Wow! Retired Elder here. Without question, the best, most honest, sincere and helpful conversation I have ever experienced. I didn’t just HEAR it, I was absorbed by it.....and you both. For a lack of words, THANK YOU!
More and more of us recognize ourselves in your testimony. What's great is that there are more and more JWs waking up all over the world thanks to the internet. Thank you to the entire EXJW community who do a remarkable job. Your channel contributes to the expansion of global activism. Thank you for your essential work.
Hey you guys! Just finished watching this, we’re all out as well!!! Our adult son was 1st, then me 2 years later, then my elder/pioneer husband and our youngest son in 2019. We are so relieved to all be out, we have no other family in so that’s it. Eldest son DA almost right away, us 3 faded, but me and my husband just wrote our DA letter this week and it’ll be announced this Tuesday coming. Thanks for the video, there’s thousands leaving…….down with the tower 😂😂😂😂
Thank you, for your comment on writing letters…. I have not regularly attended since 2005, so you might say that I successfully faded… All that time I still believed it was “the truth”! Only in the last few years have I realized how many things in it I questioned yet never asked because I realized what could happen if I made it known what all I questioned!! So now, I no longer have the thought that I will go back one day. Now I know that will never happen… Recently, when I saw the news brief on the 4 witnesses that SA 19 children, I was so horrified that the scripture to “…get out of her if you do not want to share in her sins…” came to mind. Also, the scripture of “…wolves in sheep’s clothing…”. Even though I have been inactive for 16 years now, I came to the conclusion that I don’t even want them to be able to “count” me as inactive…I thought about writing a letter and handing it over by the end of 2022, but then realized, being busy with other things on my mind, I wasn’t ready to “write it” in the way I wanted… I needed more time to gather my thoughts…Also being very concerned about how this might affect my relationship with nephews and nieces that are all “in”… Next spring I reach my 50th year since my baptism…. So now I am allowing myself just enough time to think it over and write it in a way that truly expresses my thoughts… I WILL turn it in by then!! 50 years is gone and now I am searching for answers that I may never find…but as was stated in this video…that is so much better than having questions that I can not ask!!! ❤
I've been DFd for almost a year now and in my mind I dont ever see my parents and older sister waking up. Time has helped me to accept it but comments like these really give me hope that one day I can hug them again.
@therealfirecracker we just got to a point where it was time to DA. We knew we were never going back, we also heard that a JW in a local cong. was found to be SA both his son and daughter, caught by the mother, DF, went to prison, got out, wife stood by him 😮he got reinstated like nothing had happened, moved cong, with no warning to new one, but they shun us 🤦🏻♀️ I will NEVER understand that as long as I live and don’t want to be any part of it!
You both are rock star parents. Your kids will overlook the moments you wish you could take back because they know the position you both were in. I wish more folks on the inside had the wherewithal to put their kids above their beliefs. These videos are important, and are affecting people in meaningful ways. Thank you
This interview with your husband has such beautiful thought processes. As a JW, you BELIEVE you have true answers to all questions of faith. As an exJW, you KNOW it's not true.
Thank you for sharing so honestly and kindly your story. I was a third gen JW. I was married to a MS and we both were full time pioneers who served where the need was greater for most of our 20’s. I left in 2004 when I had preschoolers. I couldn’t imagine bringing my kids up in a religion that was so harmful to little ones. It was so difficult to be estranged from my entire family of origin and then co-parenting with an ex that was still very much in. But I’m happy to say that my kids are both healthy and living authentically, attending university on their way toward professional degrees in science. And I’m about to graduate with my master’s degree from seminary as an eco-chaplain. Keep sharing your journey and the unfolding of your authentic selves!
i understand what you are saying I wasn’t raised in it but I went into the religion in my early 20’s not married or had children. I stayed 3 years I looked around one day and said to myself what I’m I doing here!!!! I saw kids that didn’t seem to have a life in this organization they looked miserable and I’m also glad I didn’t raising them in this nonsense.
Thankyou June and your husband and children. Your videos show raw emotion and I felt it through my own tears. I have never succumbed to this religion so never joined but do have close family members that were and still are. My dad is also not a witness so we gave each other the strength. I have never felt good enough and softly shunned by my jw family. This religion has tried to drive our family apart. Luckily my son did not get involved and him and me have a wonderful relationship. I am so happy you all came out together and I can see what a wonderful family you are
My husband, the rebel! 😈😂 He has loved NIN since I can remember! He's a huge Trent Reznor fan! I'm happy you both escaped! And I'm glad you enjoyed the video! 🩷 Hope you have a wonderful evening!
Such a great interview, thank you both! I was “courted” by the JW’s for years . I even went to the hall, weekly bible study for years. I was simply interested and fascinated by what made this organization tick. I studied for 5 or so years? The love bombing at the hall really used to bother me. Simply because I saw it for what it was. They bugged me for years after I said it wasn’t for me. People used to pop up out of no where while I was out in public! Unbelievable. Finally they backed off when I said that until women could hold a high position in the organization, I wanted nothing to do with it!
I think it's great that you all pretty much escaped as a family. Great interview.June, I listen to dispatchers all week at my job, and I must say that, you have a perfect speaking voice! Keep up the good work.
Hello June and Jared. After watching your videos, I'm begining to realise that I have spent most of the last 65 years battling and justifying doubts about my faith. Why? Not sure really? I probably stuck with it just to preserve my relationships with my Mother and my friends. I was first taken to the Kingdom Hall (as a baby) in 1959, first went on door to door work in 1963, baptised in 1973 and I am still trying to fade in 2023. I lived through the expectations of 1975, counted down "The Generation" during the 1980's and 1990's and then absorbed the "New Light" from 2010. I suppose it's been one long process of denial and social damage limitation. Thankyou for having the courage to share your JW experience. So much of your story resonates with me and I wish you and your family a happy, free thinking, future. Jonathan from London, UK.
