk about their religion and nothing about her how she as single mother raised 5 kids working 2 o 3 jobs tanks to her we never got in trouble and she was not jw she became jw much later in life and we just became okay 👌 we didn’t need to belong to a coult to be a good person
From my experience, aa and their program is very much like the cult we escaped of. Aa is a cult 😳 and it is proven today... Maybe: she felt worse, just like I did. There's other kind of therapy now and good alternatives to the aa program. I had nausea 😵 from the aa program. It is almost just like jw's!
Thank you for your comment, Jack! Everyone has their opinion on God, and belief in God isn't what took Sarah's life. Unfortunately, she was raised in a high control cult and knew no other way to live. The fools that run this cult do not care who they hurt. Some religious people that believe in God are great human being. Many Jehovahs Witnesses are great people, they are just mentally enprisoned to an organization that destroys anyone that doesn't fit into their ignorant mold. It's a shame, Sarah is not the only victim of this group.
A lesson I learned the hard way, and I regretted it ever since. But I trusted them at the time. Forgiving myself for not knowing better at the time has been truly difficult. And through Sarah's story, I agree that you are correct. They are not qualified to help anyone, and their goal is NOT having anyone's best interest at heart besides the org and their public image of perfect little robots.
This is because these so-called elders don't have the proper training, oh they were trained all right but not by going to school to help those with psychological issues. I'm sorry but these elders need help themselves because they are leading a whole bunch of people astray from the truth, which is Jesus Christ and not some 8 men that sit in their high towers condemning the rank and file.
For a podcast that holds so much tragedy and deep sadness, it was equally full of love, genuine understanding and a gentle compassion.
Unfortunately the lack of support and rejection from these cults, when members need them the most, is all too common.
Every case is full of heartbreaking emotional pain.
Sarah's story is particularly hard to hear because she tried so hard, over and over to be free of all the symptoms of her pain. Thank goodness she had a wonderful husband who was constantly by her side, looking with her for a way out.
Life is so unfair sometimes, far more often than any of us can bare. I have so much compassion for Sarah's husband. He did a wonderful job in paying tribute to his Wife, his Love.
I wish the very best for him as he moves on with his life. 💗💗💗
I will share your story with others. Every JW needs to hear this one day! It has helped me and other exJWs and I hope it continues to help and touch many others! (Including still believingJW's) thank you. This subject of mental health and emotional health needs to be addressed!
I have no words. You are a good husband and good man. I'm so sorry for your loss.
That is very kind of you, thank you!
I’m so sorry Cameron for the loss of your beautiful wife. These stories of the organisation’s not only heartless but total inability of understanding humans proves what they truly are. If they truly were from the creator of humans they would understand the make up of us. As I hear about Sarah’s strength but how she became exhausted and too tired to keep fighting, too tired to keep thinking. I am angry at the hypocrisy considering how we can see drunk Tony Morris muttering his dictates. She was lucky to have you Cameron and I hope you are seeing a professional to help you to debrief and get over your pain of dealing with all you have faced. Thankyou ❤️
Thank you Shona! But I was lucky to have had her. I have sought help, and I don't think I could've made it without. Mike has been a tremendous piece of the puzzle to my healing.
My heart goes out to you Cameron. So sorry for the loss of your beautiful and talented wife.
Thank you very much!
If Sarah’s story doesn’t open people’s eyes,
I don’t know what will. I feel so so sad for Sarah and those who (truly) loved her. She deserved more.
🗣shunning is NOT loving! It’s hurtful and hateful.
Thank you, Gina! I hope it opens eyes as well. 💕
@@Cam-ir9zw, it is opening eyes and hearts 💕
Cameron, how you tell Sarah's story is beautiful. I have laughed, cried and seen true love. Thankyou for sharing her with us.
Thank you very much for sharing this! 💕
What a BRIGHT LIGHT the world lost when Sarah was lost!
When I see the art piece behind this wonderful man, I can see myself in that painting. How I felt before I left the JW.
Thank you, Molly! It makes me smile that you can relate to her art, and that you are now free. I hope those feelings are in the past and you have been able to heal! Thank you again for your kindness!
This was so very tough to watch...I'm so sorry for your loss Cameron.
I think I kind of understand what you went through and are still going through. I lost my son to drugs despite supporting and trying to help him for many years. It's a hard place to be, on the one hand, relief from the chaos, which is as you described, exhausting; and on the other hand, the grief and loss of our precious loved one.
