First, my background. I was once a devoted Jehovah's Witness and raised by a very strict Jehovah's Witness family. The religion falls back to five generations spanning grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. My dad is an elder in their congregation, my mother a pioneer when she could be. I mention this because I was not just acquainted by people of this religion. It was once my life. As I got older, I decided that I could no longer knock on doors and ask people to question their beliefs if I had not done the same myself. I was sure that my quest would do nothing but reaffirm my faith in the religion. What happened was the exact opposite.

I found that I had been completely misled and my zeal was in vain. I discovered a personal relationship in God and how “religion” is unimportant in comparison. I found a faith in God instead of faith in some religious organization. Don't take me wrong: I find church a very important part of my worship to God. My reason for attending church is very different now, however. I enjoy uniting with fellow believers in Christ and worshiping God together with them. The difference is that the church does not make me a Christian. My personal faith in God makes me a Christian.

Now I have the "real life" (1 Timothy 6:18-20) the Witnesses always talked about. I have real Christian friends who truly care about me instead of judging me. I also see that same Christian love working in my family life. I have a peace inside and I always feel comforted no matter what the situation. It hurts to be alienated from my family, but God has been my comforter and Father. Leaving that organization was the best decision I ever made. I could never return.

My name is Renee Overholt, and I'm a HappyXWitness!
Jackson, Mississippi