It's New years eve a Saturday here in Brisbane Australia and I've just dropped of Nicole my beautiful wife to her field service group then at 2pm I,ll give her a lift to the Kingdom Hall . It's been 4 years since I dissociated in September 2018 aged 57. I've proved to Nicole that born-again Atheists are just as loving as JWs ,and our marriage is truly a miracle. If Nicole wakes up or not , our love for each other is super special and for that I,m truly grateful . Justin Porter ex jw ❤️
@@JustDeannaJune Thank you Just June , Your husband and daughter are super special for waking up . One day your grandchildren will thank you for liberating them from being Watchtower Slaves . Justin Porter ex jw ❤️
You are both so courageous, and what amazing parents you are. I’m so glad your love for your daughter was greater than the cult that would have you shun her. I wish you all the very best!
I'm glad you are putting videos out as often as you are. I'm really enjoying them. I didn't expect them this fast. Thank you! I look forward to hearing more of your stories.
First thing's first June, CONGRATULATIONS on 1,000 subscribers. Well earned my friend. 2nd, I can hear so much of Thomas in Jared the Producer, that's a father-son team I'll always bet on. Really glad the lot of you got out, breaking the cycle, even with your father the way he was Jared. Working hard and doing better every day, I know you two made mistakes as Witnesses, wasn't your fault and you're still taking ownership. I wish my parents were like you guys 💙
I cannot express how much your story has reached me! Iam 52 yrs old . POMO for over 15 yrs. My entire family which iam the eldest of 8 siblings are still in. Most of my sibling were like my own children because i did all the parenting while my mother ran a double life. Over the last 15 yrs i am apart of and loved by only the family members that are DF. Then they get reinstated and shun me. And then there is the next one needing love and support.... And the cycle continues. I was never DF because i refused to even give the Borg the power to do so. Funny thing is, being the eldest, and not in the borg, when i did get a chance to spend time with my siblings, their behavior was worse then the so called worldly people their age. And at the time my adult siblings were the bad influence on my two children that were teenagers. . At this time none of my nieces or nephews were of age. So when i started calling out the behavior that was not good for my teen girls, they freaked out. They were worried about their own asses. And i guess their double lives. Then all of a sudden they all shunned me. So ironic! From that point on i refused to be a part of the games. I started fighting back. Told them all they would face the day that their teens would revolt. And i would be there welcoming them with open arms! I also told them, i would no longer accept their being in my life only while they were disfellowshiped. This was 4 years ago. Haven't heard from any of them since. This religion is the worst thing that can happen to a family. It has robbed me of so much. I still get severe depression on every holiday. They all get together and do the JWs plan for not celebrating. BUT THEY ARE TOGETHER! Me and my husband spend Holidays alone. Recently became empty nesters so its even harder. Thank you for sharing your experience. It is and will help so many! Maybe we should start our own religion calling it NO MORE BORG! And go door to door spreading the real truth about Cults! Give them a taste of their own medicine! Lol 🤣
Wow! Great video! I became a witness at 22. I left at 31. I am now 63. Leaving was the hardest thing that I ever did….I could not imagine being raised in the religion and leaving. I’m just getting over it 30 + years after leaving….wow…just wow for your bravery!
Well done on this video! As someone who was ‘born in’ during the 1950’s and faded after 1975, I consider you are both very articulate, measured and brave. You may have some regrets regarding your parenting while witnesses, but many parents feel the same from time to time regardless of their religion or lifestyle. Keep on, keeping on and I wish you all the very best for your futures. 😊
June, first off your production value at the beginning was brilliant. Starting off with a preview and the JUST series, really well done. To your point about how widespread CSA is - I’ve been in a dozen congregations before I exited, not ONE that did not have at least one case, and multiple cases was the norm. Your husband’s honesty and unvarnished telling of events was a refreshing breath of fresh air. My wife and I have recently awakened after 42 years in and rebuilding our lives. So far so good. Thank you for everything you and your husband are doing.
Hello June. Hello Jared. What a great interview. I appreciate how honest your whole family has been. Thanks for sharing the trials, tribulations and triumphs you have gone through to get to this point. I hope everyone in your family has a good new year.
So enjoyed watching this video and the fact that the two of you have stayed together and we’re able to work thru issues is wonderful ❤ I can’t express enough how good it is to hear others peoples experiences and feelings and how it rings true for so many of us ! We’re not broken we’re not crazy we’ve just awoken and it’s amazing 🤩 love to your family from Michigan ❤
Erghhhh that 2014 broadcast was really eye opening! I couldn't get over how weird it was seeing Lett's facial expressions and hearing his voice... it really helped me wake up. I was fully out by 2015.
Thank you for this! My fiancée was disfellowshipped almost 10 years ago and it's been really rough on her... Her 29 year daughter won't talk to her. She is in alot of pain. I've been researching this "religion" for the past few years and it's all bad. This is not how love is supposed to be amongst family members. All I can do is pray that her daughter wakes up and she will be reunited with her mother one day..... Thanks for speaking out and speaking up! ❤️
Thank you so much for putting yourself and your family out there for all of us to listen and learn from it. All of your voices are so needed and please to get let the negativity get in the way of your important message.
Truly appreciate that you guys were able to put yourselves out there and share this with us. I can relate to so many things that you've talked about. I remember when I first became a ministerial servant, the heavy load that was bestowed upon me. I always had doubts, especially with the constant change to 1914 and "generation" teaching. When I had to do research for talks once I became a ministerial servant, I had my "crisis", Ray Franz style. It just paralyzes you. Thanks guys.
