Quote
counselor47
Hi, Michelle. Good to hear from you.
Let me clear up a couple of misconceptions. Upon leaving, I did not set out to destroy Ole, Trinity, or the work they do. When I first left Trinity, it was with every intention of remaining friends--or, at least continuing to be on a friendly basis. There was a whole series of things that happened with people saying hateful things to and about us that slowly caused me to take another look at Trinity, and I gradually came to the realization that there was “something rotten in Denmark.”
The point of Wendy writing this book is about us telling not just our story but the story of the 50 or so former members with whom we have been in contact. While it is perhaps true that Trinity can seem benign to people, such as you and Michael, who are sort of on the periphery, it is also the case that Trinity has left dozens of hurting people in its wake, many of whom have had their faith destroyed. Predictably, for pointing out these facts Wendy and I are now being vilified. Nevertheless, it is an inconvenient truth.
Wendy and I would love to get together with you for some Tex-Mex and margaritas sometime. We already have plans for this weekend, but send a private message to me and we can work something out. Meanwhile, you might want to consider reading her book. You can check it out at www.dallascult.com
Doug
Hey Doug!
Good to hear from you too. Margaritas would be great and perhaps another round of that memory game (if you remember..lol) Just as long as Trinity or politics don't come up. Trinity...well, we have different view points and politics...I don't think you'd care for my side on that as well :lol:
Don't get me wrong. I understand about the hurt feelings and why they would feel hurt, betrayed, etc. Remember...I was asked to leave and after finding the ex-members, I myself, wanted to think of Trinity as a cult. I, myself, put Ole as a cult leader. I mean, how DARE they ask me to leave when all I did was pretend to be pregnant and told others that I had an abortion.
Come on...I was in the wrong. I just didn't want others to tell me that and it was realllly easy when ex-members told me that Trinity was a cult and that I shouldn't have been asked to leave. Please...I would have asked for me to leave. YOU now would have asked for me to leave you alone, if all I did was lie.
The only difference is that after moving to Kansas and I wasn't around the EX-members, I lost my hate, anger, hurt and shame. I found Ex-Members becoming a cult. The cult of "How Ole fooled me and now my Life is ruined because of him." I still wouldn't mind hanging out with them. Some of them are fun people that I'd like to hang out with but no one wants that from me. They don't want to just have a nice time out, they want more confirmation of their anger against something I'm simply not angry about nor wish to discuss. My father is into Scientology. You think I want to discuss relegion with him..LOL LOL...Hell NO! But we do talk about other things and skirt around his and my faiths.
I found that Trinity wasn't a cult and started to search for God...for real. I unfortunately couldn't find a spiritual home since most of Mike's relatives are Baptists. God love the Baptists but I smoke cigarettes and like to dance and drink on occasion. They saw it as a sinful way to live and unfortunately, I suppose I was shunned from them as well.
I guess I realized that no one, no where has the right to dictate my own walk with God. Am I just on the edge of Trinity...no. I feel immersed fully with them. Heck..I even helped write that Scit about the Wizard of Iz that Brian totally did not get.
Yes...I understand. Was Trinity more agressive in their pursuits years ago...Yes, I admit that. Do they do that now...no. Most of the Leaders are older and more mellow. Plus...no one thinks Ole is "all that" now. I think it was fine for you to move on. Trinity wasn't a home for you anymore, I suppose and it was time to find your spiritual hom. I'm glad for you.
Why talk and dwell about things that have happened YEARS ago. The difference now between me and some others that left is that I chose to let go of my anger. I don't direct this at you since it seems that you are indeed happy and have found a spiritual peace. I like you guys...I've always liked you guys. I don't like your views on things but then again, that would make life boring if everyone agreed. LOl
Anyways...I'll pm you and see if you guys would like to meet up. It's been awhile but let's not talk of Trinity or politics...k? We can talk of relegion in general since I believe that we both believe in the same thing...God. Lord knows that I have friends outside of Trinity that don't believe what I do and we do just fine.
Thanks
Michelle