I found out today that I’m a member of, and I quote, “Historically, one of the most horrifically abusive and destructive cults in American history!'’ How sensational! Now this was said by an obviously Very Knowledgeable Man, most likely with a degree in something or other.

As you can very well imagine, I’m shocked and appalled! No bleeping way!! You mean to tell me that my whole life has been spent in this “destructive and abusive” environment and I and my family have somehow managed to remain unscathed and un-abused?!

Right.
No.

This scholar must have done arduous and extensive research…like maybe in the dumpsters of the National Enquirer. I almost have to laugh. Almost. But it isn’t a laughing matter any more when someone (face it, it could’ve been me) is brutally murdered to support this lie. Someone, who from every account I’ve heard was a kind, loving woman. Now, how that’s Justice escapes me. Wow. It leaves me shaking my head and blinking in wonderment. Even more baffling, is that there are those among the more “enlightened” and “intelligent” of our apostates (apostate n: a disloyal person who betrays or deserts his cause or religion or political party or friend etc.) and a couple media sources who have used this tragedy as a springboard for their hate, implying (I’m taking this personally) that it was somehow my fault. It’s enough to make one completely lose faith in humanity. Thankfully, I have a broader perspective, I have a higher purpose to my life, without which, in all honesty, I would most likely suffer from extreme depression and the apathy that seems to have numbed the majority of the general public.

“Bitterness is like eating a poisoned apple and waiting for the other person to die.” (I see now that it does. Or heck, if they don’t die on their own why not just go ahead and do it for them? Brilliant!) My mom told me that quote. Now, it’s my biased opinion that I have The Best Mom in The World. She really can do everything. (I could probably develop deep issues and psychological “my-mom-could-do-everything” problems…but I won’t.) She’s an amazing artist, plays violin, piano (and pretty much any instrument you can pick up), cooks, cleans, sews, teaches, gardens, is the most creative person I know, funny (although admittedly corny). And my dad – I look up to my dad probably more than any person on this Earth. In my biased opinion, he’s the greatest. He’s intelligent, very diplomatic, calm and supportive, humble, but who deserves more recognition than I could give. I could tell him anything and I know he’d hear me out and give me Godly, sound advice.

But it wasn’t always that way…(cue suspenseful music)

See, during my formative childhood years they were raving lunatics who held mass ritualistic abuse sessions involving children and live chickens…WHILE forcing us to beat the streets begging for our living. WHA…!! I wish I had such interesting stories to shock and awe my friends with, thereby garnering mass amounts of self-pity and maybe even a spot on Jerry Springer…or some other notable TV show.

Sadly, they were normal, loving parents who did painfully normal, loving things for me like:
–taking the time to teach me most of the above mentioned talents (well..not the corny humor, the violin proves to be something of a challenge as well).
–making absolutely sure I was in a safe, educational, well-fed, environment (I remember my mom regularly checking with my teacher on my health and well-being and bringing up any concerns she may have had, what a strange mother…)
–teaching me to love God and my fellow man (yup, that means you too)
–bringing me with them (kicking and screaming the whole way, Of Course) to over 6 different countries in Asia and Europe where I was introduced to various cultures and learned to be open minded and accepting of differences in opinions/ways of life ( I especially appreciate the many friends I made and still have all across the globe)
–taking me out on dangerous, detrimental outings such as the circus, famous castles, museums, factories, fire stations, fairs, safaris…etc
–helping me through my strange teenage years where I’m sure I caused them plenty of sleepless nights while being a typical adolescent, figuring out who I was and what I wanted to be when I grew up.

I left the Family around that time to get a job, car, apartment and try out that whole scene (during which time I got a lot of help, financially and emotionally from said parents). And wonder of wonders, although I wasn’t following in their footsteps I never doubted they loved me, I never felt they looked down on me or criticized my choice. Furthermore, at any time, night or day, ALWAYS took time to talk to me and let me know I was important. (Thanks guys, I love you!) I’m confident that my 8 younger brothers and sisters will get the same exemplary treatment no matter what they in turn choose to do with their lives. I have nothing but admiration for them and their continuing sample of daily giving of themselves to help others.

At 21, I’ve had my tough times in life, times, where I’ve questioned myself, what I’ve been taught, and what I stand for. I’ve had moments of extreme sadness and boundless joy. I’ve had my disappointments and letdowns but I’ve also been given faith, hope and love. My life has in no way been perfect, but it has been meaningful.

I want to be an artist, have an intense love of music and hope to use both in a positive way – But much, much more than that I want to follow in the footsteps of One who I believe to be the Greatest Revolutionary of All Time. Jesus. To the best of my ability, I want to make this poor, ravaged world a better place for every single individual on it, including children. That’s My Life’s Goal and the Family’s as well.

But, I’m not one of those that “go with the flow”. In fact, I’m rather anti-flow –ask anyone who knows me. I also fancy myself as something of a free-thinker. Meaning, no one, and I mean NO ONE controls my thought processes. No one will EVER force a little “mind-molding” cap on me and take over my brainwaves. That is a freedom given to me by God and as such, after much deliberation, weighing of balances, wants, needs, hopes, fears, aspirations, personal happiness, goals, etc…I’ve come to the firm conclusion that the Family International© is where I want to stay, what I want to believe in, and live my life to the fullest in. And last I checked, I’m perfectly in my rights to do so unmolested by you who are perhaps envious of my happiness? Ralph Waldo Emerson said: If you would lift me up you must be on higher ground. You’re not.

Now that’s not saying just because I do, you must do the same (I’m not that bigoted). In fact, if you don’t, and you Have A Life (emphasis on those 3 words) – are happy, prosperous, and a productive member of society I respect you all the way. Go get em, tiger! My older brothers, sister, and many of my friends have done just that and I have nothing but Love and Well Wishes for them. I still talk to them, share common interests, and pray that they succeed in whatever they put their efforts into. But what really gets under my skin is when perfect Strangers, who don’t know me, couldn’t care less about me, my family or my life, start vehemently bashing my beliefs, lying like used car salesmen, threatening my family (and me), and not only that – but going so far as KILLING people, naturally I get a bit …just a LITTLE, mind you –UPSET! I mean, really now, wouldn’t you?

If you really wanted to go all-out crusading for a worthy cause, there’s much to be said for the public education system, ACTUAL child abuse, the dwindling rainforests, AIDS, alcoholism, drug abuse, Save the Wild Chinchilla if the mood so strikes you. Don’t be so bold to assume that I would want or need your kind of “saving”. (ie .tearing down all I’ve built my life around.) And spare my younger brothers and sisters the pain as well.

If you threaten me, my family, and my way of life don’t presume for a moment that I will sit idly by and let you strip away everything I hold dear. I will fight you. No, don’t worry…I’m not going to barge into your home waving a gun…I won’t lie to your friends, turning them against you. I won’t smear your name slanderously all over the media. I won’t threaten to have your brothers and sisters institutionalized, your parents jailed.

No, I’ll tell the truth.

Truth is incontrovertible, malice may attack it and ignorance may deride it, but, in the end, there it is. – Sir Winston Churchill

Peace.
And to the rest of the world: Read this! Read any of the other hundreds of testimonials on here (as opposed to the usually anonymous dozen or so elsewhere) and make up your own mind. Don’t be a mindless clone and just go for whatever the regrettably uninformed media and a few angry, vague, “I-decline-to-show-my-face”, detractors have to say. Be a discerning reader and a judge of character. “For which of these works do ye stone us?”

I am part of a revolution that is overthrowing the accepted way of life. I promote love.

Elisabeth de Gaalon