Super Bowl XXIV was 01/28/1990 (my 23rd birthday!) EDITED to add: 1:08:19. I'm glad he added this after his initial comments at 1:06:00 (minors doing what they have to do to stay safe).
Hey June, I am watching the interview with your husband and I am blown away with how much it reminds of my family’s story. I woke up many years before my wife, and listening to him I see so many parallels. I gave public talks while not believing a word that I said. There are so many of us out there. To hear your stories is truly an inspiration. Much love. Please realize that your videos are helping other people. Thank you so much for that. Love from Harrisonburg Virginia.😁
I just discovered your channel today and really enjoy your content. Your husband reminds me a lot of myself. I became a Ministerial Servant at age 17 and stopped at age 19. The last couple of months before I stepped down, I didn't believe any of it. When I stepped down, the Elders were all hoping that my stepping down would just be a temporary thing but I knew I was not going back. I have been gone over 20 years now. I am sorry to hear about both of your stories and struggles you have faced. I wish you both the best.
I'm glad you are out - I really am. I also hope that you don't give up on God as it sounds like you have. We indeed do have a creator. We indeed do have a Savior.
Your story is, from what I've seen, somewhat common in many of its details. It is wonderful that you all got out together and have one another. I have recently been in contact with several others we knew as jws, who have also gotten out as a family. Your story will be so helpful to others, probably already has, as they seek to escape. Thank you for being so open and honest, I truly appreciate having heard everyone's story now. You're a beautiful family and should feel so proud of all you've been through and found yourselves now succeeding in life.
Great interview as always. It is so refreshing to hear these real life sincere experiences. You have a wonderful family. Thanks for sharing. I especially loved one of the closing comments Jared said of listening to ones inner voice. Always listen to that inner voice that says something isn't right. That's my favorite advice to give my child.
I was one and woke up, after my personal bible study without the watchtower, a different bible, I was so blessed, Jesus said not one of his will be snatched away, if a person is a true follower he will wake up, now when I hear from a j w , I find them very judgmental and cold, not from God or Jesus , we are blessed ❤😊
Many blessing to you all family members!! I’m so glad you are free of the WT slavery! I’ve been out 4 years now and my husband 3 years now my daughter 35 year old is also lesbian and she woke up by the same time when she didn’t feel she fit in the congregation since she was in her early teens! My son didn’t get baptized and has a lovely family ! We are currently fading, during the zoom meetings we were PIMOS. But haven’t returned to presence meeting either. So far so good! And you are right! It feels so good to have weekends free, do what we like. And we decided to be better humans every day , do charity work participating in our jobs social aids to the sociedmty. We still feel uncomfortable to celebrate bdays or Xmas but our son has invited us to go for a moment and sing yo our grandkids and leave - so we can get used to it! He has been very supportive and understandable! Again we wish your family blessings and many years supporting eachother because being in this cult has broken our real personality and it’s not easy! Hugs from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷
🎉I am almost 69 and understand completely what you were going through mentally and emotionally. I wasn’t happy being a JW and my husband was one but my family was completely destroyed too.
Went through this myself. My parents passed away who brought us into the cult. All but two of my siblings have walked away. My you her brother is an elder. One of his sons walked away and has been welcomed by the rest of us who he never knew growing up. My eldest brother still goes to meetings, but is currently living with his ex-wife, which I would think would be problematic. But he won't have the mother of his children living on the street. The rest of us 4 sisters and myself are way out of the cult and happy to be so. Nice to be free isn't it!
"think a little less" ... indeed... reminds me of a great quote I head on TheraminTree's channel: "People who don't want you to think are never your friends."
I just got around to listening to all of this. You're both Awsome. Love the interview and just the down to earth messages you both give out. What a Blessing you both are. Thank-you So Much for sharing. The Best to You and family 👪
I woke up after 45 years in the so called truth. I helped my family to wake up by showing them the lies and together we began to fade. We could not sit there and listen to, or believe the lies anymore.
Wow. Really appreciate you telling your stories. I can definitely see your healing journey in your words. Amazing and thank you for sharing. Hope it reaches more families so they can leave together instead of having family split apart. Thank you.
First off love the channel and love the interviews from you and your family. In many ways I can connect with many of the things each has said. That said I have yet to get my wife out. Second, your husband made a comment about something the CO said to him. The CO said something like "you need to stop thinking so much." This triggered me a little bit because my [elder] dad said exactly the same thing to me. He said, "I think you are thinking too much son." My response was, "dad, what does it say about an organizations teachings that make more sense the less you think about them." My dad had a deer in the headlights look and had no idea how to respond only saying "I never thought about it that way." I cant help but think that this tactic of "stop thinking" is commonly used by elders and CO's in an effort to get compliant sheeplike ones in line. It didnt work on me and clearly not on your husband either. Great work and looking forward to your next vid.
I have been joyed your videos June you're doing a great job. I left 35 years ago as a teenager. It's nice to see you succeeding in living your life makes me feel good. Happy for you and your family.❤
I really enjoyed your sharing and it hit home with me in so many ways. I am 67 yr old and out about 20 years. It's a real service to the community of ex JW to have this kind of resource and you are both to be commended and we who know this whole situation thank you.
I got the same response. I gave a five minute talk in the ministry school in Japanese. All while mentally out. Got comments from others. "Great job, brother. I could see Jehovah was really using his holy Spirit to help you with your talk." "Jehovah is really blessing you." I didn't pray once while preparing the whole thing. Yet, the response of others was the same.
Very nice share. I love how funny you are. I watch a lot of these because my sister is a big time JW. I am Catholic and know she thinks Iust be a goat! There will be a time coming when there will be a conversation, and I am trying to listen, to understand. The fact that you love your daughter is so great....you are a great Father. . Thank you for giving so generously.