I have found counselling helpful but the journey is long. Take care Cameron.
Thank you so much for sharing your loss, I'm so sorry! It's so painful fighting so hard for the ones we love only to lose them. My heart hurts for your loss as well. I wish you the best in your journey to healing and peace, Christine!
You have my condolences Cameron. Sarah was a beautiful soul that found a beautiful soul. RIP Sarah. Thank you immensely for sharing her story; it is more valuable than you probably know. ❤, GBL
Thank you so much! I hope this does help someone. It's been difficult to share, but healing.
My heart goes out to you. You ARE enough and she was lucky to have such a loving husband. Unfortunately alcohol is a downer and anti depressants are an upper and when you combine the two they actually create an entirely different drug. This is NOT your fault. You did everything you could. The religion let her down with the shunning policy. She needed her parents and sisters and psychological help. Again Soo sorry for your loss. Heartbreaking 💔
On a side note, even the bible says that the wages sin pays is death. Therefore her sins were paid and she ABSOLUTELY should have had a talk done at a proper funeral.
Thank you so much, MissBethany! 💕
Disfellowshipping someone for a mental illness like addiction is like disfellowshipping someone for having cancer. Sometimes mental illnesses are terminal. There was nothing you could have done. I know this for certain. I tried to take my own life and I had a wonderful loving partner who did everything a human could, just like you. Sarah was very lucky to have you. I'm so sorry for everything you have both been through. Thank you for your immense bravery in sharing your story. We will remember Sarah. Sending so much love and strength your way.
This means so much, thank you for this! I'm so glad you had someone on your side as well, it's far too talk of a hole to go through alone. 💕
Thank you for sharing your story. I hope you sharing is therapeutic for you. I shared your experience with my daughter who dealt with depression. I wish you happiness and peace.
I know your pain. I lost my husband 4 years ago to alcoholism and putting himself into a situation that he was victim of a homicide. He was in rehab more times than I can count on both hands. I myself was never a witness but he was raised in, 3rd Gen (at least). I didn't find out that he was molested by someone in kingdom hall as a kid until maybe 2 yrs before his death. His father is/was an elder and the whole 2 witness rule played out. Even though I have never been a witness I am shunned. His father called him a liar, when he was a boy and again as an adult. It ate him alive. When he spiraled I had to ask him to leave our home. I couldn't have that degree of alcoholism around 2 little kids.
My point here is I have learned forgiveness by watching and listening to this podcast and others. I had to forgive him to move on. It's painful but you will get there. I know now that if he had this community he might have had a chance. He couldn't let go of the JW teachings. I have often wondered how many people have lost their lives because of shunning, losing community, family and dignity. You have friends here and if you need to talk to someone I'm always willing. Just as someone whose been there.. You are not alone.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I'm so sorry to hear of your loss as well! I have recently found more support and have been able to work through the trauma and loss. I hope you were able to heal as well! Losing someone we love is never easy, but I feel that losing them suddenly leaves us with words unspoken and no closure. A sudden crumbling of your whole world that you don't anticipate, and I greatly appreciate hearing your kind words and the support of others who have left the cult. Thank you, and I wish you well on your healing and your journey! 🤗
@@Cam-ir9zw Thank you for the reply. I knew a lot about JWs or I thought I did. I have had a few aha moments listening to Shunned and Lloyd Evans channel. He was so scarred by his childhood in this cult. We are touched by these people and yes, lose them suddenly. I hope you heal. We will never forget them, but they leave their mark on our hearts. Take care of you..
You can include me I am here too if you need anyone to talk with..
Thank you Cameron for sharing Sarah with all of us! Her beauty & love for life will live on forever in your heart & we all have a spot for Sarah in our hearts too. She’s resting in peace now & little things will forever remind you of Sarah.🥰
Thank you for appreciating the story of Sarah, and for your kind words about her! 😊 I think of her daily! 💕
I'm sorry to hear the difficulties you experienced and your final loss.
I hope you manage to find resolution for yourself.
Thank you for sharing Sarah's story.
Wow, how raw. And humanizing addiction. These are real people. How tough for the spouses and partners on so many levels. Thank you for your honesty and willingness to share. I wish you healing and peace, my friend. You stood by her. And now you give witness to the complexity of who she was. And who you are.
Thank you, Jessie! That means a lot!
What a wonderful man you are! You gave all you had, and more!
Coping as you did, with zero family support, is amazing!
