Posted by A.W. [AngeredWoman] on November 05, 1999 at 15:59:45 {6xiCHW3gJ28jX1XMtYSQTkj1W5HJOs}:
In Reply to: For The Healthy Among Us posted by Steve on November 02, 1999 at 16:22:28:
My husband, my two children, and myself haven't been out long...and we are ALL so much happier now. Even simple things in life, such as knowing that when you are tired in the evening after work and you want to hug on your kids and sit in front of the television(as opposed to yelling at them to find their meeting clothes and hurry up)makes one very happy when he gets to the point of realizing that God doesn't intend for him to feel guilty for relaxing with his family.
There is happiness in the knowledge that the world isn't such a cruel, terrible place after all. "Worldly" people have no motives for befriending you (such as starting a Bible study) except that they wish to extend their friendship.
They will not judge you adversely because you are wearing a beard or your hair touches your collar or because you just bought a two door car (not suitable for field service) or because your child wants to be in band or go to the prom or you are not "volunteering" enough of your family's time every weekend to push religious ideas on others.
There is happiness in the freedom to read whatever books you choose or watch whatever movies you choose without guilt or worry over "stumbling" some idiot.
There is happiness in being "normal" (should one choose to be so) and having fun celebrating the fact that you or your child has reached another year!
There is happiness in seeing yourself and your children becoming more loving and caring people. Not having to feel that everyone else not doing or believing as you will die by the hand of an angry God who gave them a free will but doesn't really want them to use it because He wants them to do exactly as told like a robot...even if it goes against their nature. Yes, there is much happiness in coming to know that, if there is a God, He is not the harsh God of the JW's. Finally,
there is so much relief and happiness to NOT have to do any pretending to others that you believe the way they do.
Be yourself. Find your own happiness.
Stand up and be counted for who YOU are.