I almost decided not to write this. For one thing, I’m not intellectual or eloquent. I think there are a lot of people who could—and probably will—express these sentiments better than I can. But my heart and my conscience will not let me sit silently by while a few bitter people slander those that I love, throw spiteful accusations at my Family, and demean my beliefs and chosen way of life.

I’m not going to elaborate on the recent tragedy and what I think of the cruel and hateful way it has been taken advantage of by those who seek to destroy the Family and those in it. It’s too sad, too absurd to even be contemplated. I can only pray that all those who hear of it will have the dignity to accept the truth and the intelligence to disregard the vile slander of those motivated by bitterness and hate.

Personally, I love the Family. I have every intention of staying in the Family for the rest of my life. That is my conviction and no matter what anyone says to try to convince me otherwise, I will stick to it. Why?—Well, why not? If you’re one of those who think I’m nuts, or brainwashed, or coerced into being here, I would ask what makes you think your life is so much better than mine. Who’s to say YOU’RE not the one being brainwashed, used, manipulated? I mean, consider the results! Look at what you’re doing! Take a good hard look at what you’ve become and tell me that you’re happy with it!

I imagine I’m pretty average as far as second-generation Family members go. I was born in Norway in 1976, but grew up in India, Nepal, and Thailand. In my 28-plus years I’ve been involved in everything from cooking for hundreds to performing for thousands; teaching A-B-C’s to toddlers to teaching advanced English to university students and nurses; fundraising for charity projects to comforting disaster victims; rural education programs to urban drug-awareness campaigns; editing newsletters to writing songs; caring for the elderly to visiting cancer patients; translating for international relief organizations to interpreting baby-speak.

I’ve worked with orphans, handicapped, homeless, young people, old people, business executives, government officials, shop owners, rich people, poor people, celebrities and street sweepers. I speak three languages. I play the guitar. I have many interests, some of which I excel in and some in which I merely dabble. But my main interest is people. I like making friends. I like meeting people and learning about them.

I like my life. I enjoy what I do. I believe that what the Family stands for is good and I know that what we as individual Family members try to accomplish in our own small way—though not perfect—is also good.

I understand that there are those who do not agree with us—with me. Forgive me if I take this personally, but you have to understand that when you talk about the Family and anything pertaining to it, you are talking about MY Family, MY beliefs, MY life and everything that I stand for. It IS personal, OK?

Like I said, I understand that there are those who disagree with some or all of what the Family stands for, the way we live, what we do. I don’t blame them for having their opinions, for making different choices and going a different path. I respect their individuality and their right to pursue their own lives, careers, and happiness, in the way that best suits them. Is it wrong to therefore expect that my choices and rights and individuality be likewise respected?

I know that the Family isn’t for everyone. I have friends that left the Family and they’ve done well for themselves and we’re still good friends. I understand that they have their reasons for leaving, and although I don’t agree with their take on most issues, I accept that we’re different; we have different goals and ambitions, different priorities. But essentially, we’re all human beings, and as such we should try to overlook the differences and focus on what we have in common, and how we can better not only our own lives, but more importantly, the lives of those around us.

Isn’t that, like, the general idea? Help people? Make the world a better place? Do good? Who cares whether MY personal beliefs coincide exactly with yours, or whether my way of life is the way YOU think it should be? My beliefs are my beliefs. My life is my life. I choose it. I’m doing what I do because I WANT to, because I believe it’s meaningful, because it’s what God wants me to do. I’m in the Family because I believe we have the truth and I will stand by that as long as I have strength to stand.

Millions of lives have been touched in a positive way because of what the Family has done. Thousands of people have been in the Family at one time, and have left—taking with them happy memories and bonds of friendship that are still strong. The thousands that are still in the Family—myself included—are happy, fulfilled, and doing a GREAT job with limited resources. And we’ve got friends galore who are not in the Family physically, but are with us in spirit and support us in whatever way they can. They know we’re not perfect, but hey!—neither are they. Nobody is, but we’re trying the best we can and we’re having fun while we’re at it.

Now here’s what I don’t understand: Why would a handful of people with MAJOR issues and grudges about the past and who seem to have made it their main goal in life to tear down and torment those who are simply trying to get on with theirs, be more readily believed and their stories seem more credible than the tens of thousands who are happy, satisfied and dedicated members of the Family still, or the many more thousands from all across the world who are applauding our good works, raving about our wonderful products, endorsing our projects, working alongside us and standing behind us?

Why won’t you believe say, me, for example?

I’m in the Family. I’ve been in the Family my whole life. I’m perfectly normal (if there even IS such a thing, ha!). I’m contented, challenged, fulfilled, and working hard to do what I think is the most meaningful and profitable job I could be doing. I’m not deprived. I was never abused (unless of course, you count the emotional abuse I have to deal with through the relentless lies, hatred and false accusations of our detractors). I had a wonderful childhood and upbringing. I had experiences that most children and young people in the world at large couldn’t even imagine—I’ve traveled extensively; learned about foreign countries and exotic cultures first-hand; met people from all walks of life and experienced their unique customs and lifestyles—some of which we’ve also adopted since living in those countries. I’ve seen life from so many perspectives and through so many people’s eyes, I think it’s nothing short of absurd to say that I’m closed-minded or that I’ve been sheltered and I don’t really know what I’m talking about.

Look, I’m not a saint. I’m not even that smart. I’m sure there are hundreds—if not thousands—of young people who’ve done more and seen more than I have and could give you a much more impressive rundown of their lives. But what I want to say is—and I hope I’ve gotten the point across—that I’m happy in the Family! I’m OK with the mistakes the Family made in the past, not because I agree with them, but because I realize that there isn’t anyone on this earth that’s perfect. I’ve made my own mistakes so I can’t hold other people’s mistakes against them. I also know that we’ve come a long way since our early years and we’re continuing to make progress and improve and change the things that need to be changed.

If you’re okay with that, great! I’m happy that you’re happy. If not, I don’t really care! I just wish you’d take the same approach and leave us to live our lives in peace. We’re not going away! This work is of God and no man can stand against it. And we’re not running away either, so you might as well find something else to do—something good maybe, something positive, meaningful, and constructive. You don’t have to do it in the Family. But for God’s sake, leave those of us who DO choose to remain in the Family alone!

I’m going on with my life. May I humbly suggest you do the same?

Hanna Lillethun (28) is a second-generation member of the Family International, currently residing in Thailand.