Love your videos & experiences. Please don't stop what you're doing. Your husband did the right thing by not pushing the issue. He guided you use to use your mind. There are so many of us with similar stories & experiences. Hopefully, more will wake up.
You 2 are adorable, and I loved this video💞 On a sad note, both our daughters were SA by an MS in our congregation. We found out a decade later. He had been DF, for smoking pot... No blue envelope was ever sent in to Bethel. His dad was a top elder. They covered it up to protect their families reputation. There were a dozen kids involved in that abuse and not one of us parents told, because we were all told if we called the police and reported it and it brought reproach on 'jehovah' then we would be held responsible. Not one parent did😭 I am never going to get that pain out of my heart💔
You have a wonderful wife, I can tell she has a great personality based on how she's just charmed with your take on things now & some of your new terminology's cult, luck, ECT 👍😁
Great interview guys ! I've been out nine years now ( the irony, I love nine Inch nails ! ) Since 2014 and I'm still deprogramming ugh..and I was not born in. So, thanks for your honesty, openness, which you don't see in watchtower lol . Take care
I haven’t been to meetings in years and still have that little “ What if the witnesses are right” but then I think to myself of all the people in my family who are witnesses my late abusive mother, my lying manipulative sister, my niece who destroyed an elder’s family whom she’s now married to and has a child with. If these are the kind of people God wants in that new world, I’m good I’ll die in this world if it so happens it’s the truth even though I know it’s not.
What a great video you guys! Loved hearing this story. I can’t help but think I hear Johnny Cash singing the NIN song “Hurt” and thinking that “there is nothing worse than being stuck with a label, a pain, a sickness, or a death, that we know beforehand will leave us only wishing things had been different and that we could change the choices we made.” Just as has been mentioned in you guys’ previous videos, music says allot and heals even more. Thank you again for this video!
Wonderful experience of you all waking up. You are so right about not being able to unsee what you’ve seen. I’m so much more happier with my life without the fear of doomsday around every corner and the judging of other people. And the ex-JW community who are activists helped us all escape the false teachings of the Watchtower. Happy for you and your family.
Thank you for sharing your story and telling so well with honesty and openness. Stories matter. I think no matter the cult one belongs to, the process and emotions are pretty much the same... esp if born into the cult. I have come to believe disallusionment, as painful as it is, is a gift. Now out of a Christian, Evangelical cult for 27 years I can say it is the most terrifying thing I have ever done but it is also the best thing I've ever done. I've lost a lot of friends and family and other things as well but would do it again in a heartbeat.
My ex husband, when appointed as an MS, just looked at me with a deadpan stare and said pompously, "Well, I believe a congratulations is in order." Even back then when I was a witness it was just so CRINGE.
Wow I wish I could be interviewed by you. My life story as an JW is so incredibly similar to your husband's. I would say it's version 2.0 I still have a brother and sister that are still firmly in the religion. I hope they don't try to preach to me the next time we are together because I will lose them for the rest of my life. You know how that works.
I was SA by my JW stepfather (1978-1980) who also tried to murder me with a large knife. Sadly, I still have family members who are JWs in Massachusetts, who have shunned me, and I was never baptised. I also knew of two other families who also endured SA. I also want to mention that my mother was talked into taking him back, but eventually divorced him and revealed he was physically abusive. He went on to marry another sister and SA her young daughter.
![Natanael Cano x Nueva H - Amapola [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/6Q4mnRD5jCw/mqdefault.jpg)
Wow! Retired Elder here. Without question, the best, most honest, sincere and helpful conversation I have ever experienced. I didn’t just HEAR it, I was absorbed by it.....and you both. For a lack of words, THANK YOU!
More and more of us recognize ourselves in your testimony. What's great is that there are more and more JWs waking up all over the world thanks to the internet. Thank you to the entire EXJW community who do a remarkable job. Your channel contributes to the expansion of global activism. Thank you for your essential work.
Jun
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Hey you guys! Just finished watching this, we’re all out as well!!! Our adult son was 1st, then me 2 years later, then my elder/pioneer husband and our youngest son in 2019. We are so relieved to all be out, we have no other family in so that’s it. Eldest son DA almost right away, us 3 faded, but me and my husband just wrote our DA letter this week and it’ll be announced this Tuesday coming. Thanks for the video, there’s thousands leaving…….down with the tower 😂😂😂😂
Sooooo glad to hear that!!!👍
Thank you, for your comment on writing letters…. I have not regularly attended since 2005, so you might say that I successfully faded… All that time I still believed it was “the truth”! Only in the last few years have I realized how many things in it I questioned yet never asked because I realized what could happen if I made it known what all I questioned!! So now, I no longer have the thought that I will go back one day. Now I know that will never happen… Recently, when I saw the news brief on the 4 witnesses that SA 19 children, I was so horrified that the scripture to “…get out of her if you do not want to share in her sins…” came to mind. Also, the scripture of “…wolves in sheep’s clothing…”. Even though I have been inactive for 16 years now, I came to the conclusion that I don’t even want them to be able to “count” me as inactive…I thought about writing a letter and handing it over by the end of 2022, but then realized, being busy with other things on my mind, I wasn’t ready to “write it” in the way I wanted… I needed more time to gather my thoughts…Also being very concerned about how this might affect my relationship with nephews and nieces that are all “in”… Next spring I reach my 50th year since my baptism…. So now I am allowing myself just enough time to think it over and write it in a way that truly expresses my thoughts… I WILL turn it in by then!! 50 years is gone and now I am searching for answers that I may never find…but as was stated in this video…that is so much better than having questions that I can not ask!!! ❤
I've been DFd for almost a year now and in my mind I dont ever see my parents and older sister waking up. Time has helped me to accept it but comments like these really give me hope that one day I can hug them again.
