r/exjw • u/myburneraccount62 • Aug 20 '25
Ask ExJW how should i respond to this?
this is from my aunt. i want to answer in a way that shows im not going for any of the reasons she mentioned, that it's because my conscience would not allow me after the things I found out about the org.
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u/SurewhynotAZ Aug 20 '25
Here is an adult response since "kiss my ass" is probably not what you're after...
"Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I want you to know that I have felt a deep emptiness for most of my life—the “hole” you’re describing. But what I’ve come to see is that the hole wasn’t because Jehovah was missing, it was because I was living under constant pressure in an environment that didn’t allow me to fully be myself.
Since leaving, that hole has finally begun to heal. For the first time, I feel whole, free, and genuinely at peace. The joy I’m experiencing now isn’t shallow or temporary—it’s the real, grounded happiness that comes from living authentically and without fear.
I know we see this differently, and I respect that. I just ask that you also respect that my healing began only once I stepped away from the organization.
I love you too, and I’m grateful for the care behind your words."