Hi, My name is Atlanta Harder (24) and I was born and raised in the Family. I left the Family 4 years ago and I am now married, have a beautiful baby, go to school and have a good job at H&R BLOCK.

I hold no grudges against the Family. The time I spent in the Family was actually very fun and I really love all the people that I lived with. They were all very loving and understanding. I also learned a lot in my time in the Family.

I think that the people who leave and hate the Family should stop blaming their failure in life on the Family. You have the power to excel in life. It is easy to blame others for your problems. When you do so, you feel you have an excuse for not being successful.

The only advice I can give the former members is to begin having a PROACTIVE attitude. Stop dwelling on the past, complaining that you have no education, you can’t get a decent job, your life is doomed to failure, you are emotionally scared. Instead, study for a few weeks and take the GED (you WILL pass), go to college (it’s not that difficult), go to a job fair at the college (you will get a good job), and help others (this way you can forget about your own problems). You have the same chances to succeed (financially, emotionally, and spiritually) as anybody else.

Finally, forgive others. Forgiving should be considered a selfish act because when you forgive others you feel better yourself. Stop listening to other former members because bitterness is contagious and only grows!

One more word of advice: Don’t stop having faith in God just because you left the Family. Jesus is your best resource.

I love you all and pray for you!!!