My 'Burning Down the House' Story: Leaving the Jehovah's Witnesses
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- čas přidán 21. 12. 2020
- #JehovahsWitnesses #shunning #estrangement #certifiedlifecoach
Follow me on social media!
Instagram: @bethanylegerwriter
Twitter: @blegerwriter
Website: www.bethanyleger.com
Note: I want to sincerely thank all the subscribers/viewers who have welcomed me back after following my previous channel, Stop the Shunning. I am forever grateful to the EXJW community for their courage, strength, and camaraderie, and will continue to support those who sacrifice the comfort of their anonymity to PUBLICLY speak out against Watchtower’s many abuses.
In the spirit of setting boundaries and practicing self-care, I’m establishing a few community guidelines for current and future viewers, specifically, regarding contacting me through email.
(1) Do NOT contact me if you are suicidal. Please call 911.
(2) I am NOT a licensed therapist or family counselor, and this channel is not a substitute for clinical care. Some matters are out of my scope of practice and it would be negligent for me to offer suggestions that I’m in no position to give.
(3) The purpose of this new channel, Burning Down the House, is NOT activism, though I may collaborate with other content creators and activists whom I respect and admire. This channel is an extension of my work as a certified life coach and writer, as I already explicitly stated in my video, “My Burning Down the House Story: Leaving the Jehovah’s Witnesses”. I simply no longer have the time to field hundreds of emails.
Therefore, I cannot respond to emails that include the following:
(1) asking me for advice about how to “wake up” your family or friend from the Jehovah’s Witnesses
(2) asking me for advice about how to fade from the organization or deal with Jehovah’s Witness family
(3) emails that look like novels
(4) requesting I call you when we’ve never met IRL, or demanding I call or write back
(5) asking for relationship advice if your partner is a JW
(6) otherwise abusive, misogynistic, or passive-aggressive language
However, I always appreciate a shout out or success story! I love to support those who are taking constructive steps to manage their trauma and reach their life goals. Therefore, if you are 21+ and have been estranged or disowned by family for
(a) your sexual orientation
(b) difference in religious beliefs, or political stance
(c) choice of career or spouse
and would like to submit your story FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES REGARDING MY UPCOMING BOOK, please submit a synopsis of your story by considering the following guidelines:
(a) submit your story in 800 words or less
(b) use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation
(c) include the steps or actions you have taken to build a new life since being estranged/disowned
Note: Your submission does NOT guarantee publication, nor am I obligated to respond to every submission. However, your submission will remain confidential, and if you’re excessively worried about remaining anonymous, I suggest you submit your story from an anonymous email account.
Thank you for respecting these community guidelines and for supporting the channel as I continue striving to provide quality content for all.
Happy New Year!
Bethany
I want to sincerely thank all the subscribers/viewers who have welcomed me back after following my previous channel, Stop the Shunning. I am forever grateful to the EXJW community for their courage, strength, and camaraderie, and will continue to support those who sacrifice the comfort of their anonymity to PUBLICLY speak out against Watchtower’s many abuses.
In the spirit of setting boundaries and practicing self-care, I’m establishing a few community guidelines for current and future viewers, specifically, regarding contacting me through email.
(1) Do NOT contact me if you are feeling suicidal. Please call 911.
(2) I am NOT a licensed therapist or family counselor, and this channel is not a substitute for clinical care. Some matters are out of my scope of practice and it would be negligent for me to offer suggestions that I’m in no position to give.
(3) The purpose of this new channel, Burning Down the House, is NOT activism, though I may collaborate with other content creators and activists whom I respect and admire. This channel is an extension of my work as a certified life coach and writer, as I already explicitly stated in my video, “My Burning Down the House Story: Leaving the Jehovah’s Witnesses”. I simply no longer have the time to field hundreds of emails.
Therefore, I cannot respond to emails that include the following:
(1) asking me for advice about how to “wake up” your family or friend from the Jehovah’s Witnesses
(2) asking me for advice about how to fade from the organization or deal with Jehovah’s Witness family
(3) emails that look like novels
(4) requesting I call you when we’ve never met IRL, or demanding I call or write back
(5) asking for relationship advice if your partner is a JW
(6) otherwise abusive, misogynistic, or passive-aggressive language
However, I always appreciate a shout out or success story! I love to support those who are taking constructive steps to manage their trauma and reach their life goals. Therefore, if you are 21+ and have been estranged or disowned by family for
(a) your sexual orientation
(b) difference in religious beliefs, or political stance
(c) choice of career or spouse
and would like to submit your story FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES REGARDING MY UPCOMING BOOK, please submit a synopsis of your story by considering the following guidelines:
(a) submit your story in 800 words or less
(b) use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation
(c) include the steps or actions you have taken to build a new life since being estranged/disowned
Note: Your submission does NOT guarantee publication, nor am I obligated to respond to every submission. However, your submission will remain confidential, and if you’re excessively worried about remaining anonymous, I suggest you submit your story from an anonymous email account.