@therealfirecracker we just got to a point where it was time to DA. We knew we were never going back, we also heard that a JW in a local cong. was found to be SA both his son and daughter, caught by the mother, DF, went to prison, got out, wife stood by him 😮he got reinstated like nothing had happened, moved cong, with no warning to new one, but they shun us 🤦🏻♀️ I will NEVER understand that as long as I live and don’t want to be any part of it!
Congrats!
You both are rock star parents. Your kids will overlook the moments you wish you could take back because they know the position you both were in. I wish more folks on the inside had the wherewithal to put their kids above their beliefs. These videos are important, and are affecting people in meaningful ways. Thank you
It's so uplifting to hear this families testimony of escaping the jehovah's witness cult ♥️♥️♥️
This was such a great interview. I left in 2018. It has been nothing but improving every year. I finally know what happiness is.
I have never been a JW but all of your interviews have been so insightful and interesting to watch. Can’t wait for your next video!
This interview with your husband has such beautiful thought processes.
As a JW, you BELIEVE you have true answers to all questions of faith.
As an exJW, you KNOW it's not true.
Thank you for sharing so honestly and kindly your story. I was a third gen JW. I was married to a MS and we both were full time pioneers who served where the need was greater for most of our 20’s. I left in 2004 when I had preschoolers. I couldn’t imagine bringing my kids up in a religion that was so harmful to little ones. It was so difficult to be estranged from my entire family of origin and then co-parenting with an ex that was still very much in. But I’m happy to say that my kids are both healthy and living authentically, attending university on their way toward professional degrees in science. And I’m about to graduate with my master’s degree from seminary as an eco-chaplain. Keep sharing your journey and the unfolding of your authentic selves!
i understand what you are saying I wasn’t raised in it but I went into the religion in my early 20’s not married or had children. I stayed 3 years I looked around one day and said to myself what I’m I doing here!!!! I saw kids that didn’t seem to have a life in this organization they looked miserable and I’m also glad I didn’t raising them in this nonsense.
Thankyou June and your husband and children. Your videos show raw emotion and I felt it through my own tears. I have never succumbed to this religion so never joined but do have close family members that were and still are. My dad is also not a witness so we gave each other the strength. I have never felt good enough and softly shunned by my jw family. This religion has tried to drive our family apart. Luckily my son did not get involved and him and me have a wonderful relationship. I am so happy you all came out together and I can see what a wonderful family you are
Loved your video. My wife and I can relate to your experience's. We finally woke up and are much happier. Loved the NIN t-shirt.
My husband, the rebel! 😈😂 He has loved NIN since I can remember! He's a huge Trent Reznor fan! I'm happy you both escaped! And I'm glad you enjoyed the video! 🩷 Hope you have a wonderful evening!
Such a great interview, thank you both! I was “courted” by the JW’s for years . I even went to the hall, weekly bible study for years. I was simply interested and fascinated by what made this organization tick. I studied for 5 or so years? The love bombing at the hall really used to bother me. Simply because I saw it for what it was. They bugged me for years after I said it wasn’t for me. People used to pop up out of no where while I was out in public! Unbelievable. Finally they backed off when I said that until women could hold a high position in the organization, I wanted nothing to do with it!
I think it's great that you all pretty much escaped as a family. Great interview.June, I listen to dispatchers all week at my job, and I must say that, you have a perfect speaking voice! Keep up the good work.
Hello June and Jared. After watching your videos, I'm begining to realise that I have spent most of the last 65 years battling and justifying doubts about my faith. Why? Not sure really? I probably stuck with it just to preserve my relationships with my Mother and my friends.
I was first taken to the Kingdom Hall (as a baby) in 1959, first went on door to door work in 1963, baptised in 1973 and I am still trying to fade in 2023. I lived through the expectations of 1975, counted down "The Generation" during the 1980's and 1990's and then absorbed the "New Light" from 2010. I suppose it's been one long process of denial and social damage limitation.
Thankyou for having the courage to share your JW experience. So much of your story resonates with me and I wish you and your family a happy, free thinking, future.
Jonathan from London, UK.
You are all very good speakers keep it up ..thanks
All of June's family have been great at telling their stories.
June I love your videos. Your perspective is an important (and until now, mostly missing) part of the exJW narrative. Please keep going!
It's New years eve a Saturday here in Brisbane Australia and I've just dropped of Nicole my beautiful wife to her field service group then at 2pm I,ll give her a lift to the Kingdom Hall . It's been 4 years since I dissociated in September 2018 aged 57. I've proved to Nicole that born-again Atheists are just as loving as JWs ,and our marriage is truly a miracle. If Nicole wakes up or not , our love for each other is super special and for that I,m truly grateful . Justin Porter ex jw ❤️
@@JustDeannaJune Thank you Just June , Your husband and daughter are super special for waking up . One day your grandchildren will thank you for liberating them from being Watchtower Slaves . Justin Porter ex jw ❤️
You are both so courageous, and what amazing parents you are. I’m so glad your love for your daughter was greater than the cult that would have you shun her. I wish you all the very best!
I'm glad you are putting videos out as often as you are. I'm really enjoying them. I didn't expect them this fast. Thank you! I look forward to hearing more of your stories.
First thing's first June, CONGRATULATIONS on 1,000 subscribers. Well earned my friend.
2nd, I can hear so much of Thomas in Jared the Producer, that's a father-son team I'll always bet on.
