My name is Christina Stratton. I am 20 years old, and have been a part of the Family International since I was three years old , when my mom rejoined the group.
That was the best decision she could have made for me in my life. Believe it or not, I can remember at two years old, how sad and lonely I was going to day care. But that all changed when my mom , myself and two older brothers joined the Family. I grew up in the best place possible. I wasn’t lonely like I had been, because I was surrounded by love, from my friends, my mom and those I lived with. Unlike my mother who grew up with a mother who screamed at her, drank too much, did not respect her decisions and did not show her the love she needed. I know some people who complain about when they were in the Family how they moved around too much and how it affected them negatively. I loved it, I loved moving around. When I was young, I remember even being envious of other children who had lived in at least 4 countries by the age of ten, while I had only lived in one. I was given a chance to excel in school, and was often ahead in my class as a child.

I live in a third world country, love it like if it was my own. I meet people from all walks of life, and find myself capable of relating to them, wether it be a beggar on the street, a student in the university, business men and woman, doctors, kids on drugs, etc. And I owe it my upbringing and the chance I had to travel, learn about other cultures, and love the people in the countries I’ve lived in. I’m 20 years old, and am capable of thinking for myself, I have chosen my career for life, and am happy doing it. If Abuse? We all know that the Family International has rules that warrant excommunication for anyone who commits that. Do you remember that rule? Or do you just remember the ones, that you couldn’t live? The rule where you had to drink in moderation, so you could live a healthy and godly life? The rule where you couldn’t go and catch the AIDS virus, so you could protect your girlfriend or those you lived with, and even yourself in fact? You know what I’m talking about.

Why I ask, would we have rules against something if it’s such a part of us, as you make it out to be? Abuse is rampant in society today. One of my relative’s who grew up outside of the Family, was subject to it from her father……..why aren’t there reporters at his door, slandering his name, why aren’t there people there trying their best to stop him from living the life he leads?

I’m 20 years old, and am capable of thinking and speaking for myself, believe me. Ask the people I live with. I have chosen my career for life, and am happy doing it. If all the bad things people are saying about the Family International are true, believe me I would not be here. I’ve searched in other places, but never found truth as I’ve found serving the Lord in the Family. I’ve never found as much happiness, as I have here. Do I sound like a deranged, mental, depressed, crazed and abused youth?

I don’t need those who are bitter about their past, to try to make my life better for me. I love the life I live, and I myself have chosen to live it. No one has had me brainwashed to make me live the life I lead. In fact, a few years back people even suggested that maybe it wasn’t the life for me, and I should pray about what I would like to do. Well, I found out what I like to do. What I’m called to do. What is my destiny. I’m sorry if you weren’t able to fulfill yours.

I dont criticize my peers who have left the Family International. In fact, I completely respect thier decisions. I find greater happiness in serving the Lord and others, and wish they could too. But if what they are doing makes them happy, than I’m happy for them. As long as they are not trying to tear down everything I believe in and love. How would you feel if somebody came up to you threatening to kill you, I mean stop you, from working as a lifeguard, drinking on weekends, going out with your girl on Wednesdays , studying on Tuesdays, or whatever life you have chosen, because they were bitter about God knows what from their past?

We are trying to give our lives for others, and for Jesus. You know it. You who used to be a part of us, have read the letters. Why would there be so much in the word about how to live in love, harmony, how to show Jesus to others, how to be your brother’s keeper, how to be a better person, so you can be more of a blessing to others, how to live in unity, how to raise up your child in a godly, loving way, how to give someone the greatest joy we have found by telling them about Jesus, if we are everything you try to say we are?

No one is perfect. We in the Family know that. I’ve been through difficult situations in my life. I know some things happened that shouldn’t have. I’m sorry too, if you went through rough times in the Family International. But rough and difficult times, and hurts too are a part of life. In any sphere, in any level of society. I’m not bitter about the past, and hard times. In fact I’m thankful for them. What I gained from them, has made me happier than I have ever been. I learned how beautiful life is. I grew closer to the one who is the reason for my life, and that is where my greatest happiness has come from – Jesus. Wont you get ahold of Him? I wish I could cry with you for the pain you say you have felt in life, but I feel it’s time to move on.

Please let us live our lives!!! We let you live yours. My desire for life, is not to hurt but to help. I am of my own self nothing. But with Jesus I can do something. For Him and others. Will you let me??

Christina Stratton is a second-generation member of The Family International