From Libby Wescombe, 21, fulltime Family member in the Middle East.

Okay, I’ll admit, if I was flipping through a magazine and the words “Abuse leads to Murder and Suicide” caught my eye I’d probably read that first thing. It’s more interesting to read an exaggerated, crap-filled story that deals with taboo subject matter over something taken from Business Today.

If writing fictional horror stories is what you desperately need to do for kicks, then by all means do. BUT PLEASE NOT AT OUR EXPENSE!

We’re real young people, with real lives that we live to the full and treasure deeply.

Angela was a real person, a beautiful human life brutally snatched away. She barely had the chance to die before she was horribly maligned by the callousness and heartlessness of those who call us “abused.”

Who are the abusers here?

I love my life. I’m 21 years old, Australian, and was born into the Family by wonderful parents who’ve given me more love and care than I could’ve ever asked for. Abused?—Definitely a word foreign to my childhood.

Sure I’ve been through times when I doubted whether or not I was cut out for this lifestyle and I have considered different options over the years. However, I’ve decided that what I’ve found in the Family is what I want most in my life, and I’ve chosen to remain a fulltime member, regardless of what anyone says to me. I find deep fulfillment in my work and joy in my life. I’m happy and excited about my future. I have goals for my life and a lot of living ahead of me to look forward to.

Since working here in the Middle East for the past four years as a volunteer to help those who are suffering under the oppression of the cruelty of man, I’ve come to see what real abuse is.

Abuse is children who are at the mercy of massive machine guns.

Abuse is a mother losing her children, her house and all her belongings, due to the arrogance of man.

Abuse is the work of people who viciously tear apart the lives of those who work long and hard to build them up time and time again.

Hello???!!!

Can we focus on the real tragedies in the world rather than dreaming up some heroic strategy of rescuing those of us who are doing just fine with our lives???!!