Really glad the lot of you got out, breaking the cycle, even with your father the way he was Jared. Working hard and doing better every day, I know you two made mistakes as Witnesses, wasn't your fault and you're still taking ownership. I wish my parents were like you guys 💙
I cannot express how much your story has reached me! Iam 52 yrs old . POMO for over 15 yrs. My entire family which iam the eldest of 8 siblings are still in. Most of my sibling were like my own children because i did all the parenting while my mother ran a double life. Over the last 15 yrs i am apart of and loved by only the family members that are DF. Then they get reinstated and shun me. And then there is the next one needing love and support.... And the cycle continues. I was never DF because i refused to even give the Borg the power to do so. Funny thing is, being the eldest, and not in the borg, when i did get a chance to spend time with my siblings, their behavior was worse then the so called worldly people their age. And at the time my adult siblings were the bad influence on my two children that were teenagers. . At this time none of my nieces or nephews were of age. So when i started calling out the behavior that was not good for my teen girls, they freaked out. They were worried about their own asses. And i guess their double lives. Then all of a sudden they all shunned me. So ironic! From that point on i refused to be a part of the games. I started fighting back. Told them all they would face the day that their teens would revolt. And i would be there welcoming them with open arms! I also told them, i would no longer accept their being in my life only while they were disfellowshiped. This was 4 years ago. Haven't heard from any of them since. This religion is the worst thing that can happen to a family. It has robbed me of so much. I still get severe depression on every holiday. They all get together and do the JWs plan for not celebrating. BUT THEY ARE TOGETHER! Me and my husband spend Holidays alone. Recently became empty nesters so its even harder. Thank you for sharing your experience. It is and will help so many! Maybe we should start our own religion calling it NO MORE BORG! And go door to door spreading the real truth about Cults! Give them a taste of their own medicine! Lol 🤣
Wow! Great video! I became a witness at 22. I left at 31. I am now 63. Leaving was the hardest thing that I ever did….I could not imagine being raised in the religion and leaving. I’m just getting over it 30 + years after leaving….wow…just wow for your bravery!
Well done on this video! As someone who was ‘born in’ during the 1950’s and faded after 1975, I consider you are both very articulate, measured and brave. You may have some regrets regarding your parenting while witnesses, but many parents feel the same from time to time regardless of their religion or lifestyle. Keep on, keeping on and I wish you all the very best for your futures. 😊
I just came from your video about your own waking up story. This one was a treat to watch. Thank you for sharing your experiences!
June, first off your production value at the beginning was brilliant. Starting off with a preview and the JUST series, really well done. To your point about how widespread CSA is - I’ve been in a dozen congregations before I exited, not ONE that did not have at least one case, and multiple cases was the norm. Your husband’s honesty and unvarnished telling of events was a refreshing breath of fresh air. My wife and I have recently awakened after 42 years in and rebuilding our lives. So far so good. Thank you for everything you and your husband are doing.
Hello June. Hello Jared. What a great interview. I appreciate how honest your whole family has been. Thanks for sharing the trials, tribulations and triumphs you have gone through to get to this point. I hope everyone in your family has a good new year.
So enjoyed watching this video and the fact that the two of you have stayed together and we’re able to work thru issues is wonderful ❤ I can’t express enough how good it is to hear others peoples experiences and feelings and how it rings true for so many of us ! We’re not broken we’re not crazy we’ve just awoken and it’s amazing 🤩 love to your family from Michigan ❤
Another great interview! How awesome it is that you all got out and can support each other as family should. Well done to you all!! Much love! ❤❤
@@JustDeannaJune I love you too!!
Erghhhh that 2014 broadcast was really eye opening! I couldn't get over how weird it was seeing Lett's facial expressions and hearing his voice... it really helped me wake up. I was fully out by 2015.
😂
“Man I’m sleeping in on Sat & sun”…😂😂
I cried. You’re super dad. 💜
He's pretty great, just don't tell him I said so! 💗
Thank you for this! My fiancée was disfellowshipped almost 10 years ago and it's been really rough on her... Her 29 year daughter won't talk to her. She is in alot of pain. I've been researching this "religion" for the past few years and it's all bad. This is not how love is supposed to be amongst family members. All I can do is pray that her daughter wakes up and she will be reunited with her mother one day..... Thanks for speaking out and speaking up! ❤️
@@JustDeannaJune Thanks. 👌 👌 I appreciate the sentiment.
Thank you so much for putting yourself and your family out there for all of us to listen and learn from it. All of your voices are so needed and please to get let the negativity get in the way of your important message.
Truly appreciate that you guys were able to put yourselves out there and share this with us. I can relate to so many things that you've talked about. I remember when I first became a ministerial servant, the heavy load that was bestowed upon me. I always had doubts, especially with the constant change to 1914 and "generation" teaching. When I had to do research for talks once I became a ministerial servant, I had my "crisis", Ray Franz style. It just paralyzes you. Thanks guys.
Sorry about his past, a disappointing memory but good to know all your family is free now, thank you for all interviews. Best wishes.
Super Bowl XXIV was 01/28/1990 (my 23rd birthday!)
EDITED to add: 1:08:19. I'm glad he added this after his initial comments at 1:06:00 (minors doing what they have to do to stay safe).
@@JustDeannaJune NOTE: I was nursing a hangover from the night before!
Hey June, I am watching the interview with your husband and I am blown away with how much it reminds of my family’s story. I woke up many years before my wife, and listening to him I see so many parallels. I gave public talks while not believing a word that I said. There are so many of us out there. To hear your stories is truly an inspiration. Much love. Please realize that your videos are helping other people. Thank you so much for that. Love from Harrisonburg Virginia.😁
I just discovered your channel today and really enjoy your content. Your husband reminds me a lot of myself. I became a Ministerial Servant at age 17 and stopped at age 19. The last couple of months before I stepped down, I didn't believe any of it. When I stepped down, the Elders were all hoping that my stepping down would just be a temporary thing but I knew I was not going back. I have been gone over 20 years now.