Thank you for respecting these community guidelines and for supporting the channel as I continue striving to provide quality content for all.
Happy New Year!
Bethany
Yeah....Bethany is back.. so very happy! today is my 68th birthday and I have been so depressed until I saw this video. I was born in all those many years ago and I burnt down the house when I was still very young. I did the typical JW life and got married when I was 18 and had 3 children by the time I was 24. It took all the courage I could muster to leave this organization at that time. So glad did but it has been a nightmare. I cant wait to hear more about your new channel and book. Looking forward to it.
Pam From Texas
Happy Birthday Pam!!!
Beth, good to see you again.
Thank you!
@@bdh336 Hi Beth i very encouraging to see you again. Your extremely sensible Lady and i am sure your helping a lot of people like. Please keep doing this very good work!!!!!! I am looking forward to WATCH more of your Videos. Thank you
Never been a JW but it sounds an awful lot like being in a very abusive marriage.
Every JW, especially PIMOs should see this. Great things await you Bethany ❤️
Neverperching! Great to see you again. Thanks for your support!
I'm so excited to see you back and I'm looking forward to your upcoming book. You have been a huge inspiration and help as I exited Watchtower. Thank you for all your hard work and insightful videos.
Thank you Dawna-Rae! I'm so glad I could've helped and I'm happy you're free!
I am so happy to see you back, Bethany. Your content is great and the way you present the JW religion and the aftermath is absolutely spot on. Looking forward to reading your new book!
Thank you for that and for your support! I hope you enjoy the new channel.
Great to see you back. 💖❤️💕✌️👍👌
Thanks Sheila!
I'm so happy to see you back again.
Thank you Dee. I appreciate that!
Great speech! I've experienced your story, but from another perspective drawing into this particular religion from outside, nevertheless, I know exactly what you mean. I did escape and I survived.
Hi from U.K. I am not a JW but I love listening to you. You are such an articulate speaker and it’s fascinating how you deal with the various issues . I will try to find your book too.
Well said. An articulate explanation of the situation persons like you, and like me, find themselves when born to Jehovah Witnesses.
You just described my life!!! 53 yrs & the golden child!!! No more...as of June I took my life back!!! “From the ashes of disaster grow the roses of success!” Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 🌹🌹🌹
Welcome back..looking forward to more.
Thank you Omar!
Glad to have you back! Your manner of presentation is always elegant and intelligent.
Thank you, I appreciate that!
Good to see you again Bethany !💚 You were my wake up call.
Happy to have helped! Thanks for your support.
Brittany having been born in 65 years ago I know exactly what you mean. My father was a very spiritual honest amazing man I wonder if he was here today what he would think? With all the values instilled in me I think I would know the answer. If I could have one wish it would be that the young wake up before their life is over as it's hard at my age to start all over again. Look forward to hearing more from you
It's Bethany
What a beautiful and powerful into. Not easy to break free from a controlling family or religious program and one will always have those moments of trauma. But look how strong and independent she is expressing her true self so articulately. Look at the release of that bottled up authenticity. Well done and very encourage as I work toward my own escape.
I always found it disheartening that i was excepted to forgive snd forget anything harmful done to me but any actions i took that weren't inline with their teaching was punished severely. 30 years later and im still dealing with manipulation and silent treatment from my parents. The joys or pain of childhood can stay with you for life.
So good to see you back💗 thank you
Was just wondering how to handle it if only one or two family members are toxic, you may want to still remain close with the rest of your family but you know you can't if you fade away from the toxic ones. Could you possibly do a video on it?
Thank you for the suggestion! I'll look into it!
Powerful! Thank you! I see this is from 3 years ago and I'm just seeing it and it moved me at a time I needed it! 👏
Just found your channel. Sorry I missed your Stop the Shunning years. Your work can help so many people to heal. I'll say that "burning down the house" feels like the exact approach I took when I woke and pulled away, and it felt like I had to let the old me die to break free. I hope your writing helps a lot of people and gives you continued success.
Very Brave! I burnt the house down as well. Its difficult but necessary at times
All you say it So True! I believe you are really trying to Help people!
Love You as a person so much!
Joe
Happy Holidays, my Ex-JW sister.
Happy Holidays Ashley!
This is Beautiful Bethany! What a wonderful testimonial... Congratulations not only for this video but for fightinh for yourself with such bravery.
Watching you evolve is interesting as you document “emerging from the ashes”. I’m happy for you. I’m not an EX-JW or Elder since those terms never identified me. J.W. also was never a religion for me since my relationship with God was personal not an organization or title (never was an elder- just exposing peelable labels). I suffered a lot in the JW cult for my views and my intellectual IQ which was ridiculed. Hiding my research and beliefs that differed was frustrating since all my JW friends were & are in a dark controlled mindstate. Emotional revulsion and disgust come up thinking of my former life of JW indoctrination. I’m free of the entanglement but risked everything for my freedom. 🕊
Thank you for Stop the Shunning. It was at the time I stepped away & was being shunned even though I did nothing wrong. I became ill...you can guess the root cause. In total isolation, up popped your channel. It played a huge part in my exit & healing. I laughed & cried watching the videos. I made it out!
Looking forward to your new book.
Thank you for your kind words, Victoria. Happy I could help❤
Good to see you back. Well spoken. Good luck with the book. I'll be reading it.
Thanks for the support!
excellent lesson !
Your an amazing young girl. You need your place in full view in the public so we can break free, be free and live happy and free. I was a miserable witness for 30+ years . - truly saw NO love. Looked and look and it just wasn't there!
Happy you are finally free
Great to have you back!!
Thanks Darlene!
❤ this is excellent
It's good to see you again.
It was easier for me to fade.
It cost a marriage and a brother.
But what I got instead is 2 free kids, a family business that I started, and a soulmate...
The only thing I ever really prayed for was "to find someone to Love, and to be Loved. "
I'm 60 years old, and I now know what Love is. Better late than never..
Looking forward to more if you.
It funny, I feel i have more friendships in common with the ex JW,, that i never met, than jws that i would see all the time.
Each of you are like a different facet of the same diamond. And put all together, you are all beautiful.
(I was working on .. illustrations....
Mine was very fitting for the text, Easily to understand, and delivered in a warm manner..)
Once you give counsel for the school, all you do is say the same thing a little differently.
I would look out at the audience, and see eyes glazed over, not blinking zoning out.
The only people that cared, was the ones doing their talks that night.
I could have said.." there is an armed man in the back of the hall, and the roof is on fire" and as long as I said it in the "jw cadence, of a dull monotone ", every one would have just sat there nodding.
Great metaphors. You must be a great writer. So happy I found you again.
Thanks Lori!
@@bdh336 🤗
I've missed you! Good to see your back.keep up the positive videos! Hope you and Jon are doing well.merry Xmas
Thank you! Happy Holidays to you as well!!
Jesus, how beautiful you look - great
You're very kind!
Nice video and glad to be back to subbing your channel and look forward to seeing more videos😘
Another awesome vid!!
Thank you so much Beth! I am glad you came back! You have been a big support and helped me to heal. I regret I didn't filmed all your earlier speeches because you have a special gift. ❤️🌹Best regards from Sweden! 🇸🇪
Glad I could've helped! Thank you Elsa!
Honestly so glad that the algorithm recommended this video, I would've never known you were still making content because I kinda took a break from JW activist content.
Excellent Beth. Thank you.
Everyone NEED to Watch "TYLER PERRY'S RUTHLESS"..... Tell me who comes to YOUR MIND.....
Beth, I enjoyed your previous channel so much. You have always seemed to me to be very smart and insightful. This subject matter really hit home to me and made me think about much that happened on my exit from Watchtower. Look forward to your next videos and best wishes to you!
Thank you Bryan! I'm glad I could've helped in some way. Happy Holidays!
So happy to see you back! 👍
Thanks Jennifer!
Takes courage to burn down the house....thank you!
Amazing video Beth so happy you are back. Say hi to Jon love you both!
Thank you Juan!
Just find this channel. Is great. Thanks for doing this ❤️
I'm happy to see you back on here Bethany. I've always enjoyed you and your husband videos. Stay safe and healthy!
So glad you're back 💞
Wish I could’ve burned down that house 50 yrs sooner then I did!! The shunning was brutal, but I finally bit the bullet & left the religion. Lost my entire family, had to rebuild. Managed to make a great life. It can be done 👍
Glad to see you back, Bethany. If i hadn't thought to type in Stop The Shunning i'd have never known. I won't hold my breath waiting for the premiere of Blinky and Barky(lol), but it's good to have you back anyway. Hope all is well.
Appreciate the support Tommy! Blinky McSingle is available on Vimeo. Blinkymcsingle.com:)
@@bdh336 Just saw that on Jay the Comedians channel. I will sign up today. Great hearing from you!
