From a second-generation member of the Family International.

My name is Melody Lindsley. I’m 20 years old, was born in the US, and raised in the Family International. I’m currently living in Romania. I am the youngest of eight children, the majority of whom have chosen other ways of life, but I love and am happy for each of them. I can’t speak for them, but as for me, I have never in my whole life felt abused or “brainwashed” by anyone who was in the Family.

I grew up with a single mom. Not having a dad isn’t easy but I believe with my whole heart that I received more love, attention, wise counsel, training, freedom, and understanding, from my mom and every other person who cared for me than I would have anywhere else in the world. I love them all and am very thankful for everything they gave of themselves, the love I never would have received if my mother hadn’t chosen this communal way of life for her children. Because of the path she chose she was able to give all she could to train and teach us, scholastically and physically without all the high demands of today’s society. I can only say “Thank you mom for raising me here!”

Life is never perfect because humans are never perfect; we’ve probably heard that a thousand times. We’ll stop hearing it when people stop making excuses for the way they are, grow up, and realize the truth. My childhood was not perfect, but I am thoroughly convinced that it was the best I ever could have had in a world that today is filled with so much evil and hate.

I have chosen this way of life, no one made the choice for me. Just as my brothers and sisters made their choice; so have I. I alone have the God-given freedom to choose what life I will lead. It may not be easy, may not be the most visibly rewarding, but that’s my choice. For me there could be nothing more satisfying and fulfilling than bringing real love and happiness to those who have none. I only have one life to give and this is where I will spend it to the best of my ability- in the Family- following Jesus, Mama, Peter, and David’s words.