Larry, you've given me a LOT of food for thought. It really helps to put some pieces of the puzzle together. One of my Dad's major frustrations towards the end of his life was why he and my Mom were having such a rough go in some areas of their lives, in spite of their "obedience and service". What you said makes sense as to part of the reason why they struggled so much. I rem
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

It's very true, Chaos.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

QuotepalefaceHe busy trying to impress the Pope. That made me chuckle. I can just picture it.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I definitely remember the names Erika and Justin Bobo, but I don't think I really knew them beyond a casual acquaintance, maybe from YASP. I really like what you said about continuing the walk and not quitting. Because it IS true.....even with all the BS, for me at least, there was still a lot of good that came out of my experience and certainly don't feel my time was wasted. Good,
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

QuoteInvisible"Regarding Anonymity " - To be able to say what you wish to say with out any one knowing who you are. I think there are probably many acceptable reasons why a person would choose to write anonymously in making a contribution - toward helping other people, who are coming to this thread. That whether a person writes using their own name or write anonymously - what is b
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Chaos, Which message board is it? Can you post a link? Thanks, Sierra
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Invisible, What you said is pretty spot on. Whether my mother was aware of the possibility that her silence held her marriage and family together, I don't know. But if she did, she most likely valued us being together as a family over following her intuition. I do have to say that even though she left the church, she still boxed up, and kept, all the old This Weeks and super old tapes fro
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Quotelarry boboThank you Sierra for sharing your story. TLWF has obviously had a deep impact on your life and your overcoming is an encouragement to others. I knew your parents but was not close to them. Thanks also for your openness and honesty to share very personal areas of your life without the veil of a ficticous user name - I know many others will know your family and your story will hav
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

QuoteInvisibleFor those who are or may be experiencing these things. Today in 2013 - if you have a family member - who is a member of this church, and if you are not a member of this church - your family member who is in the church, whether they are your father, mother, or your children, you will find that they, as a member of this church - are unable to and do not really relate to you
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

QuotechangedagainQuotesierradawn I don't know who you and your wife are, but yes, it is a solace to know that they will one day have to account for their actions against God. My wife brought your Mom into this fellowship. Of course, she had no idea how toxic and spiritually hollow the church would become, and was very distraught to hear what your Mom was subjected to toward the end of he
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

QuotepalefaceChaos, I'll answer your question about how long I was in: "too long !" I was in it long enough that my inner voice got suppressed to the point where I didn't hear it for long periods of time. We were taught to not trust our own thinking. I took that literally for a long time. But that still small voice does not go away and at some point it starting getting l
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

QuotechangedagainMy wife knew your parents well. She too originated from Yakima, during the time period you mentioned. Thank you for posting this, Sierra Dawn. It's saturated with a great deal of insight, and though painful to absorb, should greatly help those still struggling with the decision of whether to remain or leave. If it's any solace, Marilyn and Gary will one day have to
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I was born into the Walk in 1976. Went to church 4+ times a week throughout most of my childhood in Yakima, WA. Even in high school, I felt like G&M were put on a pedestal and fought with my parents not to go to church anymore. Because I was able to leave home at 17/18 to pursue my worldwide modeling career, (thankfully with the support of my parents) I believe I was pretty much shielded
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families