Although I was one of Jehovah's Witnesses for more than 18 years, I never felt truly comfortable with some of the things that I was suppose to know or to be teaching people. I found myself avoiding those subjects at the door because I simply could not convince anyone of some things when I really didn't believe them myself. I knew something was wrong with the date 1914, supposedly Christ's invisible return, but I couldn't bring myself to do a lot of study on the subject, because I was afraid of what I would find. I couldn't convince anyone that Armageddon was right around the corner.

I started hating going to the meetings. I couldn't enjoy field service because I didn't believe half of what I was taught to believe. I started counting all the depressed people in my congregation and comparing them to Christian people I knew who were not Jehovah's Witnesses. I realize that the Holy Spirit was crying out to me to pay attention to my doubts. The truth can withstand examination, but a lie always reveals itself. Listen to that inner small voice that tells you to examine what you think is wrong. Don't let any organization tell you what to read, what to pray, how to feel, what to study. The Holy Spirit kept after me until I paid attention.

I started doing independent research, but after years of belonging to a cult, I felt I had to pray to God to forgive me for not believing the Organization. I was sure that God was displeased with me for my doubts, but I had to do something so my mind would be at peace.

I finally came to understand how simple Biblical truth really is. It doesn't require reading books or magazines or attending countless hours of instruction so that a person would know what they were "required" to believe. I didn't have to feel guilty for not wanting to do more, be more, study more. I always called it my "daily dose of guilt," and I am thankful to Jesus for lifting this burden.

I am growing in my relationship with the Lord and am learning more day by day. I spent years learning a lie and now I am anxious to learn what the Bible really teaches about many other subjects. Most Witnesses are mislead people, little lost sheep trying to find their way, having doubts, but being afraid to follow the direction of the Holy Spirit instead of their organization in New York.

Thank you, Jesus, for showing me the real TRUTH.

My name is Marcia Campbell, and I'm a HappyXWitness!
Kerrville, Texas