I am sorry to hear about both of your stories and struggles you have faced. I wish you both the best.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the interview! And mostly glad you saw the truth behind the lies and got out!!! Hope you enjoy your day! 😉💗
"Once you see it, you can't unsee it." 👍
Before the truth can be beautiful, it can hit you hard first of all.
thank you for your honest sharing of your story
I'm glad you are out - I really am. I also hope that you don't give up on God as it sounds like you have. We indeed do have a creator. We indeed do have a Savior.
Your story is, from what I've seen, somewhat common in many of its details. It is wonderful that you all got out together and have one another. I have recently been in contact with several others we knew as jws, who have also gotten out as a family. Your story will be so helpful to others, probably already has, as they seek to escape. Thank you for being so open and honest, I truly appreciate having heard everyone's story now. You're a beautiful family and should feel so proud of all you've been through and found yourselves now succeeding in life.
Great discussion! Thank you. I'm sure many will find this helpful.
I watched your family's stories and I'm happy for you all. No matter how long you were in, being out is so much better. Lots of 💕 to you.
Great interview as always. It is so refreshing to hear these real life sincere experiences. You have a wonderful family. Thanks for sharing.
I especially loved one of the closing comments Jared said of listening to ones inner voice. Always listen to that inner voice that says something isn't right. That's my favorite advice to give my child.
Thank you ❤this is really helpful to my healing
I was one and woke up, after my personal bible study without the watchtower, a different bible, I was so blessed, Jesus said not one of his will be snatched away, if a person is a true follower he will wake up, now when I hear from a j w , I find them very judgmental and cold, not from God or Jesus , we are blessed ❤😊
Many blessing to you all family members!!
I’m so glad you are free of the WT slavery!
I’ve been out 4 years now and my husband 3 years now my daughter 35 year old is also lesbian and she woke up by the same time when she didn’t feel she fit in the congregation since she was in her early teens! My son didn’t get baptized and has a lovely family ! We are currently fading, during the zoom meetings we were PIMOS. But haven’t returned to presence meeting either. So far so good!
And you are right! It feels so good to have weekends free, do what we like. And we decided to be better humans every day , do charity work participating in our jobs social aids to the sociedmty. We still feel uncomfortable to celebrate bdays or Xmas but our son has invited us to go for a moment and sing yo our grandkids and leave - so we can get used to it!
He has been very supportive and understandable!
Again we wish your family blessings and many years supporting eachother because being in this cult has broken our real personality and it’s not easy!
Hugs from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷
🎉I am almost 69 and understand completely what you were going through mentally and emotionally. I wasn’t happy being a JW and my husband was one but my family was completely destroyed too.
Went through this myself. My parents passed away who brought us into the cult. All but two of my siblings have walked away. My you her brother is an elder. One of his sons walked away and has been welcomed by the rest of us who he never knew growing up. My eldest brother still goes to meetings, but is currently living with his ex-wife, which I would think would be problematic. But he won't have the mother of his children living on the street. The rest of us 4 sisters and myself are way out of the cult and happy to be so. Nice to be free isn't it!
"think a little less" ... indeed... reminds me of a great quote I head on TheraminTree's channel: "People who don't want you to think are never your friends."
Love this conversation, what a beautiful interview. So happy for you and your family. Great advice to start building a support system before leaving.
That was a very intriguing talk. I loved the honesty. I think exactly like your husband. You guys rock!
I just got around to listening to all of this. You're both Awsome.
Love the interview and just the down to earth messages you both give out. What a Blessing you both are.
Thank-you So Much for sharing.
The Best to You and family 👪
Great interview!! Thanks for sharing. Love and connecting with each other triumphed.
I loved this interview! Thanks so very much!!!!! I can’t believe I didn’t follow you sooner!
when the father/husband is good and honest there is an exponentially higher chance that the whole family wakes up and walks out.
One of the best interviews I've ever listened to. Well done. 👍🏾👍🏾
I woke up after 45 years in the so called truth. I helped my family to wake up by showing them the lies and together we began to fade. We could not sit there and listen to, or believe the lies anymore.
Wow. Really appreciate you telling your stories. I can definitely see your healing journey in your words. Amazing and thank you for sharing. Hope it reaches more families so they can leave together instead of having family split apart. Thank you.
I’ve really enjoyed listening to the individual stories of your family. Keep on keeping on! You are helping more than you will ever know. ❤
First off love the channel and love the interviews from you and your family. In many ways I can connect with many of the things each has said. That said I have yet to get my wife out. Second, your husband made a comment about something the CO said to him. The CO said something like "you need to stop thinking so much." This triggered me a little bit because my [elder] dad said exactly the same thing to me. He said, "I think you are thinking too much son." My response was, "dad, what does it say about an organizations teachings that make more sense the less you think about them." My dad had a deer in the headlights look and had no idea how to respond only saying "I never thought about it that way." I cant help but think that this tactic of "stop thinking" is commonly used by elders and CO's in an effort to get compliant sheeplike ones in line. It didnt work on me and clearly not on your husband either. Great work and looking forward to your next vid.
I have been joyed your videos June you're doing a great job. I left 35 years ago as a teenager. It's nice to see you succeeding in living your life makes me feel good. Happy for you and your family.❤
Great interview. Thank you both for sharing your story. Glad that you woke up as a family intact. 😊
I really enjoyed your sharing and it hit home with me in so many ways. I am 67 yr old and out about 20 years. It's a real service to the community of ex JW to have this kind of resource and you are both to be commended and we who know this whole situation thank you.
