I’m not asking you to give up the lifestyle that you have chosen for yourself or to let go of all of your beliefs and to suddenly embrace mine. I’m not asking you to change careers or the way of life that you hold dear. In fact I’m not asking anything of you, so why can’t you give me the same respect?

My name is Connie Braaten, I’m 18 years old and I was born into The Family. I have lived in many countries and situations throughout the world and have never seen an abusive situation during all my time in The Family. However, during a time in my life that my family chose a part-time level of membership I was suddenly faced with the cold reality as to how the world really is. I saw my friends lie, steal, and hurt each other. I saw lives poured down the drain due to drugs and drinking. Even as young as I was I knew that wasn’t what I wanted, I knew I didn’t want to live for myself, always looking out for number one, not trusting anyone, and most of all, the fear that comes along with feeling like you’re all alone and that there is no one in whom you can truly confide.

Talk about child abuse? During the time I spent outside the fulltime Family environment I saw many situations that were definitely abusive, such as my best friend being hit so hard across the face by her father that she had a concussion and had to be taken to the hospital. Child abuse is so rampant in the world, in complete contrast our Family homes are a haven of love and security, and I can honestly say in all my childhood I never felt scared or fearful of anyone.

During my time in The Family I can honestly say I always had loving concerned friends who cared about me, and who I would trust with my life, along with my parents and those who cared for me. Only when I was out in the “real world” I guess you could say did I realize how good we in The Family really have it.

I am the second oldest in a family of 6, my youngest sister is 8 years old right now. If I didn’t believe that The Family was a safe place for her to be, or if I believed she was being hurt or abused in any way shape or form, I would not be here. But after visiting my family for the Christmas holidays, when I looked at my 4 younger brothers and sisters I didn’t see sad, abused, lonely children, what I saw was intelligent, bright, wonderfully well adjusted kids, all of them happy serving the Lord. And to quote my 10 year old brother when I asked him how he was doing, he smiled and proudly announced that he had won over 700 souls to Jesus last year and that he wanted this year to be even better.

If only we all could have that childlike simplicity. He’s not concerned about what the latest coolest video game is, and he doesn’t worry about violent movies or the coolest new toys and clothes, his only goal in life is to win others to Jesus. That right there tells me that growing up in The Family is right, and every sacrifice is worth it. When I look into his smiling face I see what it’s all for, and I know The Family is the only place for me.

I have been a fulltime member of The Family serving the Lord for the last 7 years. To all of you who think that what I’m doing is wrong, I challenge you to take a good hard look at your own life, before criticizing mine. Realize that when you fight against The Family you are not fighting against a bunch of nameless faces, you are fighting against ME. I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to post something, as I often have a hard time expressing myself in words, also I figured that there were many others who would speak out against the unjust lies and allegations, but after thinking about it more I realize that I have to take a stand for myself, I have to stand up for what I believe in. I can’t sit idly by while other defame and smear me and my Family.

Connie Braaten is a second-generation member of the Family International.