Don't EVER blame yourself! You didn't let her down, everybody else let you BOTH down!
I know how hard it is to have no family support, and it's brutal!
You are a beautiful man, and you have some beautiful memories. Please don't let all the bad memories, and the terrible pain, strip them away from you.
Sarah is now at peace, and i really hope you can find some peace too. Don't feel guilty when you are ready to move on either. You DESERVE to find happiness again.
What a wonderful man you are, and thank you for sharing your beautiful wife's tragic story, because people need to hear this.
Hopefully, by doing this, other such tragic losses will be prevented.
Love, hugs, and best wishes for the future.
Thank you for this! Your words mean so very much! Thank you! ❤
We are too often misdiagnosed... they diagnosed me with BPD , lately: they changed it for RTS + CPTSD... It's happening way too often 😕 😪 . I feel for you man and what you do is wonderful, you're immortalized her ❤, her beautiful person and personality. I admire you for this. And the patience you had for her.
Thank you for this, Natasha! 💕
@@Cam-ir9zw , thank you!!
I was born in jw and I was abused in many ways and 1 of it is CSA from birth until 13 years old. I thought about ending my life seriously with a plan since I was 5 years old... I understand her and you!
Edit: I don't have those thoughts anymore!
We need to start suing these people for damages to lives, it's unnatural and evil to say the least, I've been out since 2012 and I understand what it's like, please except my love .
I agree. I've reached out to many, many lawyers and no one would help me. If anyone knows of a way, I'm all ears.
This is so sad. As a recovering alcoholic (31 years sober) I feel so sad for Sarah. The statistics for long-term sobriety for alcoholics are very grim. I believe they are around 35% or so of alcoholics who remain in sobriety for the remainder of their lifetime. A relapse is just one drink away and the worst thing is that even though an alcoholic has had many years of sobriety when they take that first drink the relapse is such that they will drink as if they never were sober. In other words even though an alcoholic remains sober the disease continues to progress. Alcoholism is a very difficult disease to deal with and the worst thing that can happen to a JW alcoholic who gets DFed is to have friends and family turn their backs on them and to shun them. Where is the love in that?
Prayers , deeply praying for you , and I will pray 🙏🏼 for you every time the Sara’s story come to my mind , I just heard from beginning to end , tear for your pain ,
Cameron my heart goes out to you. You were a great husband! I wish you peace, healing.
Thank you, Alishay! 💕
I feel this to my core! Left JWs February 2020 and feel like life is just not worth living at times. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Thank you, Josh! I'm sorry for what you are going through as well! Going through my loss, people told me to take it one day at a time, and that time heals all wounds. For a long time I felt that this wasn't true, and I almost took offense of people telling me this. Sometimes trying to offer advise isn't what's needed, but offering understanding. I feel you, brother. I don't understand from your perspective, but I can relate from my own. I hope you have someone to talk through your loss, like Mike Shemwell. And your leaving the JWs is a loss. Hang in there, it may take a lot of time, but you do have a new life ahead!
@@Cam-ir9zw Thank you so much man! Yes, understanding is definitely the key
You are a nice Man, sorry for your lost and thanks very much for having the courage to share with us!
RIP beautiful Sarah ❤️
I watched till the end! Beautiful story all of it the good and bad! She showed her true beautiful self in the photos at the end of the video. Blessings on you and peace be with you!💖
Thank you so much, Virginia!
What a great gift you are! You are loved and cherished! Thank you for LOVING SARAH! NEVER let YOUR BRIGHT LIGHT be DIMINSHED-EVER!
This was very kind of you to say, THANK YOU, Erica!
You are a valuable man , since you accept her since the beginning, you already was an strong soul ,, you did your best , wish you soul heals soon ,,, out of any religion ,, Jehovah and Jesus are and will keep you in their harms . They love you , we all love you , our prayers for you and all the thousands of human are suffering from this horrible punishment
I'm so deeply sorry for your loss Cameron.
Cameron you're courageous and very sorry for the loss of your wife.
Thank you, Alpa!
Sending sympathy and condolences to Cameron for your lost of your wife Sarah. Keeping you and Sara in my prayers.
Thank you Carol!
You have given me some hope tonight.
So sorry you and Sarah went through this Cameron. I can relate. I was diagnosed as being bipolar and was told there was no cure. I left the Watchtower organization and pursued a goal of developing a relationship with Marie Osmond. She wrote the book, "BEHIND THE SMILE" that Chronicles her journey with depression. I have learned so much during my journey. It is sad that Watchtower is so full of calous indoctrinated ignorant inhuman robots who are programmed with WE MUST BE IN CONTROL FOR WATCHTOWERS GLORY!
