This Spring saw a concerted effort on the part of Jehovah’s Witnesses to invite as many as possible to their memorial gathering on April 14, 2014.
One article in the Kingdom Ministry (a newsletter circulated among the Witnesses) even tried to frame the occasion as being potentially the final memorial before Armageddon.
Many like myself were invited but chose not to attend. Why?
Because the memorial celebration as prescribed by Watchtower is essentially a publicity exercise – a means of introducing otherwise indifferent members of the public to a controlling religion through a one-off event.*
A different campaign
But unknown to the Witnesses, during the frenzied build-up to the memorial an entirely different enterprise was underway.
Former Witnesses from six different countries with varying ages, beliefs and backgrounds were combining their efforts with one aim – to show the world how happy they are now that they are free from the confines of Watchtower with its endless rules and rituals.
They did this by dancing to the song “Happy” by Pharrell Williams in total contradiction to Watchtower’s stereotype of apostates as being miserable and bitter.
I was proud to be among them, as was my wife.
And so yesterday, on 16 April 2014, the resulting video was released on YouTube.
At the time of writing the video has been up for a little under 24 hours and has already attracted more than 2,100 views.
The comments show that many former Witnesses watching it can identify with the inner peace and sense of elation that comes with being free from mental servitude to an organization that has self-promotion and self-preservation as its key motivations.
A life-affirming project
Such is the interest in the video that some are already asking when the next one will be made. Though I have no immediate plans I am intrigued to see how well this video does in getting its message across.
I have already been approached by an apostate of a different cult entirely to see if I would be interested in collaborating on an inter-cult video project to the same music. I think this would be an exciting opportunity if it can be arranged.
If nothing else, I’m sure I speak for my fellow dancers in saying what a sense of achievement is to be found in unleashing your inner joy in this way, and spreading it to others. This project is the antithesis of Watchtower’s memorial event – a celebration of life and freedom rather than a call to serfdom and an obsession with death and the end of the world.
With so many organizations and individuals seemingly bent on dragging mankind backwards by exploiting people’s fears and uncertainties, it is life-affirming to fight this tide of negativity with some simple joy and happiness.
May this be the first of many opportunities to do just that.
Further reading…
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*Many who profess to be Christians also object to the memorial event on the grounds that there is no scriptural basis for dissuading people from partaking of the emblems, namely the bread and the wine. For proof that the distinction between “anointed” and “other sheep” is entirely unfounded in scripture, please click here.
I love the video it’s great to see people free and happy just living their lives.My parents especially my mom pretty much begged us to come to the memorial since we didn’t my dad informed me that her blood pressure is dangerously high and of course it’s my fault I doubt that I will ever see her alive again and I certainly won’t be able to tell her good bye. With all the shit she has done to me I wish I could get over everything and be happy but I haven’t smiled in a couple days so watching the video was great thank you Cedars so much!
True happiness can be found in serving God, without the rules and supervision of the men of the Watchtower Society micromanaging your every move!
If you are a Jehovah’s Witness, ask yourself if you are truly happy with your way of life.
Do you follow Jesus’ example of true brotherly love, or are you worried about how you look to your brothers? Love is dying inside the tower… the friends are turning on each other, and the internet is too big to be silenced by the governing body. (Do you think Jehovah could shut down the internet if He wanted to?) The Information Age is taking down this cruel and controlling organization. Hurray! There IS true freedom in following Christ.
The JW’s that I know seem downtrodden and unhappy. They do not follow Christ’s greatest and last commands.
Are you really a Christian?
Or are you too busy promoting “Jehovah-anity” and vindicating the name that Jesus never actually told us to use? What was the purpose of Christ coming to earth, if you are going to ignore his instructions? (hint: Love!)
You are not alone (many are secretly miserable, and are escaping)… Get out while there is still time to enjoy your life!
Excellent video, really brought me to tears but in a good way….way to go!
Thank you John Cedars for this video. I have watched it a few times, some times laughing, sometimes with tears rolling down my face, but always grateful that I did not waste another day of my life involved with a publishing Corporation. I am sad for my JW family who are not happy and have had awful things happen to them. I hope they like numerous other people will wake up and have a few years of happiness. They certainly deserve it.
It is so good to see a challenge to the demonisation of ordinary people. People who are mentally free and who are so obviously happy. None of them looked to me as though they had “diseased minds.”, just contentment and enjoying themselves which is what life should be about.
Great vid. Keep them coming!
Bom, muito bom. Ver o irmão Cedar em plena felicidade me fez imaginar minha liberdade também – mas esta não virá tão fácil como a dele. Eu provavelmente perderei minha querida esposa e filhos para os do apóstata Corpo dos Governantes.
Apóstolo TDS
From Brazil
What a mover:-)! great fun:-)
A very nice video ! I watched it with a big smile on my face and all the dancers seemed so sympathetic.
Cedars, this sure gives a great message for the “insiders” but with all respect, it can be an “auxiliary” message.
If they wanted to, a bunch of JW’s could put together a similar video, watched by the remaining JW’s “with a big smile on their faces” because they are on “that side”. You and I would look at it with a bitter smile, because “we know”.
Then the community of would do the same, all attracting the symphaty of their fellow members.
To give a clear message “outside”, I think a different argumentation would hit the target, a different setup. Still, this video has a great value as an additional material after convincing on the essential. I confess I haven’t read all the comments but maybe they give part of this convincing message. I’ll sure go and check them.
But still, it’s such a nice moment, thank you for that ! And man, you can move ! I’m jealous :-)
Thanks JB!
I have no doubt that certain JWs could put together a similar video, although they would risk their elders’ wrath in doing so since Pharrell Williams is a worldly singer and not all his songs are quite so ‘wholesome’!
This video is essentially counterpropaganda. It answers the propaganda put out by Watchtower that apostates are bitter and angry by showing them (us) doing something that demonstrates the opposite of those characteristics.
Even though it may not be so deep or profound, I think this project is an excellent way of showing people that there is life beyond Watchtower. It could well be just enough to convince a wavering Witness to peek behind the curtain and examine their beliefs, knowing that they won’t immediately morph into a bitter vengeful person by doing so.
There can be no knock out blow to Watchtower’s undue influence. If there were, we wouldn’t be having this discussion. But that doesn’t mean Watchtower’s grip can’t be weakened incrementally by thought-provoking statements and actions by former believers, which is precisely what this video is all about.
Thank you Cedars, yes, I think giving the message “we’re not bitter and angry as you may think”, the video sure hits the target. I admit I missed that particular aspect of the video though you actually mentioned that.
Like others, I also hope more of such videos and alike will be shared. As a grown up ex-JW, one of my first surprises was finding out that there are other caring, nice and honest people out there, who are not JW’s (something I was told that nearly never existed).
Some of them utterly disliked JW’s and despite that I couldn’t help but liking them.
With a clearer vision after my out of the organization experience, I can see there are lots of genuine people out there, radiating positivity around them. I start being more and more convinced that the JW’s who are good and nice people are so because its in their nature, not because of the magic operated only by the JW’s teachings …
I’m another one of those who definitely hasn’t grown into a bitter person and knowing that I have full control of my thoughts and actions make everyhing I do more genuine than it would have been under mind control and congregation spying …
Many thanks again !
Yeah Cedars, have you had dance lessons?! Again, let me mention “Crisis of Conscience” and the following “In Search of Christian Freedom” by Ray Franz, who wrote (if my memory serves) much of “Commentary on James” and those two big fat light blue books we used to go to to research anything bible. I got so much from reading his final two books describing in his calm loving way what he had to go through at Bethel, what his thought processes were as he struggled to truly be the kind of man whose life really matters to his friends and readers. He did not attack, his humility shines, and his peace is the kind of peace I mean to experience. They can be found on WordPress.
Then the community of would do the same, all attracting the symphaty of their fellow members.
Re-reading the above sentence I just realized I used some invalid characters that made a part of the comment disappear.
I meant : Then the community of “insert name here” would do the same, all attracting the symphaty of their fellow members.
Sorry for that
Loved the video – Thank you so much, watching it made me Happy! Even though the JW’s have shunned me and brainwashed my son into doing the same, I am still so happy that I have the freedom to think and act for myself!
The cult must be exposed. It is a silent killer.
*** fy chap. 8 p. 96 par. 17 Protect Your Family From Destructive Influences ***
Yet it is not enough simply to teach your children to avoid bad associates. Help them to find good ones. One father says: “We would always try to substitute. So when the school wanted our son on the football team, my wife and I sat down with him and discussed why that wouldn’t be a good idea—because of the new companions that would be involved. But then we suggested getting some of the other children in the congregation and taking all of them to the park to play ball. And that worked out fine.”
Imagine, the words are from a book entitled “The Secret of Family Happiness”!
How can a child share with other children a classroom but can’t play in a team with them?
Cedars, so glad that they edited out the part of you twerking. It is oboist our happiness too, and we would not be able to unsee that.
In all seriousness though, great video with a great simple message. I enjoyed it immensely.
Thank you for this video! I found it both funny and inspiring; my life and the lives of my family have improved vastly since escaping the clutches of the Watchtower Society. This video was a beautiful depiction of how we “apostates” are able to be happy, despite the abuses we’ve suffered from the WTBTS, and in spite of their protestations that we are miserable and mentally diseased.
I truly enjoyed this video; it brightened my morning considerably. Additionally, you guys have some good moves (especially you, Cedars.) Here’s hoping the next vid has you doing some John Travolta dance steps; that or some classic musical moves (I’m picturing top hat, coat & tails, and a walking stick.)
This is awesome. This is how I feel after30 years a witness and now I have been free for 3 years . I would dance in this video instead I danced with it : )
Great video Cedars; I enjoyed it with my coffee this morning. And it had just about the same effect on me as the coffee did… perked me up and made me smile…. It is sad how we former believers are characterized… I cant tell you how many times different ones of the borg have parroted the same exact words “he must be mad because he knows we have “the truth” and that satan is leading you around by your nose…. I chuckle and think.. “just who is being lead around by the nose?” I know that eventually my freedom will cost me my wife, but I am still happy to know the TTATT….
Peace and love peace and love.
DblA
What I liked was there was no pretending to be happy (like the Kingdom smile and the joy we were told we must always display to “convince” others)
Everyone just shone with joy – it was true and heartfelt. Wish I could have been there dancing with you.
Hey Cedars! You are great actor and performer. Probably in you dies great disco-dancer…Notably 3:37-3:42
Right? I always felt so guilty when the brothers would say “this should instill a certain feeling inside of you” or aren’t we all just SO happy? no wonder why so many are on meds….. so NOT HAPPY!
I want to be in this video! Also, I know many more ex-JW’s who would love to part of it too! No fake happiness here!! Great job Cedars!
I LOVE THIS VIDEO !!!!!!!!!
and i know in the depth of my heart my Lord and God is smiling :)
http://youtu.be/wii_SX7mTSI
****LOVE IT****
Pharrell has a website that includes the world’s first 24-hour song (24hoursofhappy.com) where hundreds of people dance to this fantastic song.
Actually I think our fabulous group of ex-JWs look even happier than people on the Pharrell video, as they are without the weight of the oppression that is the WT.
As the song says, ‘Clap along if you feel that happiness is the truth!’
The ‘truth’ never brought me true happiness, as I couldn’t be happy about 99.9% of the world’s population being murdered at Armageddon. I’m so happy to be free, and would love to be involved in the next video.
Maybe we could outlast Pharrell’s video and get hundreds of ‘apostates’ (I detest that word!) showing the meaning of real happiness….freedom from the chains of serving the seven popes.
Many, many greetings to you, Cedars, and thanks for posting this.
Seriously. .lol..you all had to make a video to prove up your happy. I guess I could go make a video showing how firmly heterosexual I am but then again that would just be…awkward.
@ Hakizimana Jean de Dieu
Yes, Watchtower certainly doesn’t offer much in the way of happiness for the JW child who is told from day one that they must stand out and be different from their peers at school; avoiding befriending anyone who is not a JW, (unless to convert them), therefore leaving them open to ridicule and bullying at a vulnerable stage of their lives!
I speak from experience!
Thanks for the great video Cedars. Even though life may be challenging at times, I too am so thankful and happy to be free from this Organisation.
Everybody’s freeeeeeeeeeeee to feel good! Everybody’s FREEE to FEEEEEL good! Yaaaay!
Now let’s go dancing like this at entrance of a JW convention lol!
This was the first memorial I attended as an awoken free thinking individual…I no longer attend the meetings… but due to my wife still being asleep I reluctantly went to memorial and WoW!!! I never realised how much of this observanse was really Not about Jesus Christ and just a ploy to gain members I was waiting for them to say and this bread represents the governing body Since You no they are the mediater what a Crock!!!! Now I no what its truly like to have a relationship with my heavenly father no longer do I fear man… and the sayings that come forth from there mouths… my wife is going to be a challenge but with prayer and patience I trust she will come to her senses!!
John will you be appearing on the next X Factor? That was so cool and as a professional singer which I became after leaving the WT some 30 years ago. I have to say how powerful music can convey a message. And this video hit it head on. You really cracked me up watching you since I know your face and story. Lol. I once played a cd of a song I covered for my then witness dad who just gave me no response that I went on to use in a northeast singing competition to which I won. How sad that the religion does not encourage self expression in a attempt to mold and control you. Singing and music has been my new found hidden talent for the last 30 years that has made me very HAPPY!!! Rock on Brother!!
Nice Moves, John!!! What’s next?? The white suit, perchance??
Stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive, ha ha ha ha.
The shot of you dancing with the Crisis of Conscience book make me LOL. I think we need more of these. Next time don’t use so many white people! Half those dancers look as dorky as I do haha…
Even before watching this video, every time I’d hear this song, and specifically the line “clap your hands if you feel happiness is the truth”, I’d think of my witness background.
I now know that happiness IS the truth, rather than the truth being happiness, as the Watchtower would have us believe!
No comment…
http://youtu.be/Z8SPwT3nQZ8
Just love the Searching for Memo video clip.
Brilliant, just brilliant.
True story, …happened to me, Happened to me. Oh yeh.
WOW!
Can see where you’re coming from Dude.
Good video, but on another level quite Disturbing.
What’s this Happiness thing all about anyway??
What’s the point of that? How about getting down and being Joyful in the Lord. Now that would be worth pursuing. Lol.
Unfortunately, as far back as I can remember, the LEM has seemed to be less about the Lord and more about canvassing for unsuspecting n00bs. The sundry acolytes, wielding their flashlights to channel the faithful to their assigned parking (blue-hairs in close, the rest of us in the north-forty). A short, boring talk. Furtive glances around the room, in search of an unsuspected nibbler. Another short talk, blah blah. I especially enjoyed the apparent awkwardness of the wine being passed to one person and back (it always looked on the verge of slopping).
Finishing up with a song and an invitation for a “free-home-Bible-study”.
When I was a kid, we usually had an ice-cream cone afterwards. I mean, that sealed the deal.
That is great but……Is there something in the water? Do most apostates just stop taking care of themselves? Most had heavy middles if not outright fat etc.. I workout and watch what I eat. I look fantastic at 41.
Just to be “so happy” it looks like they are lugging around of unwanted weight. Alot of weight like that generally makes one depressed. Me? I would rather be a very fit apostate.
Shake that bootie baby shake that bootie. Sorry couldn’t help that one.
Yeah, what’s with apostate-chow-hounds?
Great video. Made me smile, plus really like the song.
Nice, simple video that counteracts the angry, gloomy, mentally diseased image that the WT paints of “apostates.” Hopefully, some of those who are still in the organization but are beginning to harbor doubts will see this and realize that,… yes,… one can have a happy and joyful life not being a JW.
Cedar and everybody else who had a hand in this video,…. keep up the good work! =)