–Teri (25)
– Married, mother of one

Born and raised in the Family–and so NOT ashamed of it!

No, I mean it! While I’m extremely saddened about everything that’s happened of late–my close friend being murdered for no good reason, Ricky brutally taking someone’s life and then taking his own, so many people taking this situation and using it to their own advantage, the media twisting and contorting the truth—this whole situation has strengthened my faith and belief in the Word and has made me so thankful for my upbringing in the Family like never before. And I think I can say the same for many Family members worldwide.

It baffles me that some of you who are attacking us so vehemently do not get the point or have completely forgotten what the scriptures have to say about persecution, not to speak of the numerous times we’ve come out on top and that the Lord has delivered us from attacks such as these. But then again, when I think about it, you are helping to fulfill scripture.

It increases my faith when verses I’ve memorized come to mind, such as: “Yea and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (2Tim.3:12)” Wait! Did that say “live godly"? –Hmmm … Interesting! We must be doing something right!

Here’s another one that I see being fulfilled. “And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for My name’s sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish” (Luke.21:16-18). And, “A man’s foes shall be they of his own household” (Mat.10:36). Enough said there.

And when I hear the things some are saying against us, and trying to hurt us, I’m at once comforted by the verse which says, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay"! (Rom.12:19b). Nothing to worry about there! How about, “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord” (Pro.12:22). Oh, I wouldn’t go there if I were you.
I truly believe that I’m doing God’s work, and for a good cause. There’s no doubt in my mind that we cannot be overthrown when I think of the verse that says, “If this work be of man, it will come to nought, but if it be of God ye cannot overthrow it” (Acts.5:38,39).

When I wonder how those who attack us have managed to come up with such amazing, truly horrific stories about abuse–that not only they themselves experienced, but that it’s happened to ALL us young people apparently–or whatever other lies are spewed out against us, and that they must actually believe what they’re saying, I’m reminded of the verse that says, “…because they received not the love of the truth…God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie” (2Thes.2:10,11). There are of course plenty more verses I could quote here to explain what is going on.

All that to say, my faith in the Word has been strengthened thanks to those who have become so venomous in their attacks. If there was ever a doubt in my mind about these promises right here, it is no more. I am a firm believer in what the Word says. I believe that the Lord has chosen me to serve Him. Not because my parents or shepherds made me, it’s because I want to be here! I want to win souls and tell others about the Lord, no matter who tries to fight or oppose me.
Those who think that you will weaken and frighten us and cause us to run are fools. We are not wimps! We will not take this lying down. No sir! You should know better than that. You think you can destroy us? Finish us off? Defeat us? Do you really think you’ll win? You’re gonna have hell to pay. We are fighters. And with each attack you send our way, we only get stronger and fight back even harder. You are doing us a great favor. You are helping us become what we are destined to become. Our faith is stronger than ever, and we will march on come what may! Are you ready for us? I don’t care what you think about me or the rest of us in this Family. We’re not afraid of you or what you say to hurt us. Nothing you do will move or phase me.

I believe in this Family. I believe that I was called and chosen by the Lord to do His work. And I believe that I was brought up the right way. What I don’t believe is that I was abused in any way, that my parents didn’t ever love me, that I’ve had a bad life, that I didn’t get a good education, that I’m being forced to live this life I lead, or whatever other complaints you constantly barrage us with. Do yourselves a favor and let us live our lives, and go on and live yours. Really, move on! If you don’t believe in what we’re doing fine, don’t. But it’s useless to spend the rest of your lives trying to fight us and get us to believe the same as you do, because we never will.

So, you want to “save” me? Thanks, but no thanks! Cause personally, there’s nothing you need to “save” me from, and fighting God and His work doesn’t really appeal to me. I don’t envy you, I pity you. I love my life and, by God’s grace, I will live it till the very end.

For the record, I’ve been living in WS 6 1/2 years, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting Mama, Peter and many other wonderful people whom you say are some of the so called “evil abusers". Sorry, you are so wrong. May God help you for criticizing and accusing them of such terrible deeds! They are some of the most loving, caring, sold-out, sacrificial people, and it’s so obvious they love Jesus with all their hearts and wouldn’t dream of hurting anyone, and they’ve done nothing that would make me think otherwise. I’m proud to say that I know them. I would stand up for them any day!

I’d also like to add that I’m married to a wonderful guy who grew up and lived in WS for most of his life. Does it seem to me that he’s abnormal or weird because of where he’s lived and the people he’s grown up with? Au contraire! Personally, I think he’s pretty down to earth, incredibly smart, well-adjusted and “normal” and the perfect father for our son. He’s never once told me that he regrets his life one bit, or that he feels he wasn’t raised properly or that it was an “unsafe” environment. And I’m glad our child will be able to grow up with the same opportunities as we have.

In closing, my prayer is that those of you who are so bent on hurting others will turn from your dastardly, attacking ways, open your eyes and see the light before it’s too late!

–Teri

Teri is a second-generation member of The Family International