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I was disfellowshipped!!!!!!!!!

And why, you might ask?

For apostasy, for sending such scathing, incriminating letters to other members of the congregation? No.

For slander against the governing body? No.

For walking out on a meeting with two elders? No.

For partaking at the Memorial? No.

For joining online discussions about Christianity with ex-JW's? No.

Out of all the things they could have disfellowshipped me for, what was the proverbial straw that broke their back?

I donated blood.

I thought my position was quite logical. If the brothers and sisters are allowed to take blood fractions, then why can't I donate blood for them to take fractions out of to give to my brothers and sisters? After all, if I would give my life for them, why can't I give my blood for them? Jesus gave his life and blood for us. The WTBTS says we can accept blood[fractions], so why can I not donate blood?

But reason and logic have no business in religion.

They told me as long as I continued to donate blood, my actions would tell them that I was disassociating myself from them. So it was announced both in the WF congregation of Albuquerque, NM and the LL-E congregation where I am now that I am no longer considered one of Jehovah's Witnesses.

And how did they deliver this news? Was it in a judicial committee meeting? No. Did they meet with me at the meeting? No. Did they come to my house? No.

No. They called me on the telephone!

So after waiting almost more than two years!!!!! they decide in five minutes, over the phone, that I am no longer worthy!

I didn't bother to disillusion them.

I said good-bye quite cordially, and hung up. That was on Sunday. By Tuesday night, they were already announcing it at my parents hall, at the LL-E congregation. They wasted no time in kicking me out.

So.............

Rejoice, rejoice!!!

I'm free! I'm free!........um, okay, so actually, I've been free for some time now. But now my parents are seeing a little more clearly how ridiculous the JW's are. They can't even follow their own rules, much less God's.

But they can no longer lock up the kingdom of heaven to ME.

So, hey, good news, all the same!

Much love,
Your sister in Christ by the Grace of God,
Micah


P.S. I just started college!!!!!

They gotta keep the borg pristine.

What da'ya think they think abstaining from blood means when it's ok to ingest the parts by themselves but not the whole thing? Is that abstaining or not? It's like being told you can't eat pizza, but it's alright to eat all the ingredients separately. And then to compare it with cannibalism, are you kidding me? What hypocrisy.

Well CaliHavoc,
You really are free now!They have thrown you out of the synagogue, just like it was foretold. They really are to be pitied, don't you think? How blind the leaders are, and are leading so many into the pit along with themselves. Enjoy yourself in college!
Agape,
Sis Grateful

Micah...a kangaroo court has to come up with some kangaroos. Looks like they finally arrived at the technicality they could all agree on. Taking blood fractions is a conscience matter...but - in the ideal, perfect, all-JW world - there would be no blood fractions available! Fascinating.

Micah...I am not a brilliant man; but even I can take something to its logical conclusion. It's not brain surgery, not rocket science...it doesn't even rise to the level of baking a cake. How can people allow ("allow," heck...INVITE!) these frosted flakes into their bedrooms? Will wonders never cease?

How are you and the folks doing?

gus

I warned you about taking that red pill!

Hi cali ...

Well, I guess you're a 'neo' girl now for sure huh ...

I am glad you are taking the news so well ... I guess it is more of a relief for you after all this time than nought ...

Still, however, it will be sad separated from the ones you love, even if it is for a short time ...

I guess you are really applying the words at Matt. 5:10-12 ...

10 “Happy are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, since the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them.

11 “Happy are YOU when people reproach YOU and persecute YOU and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against YOU for my sake. 12 Rejoice and leap for joy, since YOUR reward is great in the heavens; for in that way they persecuted the prophets prior to YOU.

Take comfort in the words at Rom. 8:35-39 ...

35 Who will separate us from the love of the Christ? Will tribulation or distress or persecution or hunger or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 Just as it is written: “For your sake we are being put to death all day long, we have been accounted as sheep for slaughtering.” 37 To the contrary, in all these things we are coming off completely victorious through him that loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers 39 nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Yes, it is our relationship with Christ and God that must come first no matter what happens to us along that path ... keep on walking it sister ... for you are not alone ... and I don't just mean the 'invisible' help either ...

Luv ya ... stay strong and firm and enduring to the end!! BR

Congrats, Cali. Thou art loosed.

God bless you Micah.... and we'll keep your parents in our prayers too...

Much Christian Love to you on your 'new' life Sister Cali!
And if I might add...
there truly is a very happy and rewarding life after the ivory tower.
Even though they ran you out of town...
you sure made it look like ...you were leading the parade!

CaliHavoc,

This is very good logic and a VERY good question:

I never thought about that. Good for you.

Free at last!

Hi Cali,

'But reason and logic have no business in religion.' So true Cali.

Chin up - you may have been 'ousted' from the physical members of the congregation but you will never be so from your heavenly Father and Son above.

Best wishes for your college ed too.


Tessa

Well...now that it's been 10 days...how are you doing now, Micah?

College is a pretty good distraction; but how are YOU?


gus

Thanks everybody for the love and support!

I'm doing quite well, actually. As I said, I freed myself from them a long time ago. The df'ng was a formality that only they required. I could not care less.

I admit I have had some sad thoughts about certain people who will not not talk to me- even if I try to talk to them. But it's not like those people were exactly knocking my door down to be with me when I was a good little Witness. So maybe now I can make some REAL friends- you know, the ones who don't judge you based on your field service report, and who don't treat you like the walking death just because some man told them to.

College is keeping me very, very busy. Between classes and homework, I barely have enough spare time to check my email, much less come here. In fact, I have to leave for school in about 45 minutes! And it just started snowing!!!!

But I LOVE IT! I'm loving it so much that I've forgotten to be bitter about not being able to go when I'm younger. In fact, the only class that would have been easier 16 years ago would have been my math class. I'm just a little bit rusty with quadratic equations!

Much love to you all, and I will try to visit when I can. I pray for you all, every chance I get. God bless you.

Your sister in Christ by the Grace of God,
Micah

That's great Micah!Glad your enjoying your newly earned freedom! I'm sure you will bring great warmth and empathy to all thos new friends you will be making.
All the best to you, sister.
Sis Grateful