Thank you for commenting and I'm glad you connected with us! Sorry it took me so long to respond! 🤗💗
Just June, you've got a good man. A good man loves his whole family. Take care of each other.
I got the same response. I gave a five minute talk in the ministry school in Japanese. All while mentally out. Got comments from others.
"Great job, brother. I could see Jehovah was really using his holy Spirit to help you with your talk."
"Jehovah is really blessing you."
I didn't pray once while preparing the whole thing. Yet, the response of others was the same.
So glad you all made it out! Thank you for sharing your stories!!!
And his wife is a GTEAT listener, she doesn't cut him off, interjecting every other minute, very wonderful video to watch 👍
Thank you for sharing your story.
Everyone has a story or many stories to tell. I am glad your husband told his.
Thanks for your video. AnytimeI feel alone, I watch exjw channels. Thanks again.
NIN! My all time favorite band. I've seen them 3 times. I started listening to them when I was 14 after I left the "truth".
Very nice share. I love how funny you are. I watch a lot of these because my sister is a big time JW. I am Catholic and know she thinks Iust be a goat! There will be a time coming when there will be a conversation, and I am trying to listen, to understand. The fact that you love your daughter is so great....you are a great Father. . Thank you for giving so generously.
Fantastic interview! Such a lovely family!
Courageous and Candid interview!! Wishing your family a fulfilled and happy new life .
Just turned on your new video. Love your intro.
I kept hearing your husband in the background of other videos and have been waiting for this interview! It was worth the wait! Pure Gold!
Great interview so glad you are all out and living a real life thank you for sharing your story.
hey June great interview!!!
i''m looking for another interview where another person was interviewing you and your husband.
Love your videos & experiences. Please don't stop what you're doing. Your husband did the right thing by not pushing the issue. He guided you use to use your mind. There are so many of us with similar stories & experiences. Hopefully, more will wake up.
You 2 are adorable, and I loved this video💞
On a sad note, both our daughters were SA by an MS in our congregation. We found out a decade later. He had been DF, for smoking pot... No blue envelope was ever sent in to Bethel.
His dad was a top elder. They covered it up to protect their families reputation.
There were a dozen kids involved in that abuse and not one of us parents told, because we were all told if we called the police and reported it and it brought reproach on 'jehovah' then we would be held responsible. Not one parent did😭
I am never going to get that pain out of my heart💔
You have a wonderful wife, I can tell she has a great personality based on how she's just charmed with your take on things now & some of your new terminology's cult, luck, ECT 👍😁
Great interview guys ! I've been out nine years now ( the irony, I love nine Inch nails ! ) Since 2014 and I'm still deprogramming ugh..and I was not born in. So, thanks for your honesty, openness, which you don't see in watchtower lol . Take care
Just Yes. Great interview! Thanks for sharing your stories.
I haven’t been to meetings in years and still have that little “ What if the witnesses are right” but then I think to myself of all the people in my family who are witnesses my late abusive mother, my lying manipulative sister, my niece who destroyed an elder’s family whom she’s now married to and has a child with. If these are the kind of people God wants in that new world, I’m good I’ll die in this world if it so happens it’s the truth even though I know it’s not.
Thank you for sharing your journey.
What a great video you guys! Loved hearing this story. I can’t help but think I hear Johnny Cash singing the NIN song “Hurt” and thinking that “there is nothing worse than being stuck with a label, a pain, a sickness, or a death, that we know beforehand will leave us only wishing things had been different and that we could change the choices we made.”
Just as has been mentioned in you guys’ previous videos, music says allot and heals even more. Thank you again for this video!
Wonderful experience of you all waking up. You are so right about not being able to unsee what you’ve seen. I’m so much more happier with my life without the fear of doomsday around every corner and the judging of other people. And the ex-JW community who are activists helped us all escape the false teachings of the Watchtower. Happy for you and your family.
Thanks for sharing!!! I so happy for you!!! ❤️
Thank you for sharing your story and telling so well with honesty and openness. Stories matter.
I think no matter the cult one belongs to, the process and emotions are pretty much the same... esp if born into the cult.
I have come to believe disallusionment, as painful as it is, is a gift. Now out of a Christian, Evangelical cult for 27 years I can say it is the most terrifying thing I have ever done but it is also the best thing I've ever done. I've lost a lot of friends and family and other things as well but would do it again in a heartbeat.
My ex husband, when appointed as an MS, just looked at me with a deadpan stare and said pompously, "Well, I believe a congratulations is in order." Even back then when I was a witness it was just so CRINGE.
Another great interview! 💞💞💞 Your sign off is awesome!😘 love from London 🇬🇧💞💞
That was great , thank you 😊
@@JustDeannaJune where do you guys live, I'm in southern ca
Oh and as far as the abuse stuff--- EVERY SINGLE HALL we ever went to had ACTIVE CASES, none were reported.
Brilliant.
33 years out. Still weird around Christmas lol.
I really really enjoyed this! Thank you so much ❤
Thanks once again June for an excellent interview.
Wow
I wish I could be interviewed by you. My life story as an JW is so incredibly similar to your husband's. I would say it's version 2.0
I still have a brother and sister that are still firmly in the religion. I hope they don't try to preach to me the next time we are together because I will lose them for the rest of my life. You know how that works.
I was SA by my JW stepfather (1978-1980) who also tried to murder me with a large knife. Sadly, I still have family members who are JWs in Massachusetts, who have shunned me, and I was never baptised. I also knew of two other families who also endured SA. I also want to mention that my mother was talked into taking him back, but eventually divorced him and revealed he was physically abusive. He went on to marry another sister and SA her young daughter.
Thanks for this. I’ve always wondered what was going on in that situation. I had a feeling but didn’t want to believe.