I’ve been thinking a lot over the last couple weeks about life and the meaning of it, trying to find some semblance of surety that my existence has counted for something. Because I could have been the innocent woman killed that night, and as things stand now I would have been awfully unprepared. Life isn’t something we can make bets on. It’s a privilege not a guarantee, here today and gone tomorrow, but when tomorrow comes I don’t plan on being ashamed with how I spent my life. I might have wasted the first half floating in lukewarm uncertainty, but I won’t take this attack on my faith and family any longer, enough of hiding my head in the sand and letting others take the rap for their convictions, if it’s the last thing I do, I will speak out.

This isn’t about Angela Smith, the victim, who I did not know, nor is it about Ricky Rodriguez who I met only once several years ago. I don’t feel it’s my place to try to make sense of what happened and why. This is about me and who I am.
(more…)

From Alfred Yuuichirou Cloward, 15. Japan

My name is Alfred Yuuichirou Cloward, I’m 15, I’ve been born in Japan (have been here ever since) I was born and raised in the Family (or offically known as the family international) and I can proudly say that I like my life, I like the where I am, I like what I do, and I can truly say that I have never (no wait…NEVER!) been abused! (as some have assumed) (more…)

From Becca Moriarty, 17

I just wanted to testify that I’ve lived 17 years of my life in The Family and loved every moment of it! Sure, I’ve had my tests and trials and sometimes they just seemed downright too hard to bare, but in that moment I was always encouraged to keep going by either one of the other wonderful Family members I live with, my parents or Jesus Himself! The Lord has NEVER failed to care for me and I am certain that he CANNOT fail to because He has promised so in his Word. I am totally satisfied and fullfilled with my life in The Family.and I’m here because I truely WANT TO BE! Plus I don’t think I could ever be as happy anywhere else but here in The Family…My Family! So how about you bug off!(note to editor:just my personal feelings!)

Alright, I’ll be short and simple, but I’ll have to use a bit of irony. You guys are too much. Guess who’s applauding this whole spectacle you’ve created? That’s right, the devil. He must be so satisfied! But wait, why do I bother, you don’t even believe what I do. But you wanna know one thing, I can’t stand the devil, much less his lies. Don’t you know the devil can’t stand to see anyone happy? I think you’re playing his role in this case.
Nowhere else in my life have I seen people as happy, satisfied and loved as in this heaven on earth. (more…)

Tiffany 14, Venezuela.
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

To those who accuse us: Who’s saying we’re being brainwashed? Well, you know, you’re right, brainwashed with the Word–the Bible, in other words. And if you don’t like it, well that’s your problem not mine. I like it here and wouldn’t change it for anything. I love this life, it’s the best, the coolest, and the most outstanding of the bunch. Jesus is our center and that’s all to it. If you fight the Family, you fight Him. Ok love you all out there in and out of the Family.

By Melissa Rodrigues, 14

Hello to all you readers. I am a born and raised member of the Family. I just want to say right here and right now that I am proud of my heritage and upbringing. I wouldn’t trade it for anything this world can offer. I am honoured to be in this Family and I can only say that I am truly thankful to have been born in it.

I’m just an ordinary girl but I can tell you that I have had a great life here in the Family and I’m not gonna let it stop here. I’ve never been bored or unsatisfied. The only time I can remember feeling that way, was when I wanted to leave the Family. That’s what’s so cool about the Family, you spend so much time thinking about others that you don’t have time to get bored. That’s what I have found at my own personal experiences. I have tendency to get selfish and unloving. Each time that happens I get extremely bored and depressed. I remember going through a really rough stage in my life, where I wanted to just live for myself and my gain. I had my mom and others really try to get through to me. GBT. I’m only thankful now that with the lord’s help I was able to pull through. (more…)

By David Mageropoulos, 17, Brazil

“Just one life, will soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last". That’s what I believe. I know I may be young, but I’ve taken a good look at life and all its options. Nothing nowhere can offer me what the Family can. This is an oportunity to give my life in service for others, and get the most in return for it. Where else would I find the love, the companionship, a purpose driven life and the chance to change other lives? You just can’t beat it!

Rather than spending my energy fueling and improving the capitalist machine, I’ll do what I can to make this world a brighter place.

And yet there are those who insist that I am deluded, that somehow I am blind to the horrors of … abuse, control, brainwashing. YOU are blind! You are deluded! To believe that my life and what I stand for is wrong, and not only wrong but dangerous, is insanity. The stories and the lies I’ve heard make my ears burn! I spend my life trying to love others, to do my best to serve them, and I’m the deluded one? I’m the one wasting my life? I’m told this by ones who have chosen to live for themselves. Not that this is wrong. But there is no need to put down, to smear, to band together and slander the one who has chosen otherwise. Just as the writer said, “strong and bitter words indicate a weak cause", so do the ferocity of those lies only repel me and others from what you’re saying. (more…)

Emerset Farquharson, 16, Male, Brazil
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

I can smell brownies. Nice thick chocolate brownies. In the back of my mind I can smell them. I’m hungry for them too. I’d love to have a nice slice right now. A fat tasty chunk of it right now. You know what? There’s no brownies here. I imagine smelling them though. But I’m still hungry—hungry for brownies.

You know what I have beside my bed? Papers glued to the wall. One of them, has a list of hobbies that I’ve started, but never finished. Another paper, the one to the very left has a list of my spirit helpers. I have 19. That’s a big number. You know what? I talked to them. I got them. I made the list. I’m happy living this life, happy as hell. And you know what? I have other friends that are really happy living this life too. (more…)

By Pawel Rogala, 16, