Post by Hw on Sept 28, 2022 15:00:19 GMT
It is likely that many, if not all, of you are familiar with me. Some of you knew me when I was a member there. Some know me because I went public. If you do not know me, my story is on this forum and I am here, willing to speak with and answer any questions you may have. My story is real and much of it has not even been shared. Now, the reason for this post.
Many of you may be feeling trapped. You want out, you want to be free, you hate what you see. I hear you! I think at times you may come here and see people who are angry (righteous anger is allowed!) and it could make you leery of us. You may see so many posts telling (demanding?) that you stand up and openly speak out against what goes on there. That does need to happen but only when people are prepared for the cost of that. The thing that weighs on me though is that you would avoid openly being here because you fear our judgement and possible harsh words that may feel personal.
I am now speaking for myself. I will support you and love you. I will welcome you and accept you. My home will be open to you if you need a safe place to speak. I am fully aware of the enormity of the decision to leave that denomination. There will be shunning, harshness and judgement from people you considered family and friends. Elders and the pastor will work relentlessly to counsel and guilt you into staying. If you have children, they will not be allowed to stay in those schools. They will lose family and friends. Many members work for PR companies and you may not have employment.
Then, there is the turmoil that comes mentally when you work to unlearn everything you were indoctrinated with growing up. That is hard and it took me years to get to my happy life now. I want to be here to walk with you through it. Many other are here wanting to do the same. We want to encourage, support, love and walk alongside you and your family as you learn how to engage and live in a new world. It will feel weird and odd. It is very different. But it is a beautiful thing when manipulation through fear and church discipline is removed from your life. When you are free to express your real feelings and thoughts. When you get to meet the real Jesus, if you are a believer.
I speak for my husband and I when I say we are here for you! Our home is open to you. The others who come here will love you and rejoice that you are here. We are passionate about helping you. You are in a prison of sorts right now and we recognize that. We know how hard the decision to leave is to make. All because that "church" uses fear and loss of family and community to control its members. It works because it is the one thing humans long for. Connection to others and a sense of belonging. Well, we are here and want to connect with you. You would be welcomed and celebrated as you are. All walks of life join us in our home. Atheists, Christians, LGBTQ+ members, divorced and remarried, abused and those who love those who were abused, those who have healed and moved beyond and those with fresh wounds. The common denominator is that they all used to be where you are. My job is to love. My faith is based on that one word. LOVE. It is what I offer to all of you. You won't be alone as you navigate these new waters. You will be supported, mentored, and helped in any way you need.
Fear is a powerful thing. I recognize and understand that. I want to assure you that on the other side of that fear is a freedom and joy you cannot even imagine yet! Let us help you in a truly loving way. We will show you real love for your neighbor in a way you have never been shown. At this table, everyone is welcome. You can do this and when you are ready, I, my husband, and so many others will be waiting to catch you. We are here so you won't fall. Contrary to what many in that church believe, I went public because of my longing to free you. It comes from a love that is greater than my hopes. I hoped for a restoration of relationship with my parents and siblings. Your pain and suffering though supersedes that and is more important to me and I gave it up for you! I love and care about you that much! Please think about that. This forum has people here willing to put helping you over their personal desire for reconciliation. You are chosen over my birth family members because YOU MATTER AND I SEE YOU! If you are in a dangerous and unsafe situation, reach out to me or an admin who can reach me, and let us help you! I mean that sincerely.
I hope to celebrate your freedom with you! I will be here waiting and ready to help you when you are ready.
Many of you may be feeling trapped. You want out, you want to be free, you hate what you see. I hear you! I think at times you may come here and see people who are angry (righteous anger is allowed!) and it could make you leery of us. You may see so many posts telling (demanding?) that you stand up and openly speak out against what goes on there. That does need to happen but only when people are prepared for the cost of that. The thing that weighs on me though is that you would avoid openly being here because you fear our judgement and possible harsh words that may feel personal.
I am now speaking for myself. I will support you and love you. I will welcome you and accept you. My home will be open to you if you need a safe place to speak. I am fully aware of the enormity of the decision to leave that denomination. There will be shunning, harshness and judgement from people you considered family and friends. Elders and the pastor will work relentlessly to counsel and guilt you into staying. If you have children, they will not be allowed to stay in those schools. They will lose family and friends. Many members work for PR companies and you may not have employment.
Then, there is the turmoil that comes mentally when you work to unlearn everything you were indoctrinated with growing up. That is hard and it took me years to get to my happy life now. I want to be here to walk with you through it. Many other are here wanting to do the same. We want to encourage, support, love and walk alongside you and your family as you learn how to engage and live in a new world. It will feel weird and odd. It is very different. But it is a beautiful thing when manipulation through fear and church discipline is removed from your life. When you are free to express your real feelings and thoughts. When you get to meet the real Jesus, if you are a believer.
I speak for my husband and I when I say we are here for you! Our home is open to you. The others who come here will love you and rejoice that you are here. We are passionate about helping you. You are in a prison of sorts right now and we recognize that. We know how hard the decision to leave is to make. All because that "church" uses fear and loss of family and community to control its members. It works because it is the one thing humans long for. Connection to others and a sense of belonging. Well, we are here and want to connect with you. You would be welcomed and celebrated as you are. All walks of life join us in our home. Atheists, Christians, LGBTQ+ members, divorced and remarried, abused and those who love those who were abused, those who have healed and moved beyond and those with fresh wounds. The common denominator is that they all used to be where you are. My job is to love. My faith is based on that one word. LOVE. It is what I offer to all of you. You won't be alone as you navigate these new waters. You will be supported, mentored, and helped in any way you need.
Fear is a powerful thing. I recognize and understand that. I want to assure you that on the other side of that fear is a freedom and joy you cannot even imagine yet! Let us help you in a truly loving way. We will show you real love for your neighbor in a way you have never been shown. At this table, everyone is welcome. You can do this and when you are ready, I, my husband, and so many others will be waiting to catch you. We are here so you won't fall. Contrary to what many in that church believe, I went public because of my longing to free you. It comes from a love that is greater than my hopes. I hoped for a restoration of relationship with my parents and siblings. Your pain and suffering though supersedes that and is more important to me and I gave it up for you! I love and care about you that much! Please think about that. This forum has people here willing to put helping you over their personal desire for reconciliation. You are chosen over my birth family members because YOU MATTER AND I SEE YOU! If you are in a dangerous and unsafe situation, reach out to me or an admin who can reach me, and let us help you! I mean that sincerely.
I hope to celebrate your freedom with you! I will be here waiting and ready to help you when you are ready.
