If I Can Break Free From a Cult After More Than 40 Years — So Can You
Submitted by Shana Rubio, RfR Board Secretary
On a cold January day in 1973 I was born into a mind-controlling doomsday cult. Growing up as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses you are not allowed to celebrate Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays, Thanksgiving, Independence Day, Saint Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day, or Halloween.
A child’s life as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses
I remember one time when I was around 4 or 5, we were in the supermarket, and this sweet little old lady asked me, “What did Santa bring you for Christmas?” I yelled at her, “I don’t celebrate that! It’s pagan!”
Each time there was a birthday celebration in school, which was always at the end of the day, I was sent to the library which was already closed to sit in the dark by myself, listening to the festivities down the corridor.
For one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in school, if one is fortunate enough to go to public school and not be home-schooled, you cannot get involved in any extra-curricular activities (including sports/clubs) or participate in student government. Nor can you attend prom or any school sports events. You cannot salute the flag or say the pledge of allegiance, or associate with anyone…
