One reason that people are attracted to cults is that they are looking for stability in life. They may feel vulnerable and are looking for answers, something to hold on to that allows them to leave their troubles behind. Unfortunately the reality of what cults offer is nothing more than a surface level illusion of stability covering over deep dysfunction, beliefs that people use as an escape for their problems. It is like quicksand. It looks like firm ground but once you take the first step things just slowly get worse and worse.
Stephanie grew up in a somewhat chaotic environment. She could be found beating her dolls while “playing meeting” because the dolls weren’t listening. At fourteen her father started suffering from mental issues that altered his view of reality at times. Her home wasn’t stable from the environment in it to where she physically lived, even moving in with another family at eighteen. Then in her pursuit of stability she would look for it in marriage and find anything but that. Disfellowshipped three times, Stephanie finally realized that what she was seeking could only truly be found in another life and she had to go find it.
The song that Stephanie chose to represent her journey is Praying by Kesha.
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Music by Fair Voyeur entitled “No Hell Yet”.
I really enjoyed Stephanie’s story. She sounds like a lovely person and I wish her and her son every happiness as they move forward outside the JW’s.
Thank you so much! Doing my best to live my authentic life and give my son every opportunity in the world. 😊
Steph, my ex husband is exactly like yours. To a tee. I 100% understand your feelings. The marriage nearly killed me. We share a lot on common there.
I also feel the same about how abusive behaviour doesn’t get addressed. I even wrote to the branch asking for help about how to endure an abusive husband who is super selfish. Didn’t get much of an answer. I’m glad we are both out of our marriages to those losers. And more so, out of an organization that condones abuse.
Cheers <3
Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m happy for you that you have a better path.
Stephanie