Cameron, my deepest sympathies go out to you. Sarah would be proud of the way you are honoring her. No one deserves to be thrown away and cut off from their families and friends when they need them the most. I too struggled with alcohol for years before getting sober, and I want you to know that you are enough. There was never anything humanly possible to save someone in the throws of active addiction coupled with mental illness. She loved you. I'm going to remember her story. Thank you.
Thank you, Jen! For sharing your struggle and for your kindness! Congrats on your sobriety, I can appreciate it to be something you worked hard for. Good luck on your journey, and thank you for remembering Sarahs story!
This is the most heartbreaking story I’ve ever listened to on shunned podcast.
How people just think the average JWs are just brainwashed and not complicit in the way they treat people is beyond me.
The JWs showed me so called “good people” are capable of committing some serious atrocities. It’s scary, really scary.
Instead of helping Sarah they turned their backs on her in her greatest hour of need.
I’m so so sorry for what had happened to you and your wife.
Thank you for trying to help your wife. You are a good man.
I wish you nothing but the best for the future.
This touched my heart, i have bipolar and i understand...Sarah is brave, she did her best. I cried when you read acceptance. Im so sorry for your loss ❤
I don't share much on my fb, I shared this one ❣️❣️
The organization rules, procedures, guidelines, take precedent over the pains, and suffering of any individuals. The organization are really showing how far they are from the real Christians love
So Sorry for the loss of your wife.Your a good loving man sir..Melbourne Australia..
Thank you, Linda!
Much love and respect to Sarah's husband as he heals from his loss.
She had you. Best person possible as I listened to you. JWs look through a prism created by the organization which distorts feelings and proper perspective. So sorry.
Thank you for your kindness!
Outstanding! Haven’t finished watching the whole thing because time is always against us but outstanding!
I am disable and I have come to have self- love.And there are good loving men still out there like you.They are hard to find or come across but God can put two people together.I know she loved you.
That one elder that made that callous comment about what you had to do to see your wife again would have eaten his own teeth if I was the one in your shoes at that moment. Cameron you're a stronger man than I my friend.
Same here. There would have been another 911 call being placed that day.
Thank you, I don't know how I didn't! I appreciate that you saw this as hard to keep self control.
@@Cam-ir9zw You would have been well within your rights to clean his clock if you chose to do so in MY opinion. He deserved it
I am so sorry for your loss and how the religion failed her. She was still looking for approval and acceptance and they stole it from her. Just like the rest of us. May she RIP and I send my deepest condolences. Thank you for sharing Sarah's Story. I hope this story opens so many others eyes on how so many suffer behind closed doors once they are disfellowshipped/shunned! My heart goes out to you. ❤️
Thank you, Talia! 💕
We are living in very stressful times..critical times hard to deal with.
Add to that out weakened state sometimes made worse by trauma..tragically.
I'm so sorry for your loss..just started listening..@5mins in..approx..
You're a beautiful man..a loving soul..the type God wants around forever .
My heart goes out to you..having lost my brother at 31..over 20 plus years ago
What a wonderful blessing the resurrection hope
Hi Cameron. I'm so sorry. I want to hug you through this screen.
Thanks for sharing this with us. I can't imagine how hard this was. If you start a channel, go fund me....I don't care which one you start...I'd love to know. You're an amazing person. I'm so sorry.
Thank you, Reece! Thank you for your kindness! I've thought about starting a channel, but I'm not sure what to do. In the ExJW realm I feel that everyone already doing it......I don't know what I could add to everything that's already out there. So many amazing people already making top notch videos! But if that changes, I greatly appreciate your encouragement!! 😊 I would be happy to let you know!
Incredibly moving...I am so sorry 😞
This Was very emotional. Warm hug and love out to you.
Thank you, Sandra! 💕
One more note: Alcoholics who are in the mid to last stages of the disease do not sleep. They drink until the alcohol causes them to pass out. When they finally come to they have to start drinking right away to avoid the DTs. This is a stage when the alcoholic is getting near to their end.
Cam... You are so brave for sharing her story! I relate on so many levels ....from the disfellowshipping to the shunning and also dealing with the disease of alcholism with my daughter. I am a certified peer counselor and would love a chance to talk with you anytime you need to listening ear.
