Age: 17
Country: United States
Ministries: I am presently involved in childcare (toddler age), as well as office and secretarial work.

I was born into the Family, when my parents were missionaries to the country of Brazil. I led a very normal life as a Family child, I had all my needs met, I had substantial educational studies until I finished high school at 15 (And I had plenty of opportunities of acquiring more if I so desired.). I lived in only three other countries besides the United States, and I loved moving and experiencing the different cultures. When I was 13 years of age my mother died in a car accident and I was totally shocked and devastated. My father then had to become two parents in one, and he had to battle with taking care of a 13 year old daughter with the normal extreme changes that that young teen girls go through, the emotion, mood swings, rebellion etc. I was a handful for my dad, and to this day I still thank him for his training, and for taking care of me even through all of my difficult stages.

There are plenty of things in my life that I could get bitter or resentful about, but look at other average teens today, and all that they go through. Everyone goes through things in their life, granted some are worse then others, so look at those who had it worse. I did not have to grow up in a third world country where I had to go out on the streets and beg for money or food just to survive, I did not live in a cardboard house with four walls, or live in one room with 15 other people, but some people do, so I have a lot to be thankful for. If I ever felt that I had it bad or if there is some type of thing that I did not particularly like about my childhood, I looked at those around me, and I realize that I am truly blessed. Any correction or discipline that I received was for a very good reason; to make me the person I am today and to be able to make the decision of what I will do with my life. If you do not discipline your child you will end up with a brat that will rule you. Children need that loving correction or discipline or they will not be ready for life whether they choose to be in The Family, or in the world. Everyone has someone or something that rules them, their boss, their work, their bills, everything. Obey them that have rule over you, you can’t escape it, a lot of people I know have left the Family because they did not like people telling them what to do, and then they go join the army or marines where if you do not obey your sergeant you will be dishonorably discharged or court-marshaled. Life is not a fairy tale, wake up and smell the coffee. Life is very difficult in any lifestyle that you are going to choose, so whichever one you choose make the best of it and live your life.

The Family is not for everyone; if you chose to do something else with your life then do it and be happy don’t just sit around murmuring about the past. It is a fact that when you remember something about the past that happened you always remember yourself to be the victim, so you just might be wrong, and if you are right then forgive and forget. Are you going to waste the rest of your life complaining about things that happened to you or are you going to try to live your life? People are trying to live their lives so try to live your life without making your life and the lives around you a living hell. Get over it – stop acting like a stubborn child and get on with your life if you don’t want to live in the Family. No one is making you we are not twisting your arm if you are not happy go make yourself happy. But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.

Christina Etheredge is a second generation member of the Family International.