Ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses-Critical Thinkers » Critical Thought Podcast
Lonnie.G a Vegan Chef, Content Creator, Investor, Business Owner, Poet here’s my socials.
Lonnie's previous interview from 2018 - https://youtu.be/deIwpc8Geko
Lonnie Gillard appeared on our show three years ago telling his story about waking up and leaving the Jehovah’s Witness religion. He was still living at home with his parents. As a result, his parents no longer allowed him to remain living in their home. He survived by finding online resources and was able to land a place to live at an Airbnb.
Fortunately, Lonnie was able to find support from his non-Jehovah’s Witness family. While most do not live locally, they still took time to provide him with mental and moral support. He expresses how he is most grateful for them calling him to do telephone check ins, something is not receiving from his parents.
Fortunately, Lonnie did not have any extreme circumstances, nor did he ever find himself on the street. He always had a place to lay his head at night. He credits his father for his ability to survive because as he states, “my father said my job is to make sure that you and your siblings are able to stand on your own two feet”. Now that he’s out in the world, he appreciates his home training.
Looking back, he said, he thought he was the crazy one because he is the only one saying this religion is a cult. But, after learning the truth about the religion, he realizes that he is not alone especially after meeting other former Jehovah’s Witnesses.
According to Lonnie, life goes on and he’s okay with the notion that the people in his past, including his family no longer want to have anything to do with him. Because he believes that he needs to move on to the next chapter in his life. As he loses all the weight that has been on his shoulders, he can sleep good at night because he knows he’s doing the best that he can do.