Thank you, Melanie! And I'm sorry that you can relate to Shunning and Alcoholism with your daughter. Thank you, too, for offering to be a listening ear! It means a lot! I would like that!
Cameron you are so brave to share Sarah's story and yours. You are enough. Such anguish all brought on by cruel shunning. 😤😡😠🤬 Much love to you. Unconditional love till the end.
Thank you so much, Annika! 💕
Crying my heart out
It's so lonely being a JW especially when you have to endure it as a child. My childhood as a JW was awful crushing loneliness and I carried that internally my entire life. I acted in such bizarre ways because of the JW tramma that I lost friends and relationships for my best years. I does pass but takes many years. All JW's every gave me was misery, I don't have any good memories being one of JW's.
This is so accurate, it is lonely. Thank you for sharing, and I wish you the best in leaving the loneliness behind with the cult.
My ❤️💜 heart goes out to you.I will keep you in my 🙏 Prayers.
Thank you, Linda! 💕
As ex jehovah witness. Sara family should be ashamed. How treat your child like that. I'm sorry for your loss. Thank sharing sara story. Sara beautiful person who deserves be remembered and you great husband. So sorry she had go through so much pain.
25min.04 : I was diagnosed bipolar years ago. I was diagnosed something else/Don't remember what. Now they found out that it was RTS (RELIGIOUS TRAUMA SYNDROME). Most of shrinks have no idea about what's inside our hearts 💔 😢 😔 ♥ I had to teach the psychologist ... now: she retired and went back home other side of Canada 🇨🇦 😒 🙄 not easy. I am so scared to be in front of ignorants like I was all my life. I am not bipolar and anything else RTS THAT'S IT 👌 💯 😤
Dear Cameron, had to pause & go to work nearing the end, just before Sarah’s photo gallery, have to say, picture of her in car with shades reminds me of Amy Winehouse, both gone too soon 😢
I was deeply touched by your support of her 😌. It was wonderful to see your eyes sparkle when you spoke of your rescue “PITA” 🐶. I left org. In 2018, year later my mariage of 33 years, needless to say, my rescue “Scooter” (Shitzu/Yorkie), going on 14 years old, is my saving grace. When I’ve had a long, weary day, I snuggle up to him for comfort ❤️🩹 (my emotional support dog!)Thank you for introducing us to your lovely wife, her story will stay with me for a very long while. 🌸🌺🥀. All the very best for you, & yes…”Love Life” is my takeaway… Take Care…🇨🇦 neighbour to the North
P.S. the beard suits you, keep it!
Thank you, Marie-Claire!! She was a beautiful woman, and a beautiful soul!
PITA has been my support animal too, and if still happy and healthy, but less of a pain in the A! I'm so happy to hear that you have Scooter to help you through your divorce and losing people. 💕
Thank you for hearing Sarah's story, and for sharing such kind words! It's brought a smile to my day, thank you!
Your neighbor to the south,
-Cameron
@@Cam-ir9zw thank you for your reply…this is definitely a process, however “it’s all about the journey!” 💜…
My husband was unable to fight for me. I wish i had someone like you!!! So much lets say
Cameron, I am so sorry for your loss. That is so sad how the JW organization failed her. RIP Beautiful Sarah.
No word to describe the imotional feeling those whom lost relatives in the cult
My heart breaks for him. She was not even treated like a human being.
All my condolences to her husband.
I would love to do a video for you.
I am 43 been born and raised as a JW kicked out 3 times abusive husband and the lies I was told even qhen I tried to kill myself twice.
Reach out to me for an interview
May she R.I.P.
1h05,30sec : You were enough and more than enough. Most people don't care and do that much. It's not you! I attempted suicide more than twice... you couldn't do more. Man I was abused physically, morally and CSA too. I just wish that I could talk to all the victims of that cult before they do something drastic... sometimes, you can't do anything about it.
I am glad that she had You!!! She was not alone.
I never had 1 friend 😕 in jw's// forget about true friends... I have great and best friends in the 🌎 world. You have to be able to go and make friends... you will keep 3 too 10 real friends for all your life ❤...
I can call them anytime// they can call me anytime I have 4 excellent and exceptional friends . I am in my 50th. I was not allowed to talk to that only person... we were 8 years old. I was born and raised and abused physically, sexually and mentally since birth. // we reconnected a few years ago at the beginning of Facebook.... the first person to ask me for a friendship was her. ❣🙂❣she made the 10000km to be together when we both turned 50 years old. We have projects in common. She is just the same person that I knew... I keep my friends and they keep me...
