Blood is thicker
In light of the recent non-memoir exploitation cases, I feel a little reluctant to blog about something I can't thoroughly fact-check. But Lisa Magdalena, of Sussex, England, has an extraordinary story of her own regarding her childhood as a Jehovah's Witness.
When she was two, her father's adherence to the Jehovah's Witnesses' policy of refusing blood transfusions led to his death. Her subsequent childhood as a Witness, she says, was "cold," "heavy, dogmatic," and "fearful." At sixteen, she ran away from home and left the religion. Later, during a bout with cancer, she herself relied on blood transfusions to survive.
Now, through an ex-JW group in the U.K., she offers an online counseling service to people leaving the Witnesses. For someone exiting the religion, it can take a long time to explain to a therapist the Witnesses' many unique beliefs and practices--and their long-lasting ramifications. "Because I will already understand much of the background to their stories," she explains, "I'll be able to meet people right where they are."
Many thanks to Danny Haszard for the link. And here's my own interview about the recent Canadian sextuplet blood transfusion case.
When she was two, her father's adherence to the Jehovah's Witnesses' policy of refusing blood transfusions led to his death. Her subsequent childhood as a Witness, she says, was "cold," "heavy, dogmatic," and "fearful." At sixteen, she ran away from home and left the religion. Later, during a bout with cancer, she herself relied on blood transfusions to survive.
Now, through an ex-JW group in the U.K., she offers an online counseling service to people leaving the Witnesses. For someone exiting the religion, it can take a long time to explain to a therapist the Witnesses' many unique beliefs and practices--and their long-lasting ramifications. "Because I will already understand much of the background to their stories," she explains, "I'll be able to meet people right where they are."
Many thanks to Danny Haszard for the link. And here's my own interview about the recent Canadian sextuplet blood transfusion case.
Faye said:
What a thoughful, sensitive and thought-provoking interview on the blood transfusion topic. Thank you for sharing it. I had a blood transfusion years ago to help save my life, and I remember watching with fear as the blood entered my system. It was around the time when AIDS fears in the blood supply were still strong. It all turned out fine. These days around St. Patrick's Day -- because I live in such an Irish community -- I like to say that I must have some Irish blood in me now.
March 7, 2008 7:21 PMLisa Magdalena said:
I am Lisa Magdalena. Thank you Joy for adding me to your site. It certainly has taken a journey to be able to talk about my story and to be clear enough to counsel ex-Jehovah's Witnesses.
Thank you for your bravery and the courage you shine. It must have been a journey of pain and hope in writing your book. I will certainly purchase it in helping me with the counselling service for jehovah's witnesses.
One major thing that predominates the life of an ex-jw is the feelings of being alone, feeling separated, rejected even. I was so heartened that as I step out in courage to tell my story, that I have been instantly supported by others who have walked before me. Others that are already out there and making sure the real truth is known. So thank you for paving the way. I too am writing a book about my life experiences. I am writing it so my children will know me. I ran away without photos, memoirs or anything. Now that my children are getting older, I realise the importance of family memories they give a sense of belonging. So I write for them. I am writing so others will know the truth and I am writing as a cathartic experience for the little Lisa that when through such grief.
Blessings to you Joy, to Danny Haszard and all who read your site.
March 8, 2008 9:55 AMLisa Magdalena x x