Beth that was so awesome to see and hear
Beth seeing your beautiful face just made my whole day. So good to see you. 🤗🤗 yay!
Thank you Vitaline!
I’ve only just discovered your channel, this is a very encouraging video for those people trapped in a cycle they never chose to be in...
I made it clear at 13 years old that I believe in God but that I didn’t believe in the ideology of the JW religion.
There was good people there but something was off about the organisation as a whole... fast forward to now and I can see clearly why something was off once doing research.
Great to hear from you again Beth. I look forward to your new content. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thank you for your support! And Merry Christmas to you as well!
I'm with you I'm JayBird on Jonathan's Channel. aka exwitnesawake
Wow
Fantastic. Well done.
Your speech is admirable. How about your faith today?
I have a sister who is a JW and scared me with Armageddon. Therefore I studied with JW for almost a year. I came to a crossroad when I got enlightened and left. Now I believe there will be no Armageddon, because according to the Bible it is already history. You will see.
Peter - Don't be afraid of Armageddon. Armageddon is mentioned only once in the Book of Revelation. It is mentioned as a place in the middle East, not a world wide event. Also, the watchtower claims that Jesus came to earth, invisible, in 1914 to set up his kingdom. The Bible says that when Jesus does & he will come back, the whole world, not just a few, will see Him.
@@herbtee7217
I am not afraid. The question is, if Jesus our Lord is the same person as the Allmighty. Does it make any difference? Jesus is the Son of God, or he is God himself? If I am uncertain he will understand. The Bible is not crystal clear.
God bless you.
The Bible says armageddon will lead up to everlasting life, where the wicked don't exist. If that what you said was true, why have their been cruel actions still happening in this world. The world is not as what the Bible says it would be
You are beautiful to look at, Mwuah!
You're very kind. It's amazing what a little coffee and makeup can do XD Happy Holidays!!
Thank you.
What happened to the other channel? So great to see you again!
Hi, I too have a God complex due to religious tribalism. I can relate! Thank you for sharing.
I get ya girl, left Mormonism
Hello. Could you please put up your videos about Going out in service and the truth about the meetings? I loved those that you did with Ex JW Analyser.
Thank you
Wondering where you had gone!
Understand this is but the first step, awareness levels never stop unless you choose, you are unique DNA and environmental stimuli makes you so please understand others get no more information they whether person or religion can only talk about themselves you are unique not one person is identical to another even if choose to try
Hey Hey Beth - welcome back sister. i guess you are busy but would value your thoughts if that would be ok?
I learned God dwells in me, not in anyone's crime plagued religions.
I love how you pronounce your last name
Hi I am no longer able to fine stop the shunning
I got a letter from them recently with some literature in the mail. It ask me to reach out to them. I don't know if I should or shouldn't. Need help
Don't!
I'm an ex jw. LOVE the glasses
Thank you!
@@bdh336 are u on fb. Would love to follow
@@benfox1462 I'm on IG and Twitter! You can click the icons on my channel banner! Thanks!
You have the best dry humor. Please make a piece of all the programming language rhythms they use.. “listen” (to the WHO agenda) “obey” NWO (GB narrative)
Cognitive dissonance. Boiling frog. Stalkholmers syndromes. Family sep. in pain sight. Soft disclosure. All those spych terms... ya pro!
Mean it. Teach us psycho babble (actual education on mind control. Script algorithms) and cut to their non-sense. Dead pan. Maybe in a white coat observing chimpanzees. Boiling frogs. Schrodenburgs cat. Ancient history controlling collective consciousness. Easy for you.
good work, would recommend investing in a mic, there is some echo on your video
I am still waiting for a miss blinky skit
I am a ex jw hi 👋🏻
I am glad you dumped the JDubs. The JDubs are very toxic. Inhumane behavior of shunning is disgusting. People need to treat people with respect and dignity.
It is inhumane. Mutual respect and compromise are reasonable concepts to reasonable people.
Honey, are you and Jon still together? I don't see you wearing your wedding band, just wondering, not that it's my business, I was watching an old episode of the round table and he just mentioned you and that was one they had posted a year ago, kisses, Mwuah!
Yup, going strong
But the end of the world is coming in 1914, I mean 1975, I mean really soon!
Kept missing dates because governing body 8 men are not inspired by God
hellow what happed this channel, Stop the Shunning.???????
Beth can you send me your email if possible. I have similar up bringing
Are you married? It's not so easy for men.
It's not necessarily easy for men to leave, but it is doable if you create an exit plan and realize the world as you have known it will be very different.
Get a mic, stop the echo. I like your videos.
I'm using a yeti but might need to change it up. Thanks!
Love your videos. So much wisdom. Get some draperies , carpet to absorb the echo