We are so fragile. We have scars all over us/physically and emotionally 💔 😢 mentally. I tried to end my life so many times...I can't say a number/ lots of times 💔!
I am so sorry that you've tried so many times to end it! That's a horrible place of pain to stay in! We are so fragile. Life is so fragile. I'm so glad to see you are strong as well, strong enough to have pulled through and you are still here. Hang in there, and I hope your journey is one that brings you more joy and less pain. 💕
Alcoholism is a sickness and people need support from family and friends. I’m sorry that that support was denied from pretty much everyone in her life other that her husband. He also needed support and it’s a shame that he too was denied of the support he needed. Those friends and family that shun her do not even feel the part they played in what caused her death. It’s such a shame they accept that they did what they did because of love. Jehovah is a god of love and they are not imitating that love then they do not have his favor. I hope that by sharing your story it helps you and others who might be struggling with mental illness or alcohol.
I am soooo sorry, I'm literally crying watching this video. I really believe that when those elders show you the Bible in their hands. Then ask you to step outside of the room...then pull out that literally Corporate Punishment rule book. Decide people's fate..then tuck it back away..then put the Bible back in their hands while they ask you back in the room. People should start doubling back and giving their in version of Corporate Punishment to these elders!!!!! I mean this from every single part of my being.
It is corporate punishment. And they do a good job of manipulating everyone into thinking it's love from God! I regret, deeply, ever thinking it was a good idea to involve the elders. I thought they would help. Little did I know that the wolves would devour her.
Nobody stood up for her and she needed a strong man who could talk to even the governing body.
She was left alone. Being abused in many ways in the jw cult : I understand how she felt. Now: I want anyone who is depressed to talk to me...
I don't even know what it's like to live in a controlling religious environment and I don't even know this young lady but I'm simply in tears. I can't even imagine what you are or went through during that time in your life. I'm in tears because my daughter attempted to take her own life a few years ago but we were able to help her through the toil of PTSD, bipolar schizo-effective and borderline personality disorder and she is now on her meds regularly, I'm there helping her each step of the way but so is my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My daughter had a friend who died of a heroin overdose, she blamed herself even though she was miles away from her, she took her death very hard, still does but she's getting better now then when it first happened in 2014. She ended up going in-patient from 2014 on and off till 2019, the stay in 2019 was just get her meds under control. My heart just goes out to you and I pray that your mental health is strong. I'm so very sorry for your loss and I will be praying for you.
Thank you! For your kindness and for sharing a bit about your daughter and what she is going through. I'll keep you both in my prayers, and hope you both find peace. She has a wonderful mother that has stood by her through her ups, downs, and likely even times where she has come unglued - she is fortunate to have you! God Bless you both! 💕
@@Cam-ir9zw Thank you, I'll be keeping you in my prayers too.
JW's don't let your organization determine your relationship with your family. Your family comes first.
John 9: 34 & 35 The congregation threw a man out. It doesn't say why or what he did as it evidently doesn't matter. As soon as Jesus heard he went out and found the man to minister to him. He did not shun him or anyone else. Shunning is so wrong and has caused many to commit suicide. Some even kill their whole family and themselves because of the false teachings of the Jehovah's Witnesses. Their so-called love is conditional. Do something they don't like and they won't even speak to you again. They ae a cult and have blood on their hands. Sarah worked hard to get reinstated in six months. The power the elders hold over people is life and death. I heard a video where a young lady tried for years to get back in. They constantly told her she wasn't good enough to try again as she cried and begged and pleaded to be re-instated. She had medical problems mentally. She ended up taking her life. I have read so many scriptures in the context that the witnesses read one verse and use it for what they want as their agenda. Read the whole chapter and it is about a whole different thing. Your Sara will always be in your heart and memory. I believe we never get over our loss but in time learn to live with it. You have some bad memories but you also have beautiful memories of your love. Hold onto that always. This story and seeing your pain hurt my heart and I did not know her or you. The pictures at the end, Sarah was a beautiful woman. Jesus reads hearts and if you just read what Jesus said you know she is saved. He made it so simple for our salvation. Jesus paid the price for all our sins and all he asks in return --Romans 10: 13 Confess our sins to God, Jesus, Believe Jesus came to Earth, died for our sins and rose again. Call upon the name of Jesus and he said "you WILL be saved" not maybe, he will think about it, you WILL. Nowhere does it say you have to be a JW or obey 8 old men who control the people's lives. They control every aspect of your life. You are free from the cult. Now remember your love for Sarah and heal from the false teachings of the cult. By the way, her artwork is beautiful too. I pray for Jesus to heal your heart.
