Note: This episode gets very real, including potential triggers surrounding suicide and sexual assault. It is important to discuss the realities of these things and we hope that it helps others. Kayla was very brave in sharing her life story.
Sadly a cycle of abuse is often like a role that gets played over and over again. We typically think of it in the role of abusers that repeat patterns, but so do those who are abused. Kayla’s story includes abusive behaviors from parents, her husband at the time, and of course the cult of Jehovah’s Witnesses. At every turn when she needed something healthy she was met with unhealthy toxic behavior. This wasn’t limited to her but also included some of her siblings. From growing up to being married to custody battles to dealing with pedophiles, the JWs sided with and allowed abuse to perpetuate on their watch.
Kayla is a strong person that not only made it through these situations but she’s actively working to better her life as she heals from the trauma caused by members of a group claiming to have not only “The Truth” doctrinally but also to have the happiest families on earth. They even use a hashtag for their cult, #bestlifeever. By their fruits you will recognize the true religion, according to them. Kayla’s story shows yet again that their fruitage is not just rotten, but poisonous, as Jehovah’s Witnesses utterly destroy families and individuals alike with their corrupt practices.
The song that Kayla chose to represent her journey is Heaven is a Place on Earth by Belinda Carlisle.
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This podcast was made possible by my original podcast This JW Life. You can find it on any podcast app or on YouTube. 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.
Follow my new podcast called LouisvilleOne at LouisvilleOne.org or look it up on a podcast app. You can watch the live videos on the YouTube channel HERE.
Music by Fair Voyeur entitled “No Hell Yet”.
Thank you for sharing your story, you have a lot of courage to be able to share your story. I’m glad you were able to get out of the unhealthy environment of the JWs and the toxic relationship with your former husband, hearing about the way he mistreated you made me so angry at him, he is an abusive and disgusting excuse for a man. I was raised in the JW organization since 3 years old so since the beginning of my memories. I am 50 now and decided to leave about a year and a half ago after researching & studying several hours a day every day for about six months and choosing to follow Christ. I’m having a very difficult time with being shunned by my parents and brother, I think that hearing from others who have left such as you is helpful, just to know that I am not alone in dealing with being shunned by family. Is there anything you have found to be helpful to deal with the difficulty of being cut of from family?
Kayla, my name is Leann. I’m your dad’s cousin. I just want to tell you how much hearing your story just breaks my heart. I am so happy to know that you were able to make it to the other side of all this tragedy. I just wanted you to know that you do still have family that loves you. Unfortunately, life won’t always be easy because you still have to deal with these people because of the kids. Keep your chin up. You are amazing and strong. If you ever need me, I am here for you. I know what it feels like for everyone to turn their back on you. Not to the degree you have experienced, but I will never judge you. Sending you all my love, Leann (part of the Idaho fam)
Hello! Thank you for listening to my story. I’m so happy you were able to get out of the religion too. I think the biggest thing that helps is time. It’s only been 2 years for me but the more time that goes on the less I think about the people I miss. It gets less painful. And on hard days when I’m really missing the people from my Jehovah’s Witness life, I like to think about how much happier I am in life. I’ve built a new support system. I’ve found people that love me unconditionally. And I can love people unconditionally. That is one of the best feelings in the world.
Hello! It’s so nice to hear from you. Thank you so much for you’re sweet comment. Love you!