Chameleons change their appearance for many reasons, one of which is to avoid predators. Growing up in an abusive home with his stepdad, who was only 11 years older than him, Kevyn couldn’t be himself. At an early age he had to be who he needed to be to survive at home and to try to make friends with the limited opportunities that he had as an isolated member of the cult of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Eventually he would finally earn positive attention from his stepdad because he made it to Bethel, cult headquarters, where he quickly learned that not everyone there was who they appeared to be either. Finding the “degenerate” Bethelites, he learned that there was a world outside to explore, and eventually through several more changes he would find himself enlisting in the Army to leave the life that he had behind as he changed yet again to save himself.
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This podcast was made possible by my original podcast This JW Life. You can find it on any podcast app. It is a 9 part series about life as Jehovah’s Witnesses designed to help you understand how it worked in one comprehensive story and to help you process your own if you came from that environment.
Music provided by Jane and the Boy, entitled Save Myself.
Kevyn!! Thank you so much for sharing your story. Ironically I was at walkill
Bethel when you were their. I wonder if we ever crossed paths. I really appreciate you being open about your family life. It was good for me to personally hear it because I had a very similar upbringing. And having a narcissistic parent made my life hell as well. As you told your story I saw mine begin to sync. I felt your pain and excitement through your journey to freedom. I’m very happy for you and your family, and proud that you stood up to your dad and told him what he needed to hear. I have yet to do this, so this gave me some strength to stand up as well. Once again thank you for sharing your story!
You’re welcome!
We might have crossed paths. I was only there for a little while but I did go around everywhere.
I’m sorry you had such a similar experience. Our youth and developmental milestones were stunted. We had to deal with a life that we didn’t have to have.
I’m also happy I gave you strength to stand up. It feels so good knowing that you’ve finally said what you were so scared to say all your life.