I soooo understand omg 😲
How much credit I give to Sara and to you too... Why ??? All the love and attention you gave to her. Probably her struggle with acceptance starts with the molestion that she went thru.....why does someone need or aim to come back to a cong.that makes so difficult to come back??? When those situations became so deep..it's between you, Crist, and God... nobody else. I,m a Bible believer, and for sure Sara will come back when Crist rules over mankind. Why ??? Crist knows our pain better then anybody else. Please don't lose your faith to hag her back again...( I,m crying right know ) and I can't stop my tears... Because I went thru a lot too. We all can encourage each other....if you can find the right people. But mainly we need to depend on the love of Crist to continue living. Thanks much.
Thank you for your kindness and love!
Can we have an update on Cameron. He's been though a nightmare. My heart breaks for him.
It wouldn't be proper for me to divulge much because it's not my story to tell, but Cameron is still hanging in there and working on his life like so many. I'm sure he appreciates that care and concern.
Thank you, Dawn, for checking up on me!! That means the world to me that you care! I've been healing. Today is the 4 year anniversary of losing her. I miss her deeply. Though I feel I'm healing more than I feared was not possible. Today is very difficult. And just seeing your comment that you left a few months ago helped brighten my day, thank you!! It means so much that you care enough after hearing Sarah's story that you'd reach out and ask about me! ☺️
My heart hurts for you.... so much. Not only to lose your wife in part to such a worthless "religion" but to have her memory disgraced by the men who hurt her so badly to begin with.... I am so very sorry for your loss and I am sure she knew you cared so so much for her. ❤
Thank you, Brandi! 💕
@@Cam-ir9zw hang in there ❤
You did gi through so much
Please reach out, so much in common!
I would love to talk to you regarding the drinking and stuff. My late husband, I went to elders for my husband, mistake... he passed from alcoholism :*(
You have to know that person. You should be her confident/best friend... it's not easy 😕 😔 😪
It took me years and psychologist etc, who all said that I was lying 🤥 😒 I was not. I left in 1985 same year I was blackmailed into baptism. They told me that I was a liar because Jehovah's witnesses were great people...
The Scriptures teach us how to be good people, honest ,kind, hospitible, and so on. But we need to remember bad people can get mixed among us in the congregation. Exemple : Judes Iscariot he was one of the onointed ..... Didn't he betray the LORD CRIST ?? How did he betrayed Crist ??? With a soft Kiss.... The kiss of dead.!!!! When a child speaks about being abuse , don't call him or her a liar.
I’m so sorry for your loss…it’s heartbreaking 💔
On a familiarity note…How cool! Chain O Lakes! Fox Lake! You lived above Minneola??? Did you go to Spring Grove?
Thank you! I was on the South side of the lake near El Peurto restaurant, but I have a friend that still likes near Spring Grove! Are you in that area?
PS….I moved to Texas back in 2012
Too many jw's have the some stories of abuse...so many are evading a Day in court// 1 judgment / I will never get justice. We are so many, it's not funny to try to know! I wish I could have talked to her! We have ways to have a happy life 😊// we always have our downs ♥ tomorrow is a new day to enjoy life.
I was victim of CSA from birth until I was 13 years old//I was beaten almost to death several times a week and was told everytime that it was now that I will die...I was starting 😳 to laugh 😃 at the face of my "father " laughing at him because his face was red...I was asking if he could be all red his face, feet, neck and shoulder ... it stopped to be funny for him 😐... he kinda doing it less but not that much. I was happy to be able to not cry. He's old and still a monster 👻 👽
I tried to kill myself so many times...I can't keep up with the numbers... when I learned about TTATT, I TOTALLY GOT IT!
wasn't always easy, but it is way better 😌 ✨ after the VANCOUVER silent protest I felt like a thousand kilos got out of my back and my brain!
Nobody's to blame she didn't wait enough!
Has anyone thought about the fact that even Jehovah allowed his servants, like Solomon and so many others that were doing things displeasing to Jehovah. He allowed them to be buried with their forefathers. Doesn’t that tell you something?
The GB makes a mockery of Jehovah and his compassion for people.
Fucking Hell...
that's not very articulate but I don't think there are any words I could string together and bring comfort, express sympathy, or do anything real.
I do find myself wanting to do something real that honors the life and person she was. Is there something she loved to do, like; a favorite song to listen to, a joke she loved to tell, a card game, sports team to root for... anything.... just something real that I could do with a bit of mindfulness. Something that celebrates a person and a life that is passed, by enjoying something they enjoyed during life with the life I still have.
If this is a step too far, and you would rather not, I totally get it. Just whatever the case... take care and know that you and Sarah have touched my life today.
Thank you for this, David! I think you expressed it well, sometimes "Fucking Hell" works well! And I greatly appreciate you asking about things to honor Sarah! She was passionate about helping animals that needed a home, donating to animal charities and volunteering at shelters. She also rooted for the Chicago Blackhawks and was a huge Hockey fan.
I am thankful that her story has touched you, and cannot put to words my appreciation for everyone's love and support! Thank you for honoring Sarah!!
@@Cam-ir9zw I will donate to my local Humane society tomorrow and let them know that it was from Sarah and Cameron through me. 👍
Jws have severe tunnel vision and what happened regarding her funeral was disgraceful. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Thank you, Melanie!
Hugs my word.... si fucking sad and yiu are a beautiful human. She is blessed to have had you!!!
Shunning is just another way of stoning someone to death. Since they can't legally get away with stoning, they shun and each shunning is a rock thrown at the victim. This is not love but a high controlling cult.
Jesus never shunned anyone he ate with tax collectors and sinners the apostle Paul who wrote down the shunning doctrine in 1 Corinthians ch 5 had never even met Jesus. The apostle Paul is no different from Joseph Smith of the Mormons and the governing body of Jehovah's witnesses and I,m a born again atheist. So sorry dear brother for the loss of your beautiful wife Sara and shame on the apostle Paul and the evil cult of the Watch Tower . Justin porter ex jw
I so understand yet you are better than I was
Im so sorry omg
Idk but
But please reach out
You felt it
I did too
The government body and this organization they don’t know how is love those that they are still in they are very unhappy people I’m so sorry for your lost but you have a beautiful hart and soul
You are so right! Thank you, Juanita! And thank you for watching a part of Sarah's story.
@@Cam-ir9zw Part of my family are Jws and I’m not but when they need something where they came to me because their dear brothers are never are there for them specifically if they need 💰 some of my young members they have double life and I feel sorry 😢 for them because they can’t be free when my Mom passed in they memorial they talk about their religion and nothing about her how she as single mother raised 5 kids working 2 o 3 jobs tanks to her we never got in trouble and she was not jw she became jw much later in life and we just became okay 👌 we didn’t need to belong to a coult to be a good person
From my experience, aa and their program is very much like the cult we escaped of. Aa is a cult 😳 and it is proven today...
Maybe: she felt worse, just like I did. There's other kind of therapy now and good alternatives to the aa program. I had nausea 😵 from the aa program. It is almost just like jw's!
Judged by Windows washers.
Elders are mini-gods.
Why was she drinking 🍸???most of us are doing it because of CSA...
She just developed a dependence on alcohol. She had no idea it was a problem for her, and couldn't see how it started to effect her.
Damnn just by reading the description, l couldn’t even watch this . All this for an invented God
Thank you for your comment, Jack! Everyone has their opinion on God, and belief in God isn't what took Sarah's life. Unfortunately, she was raised in a high control cult and knew no other way to live. The fools that run this cult do not care who they hurt. Some religious people that believe in God are great human being. Many Jehovahs Witnesses are great people, they are just mentally enprisoned to an organization that destroys anyone that doesn't fit into their ignorant mold. It's a shame, Sarah is not the only victim of this group.
I hope those so called elders see this
Rule one never never ask help from the elders go straight to the professionals don’t tell no one
A lesson I learned the hard way, and I regretted it ever since. But I trusted them at the time. Forgiving myself for not knowing better at the time has been truly difficult. And through Sarah's story, I agree that you are correct. They are not qualified to help anyone, and their goal is NOT having anyone's best interest at heart besides the org and their public image of perfect little robots.
This is because these so-called elders don't have the proper training, oh they were trained all right but not by going to school to help those with psychological issues. I'm sorry but these elders need help themselves because they are leading a whole bunch of people astray from the truth, which is Jesus Christ and not some 8 men that sit in their high towers condemning the rank and file.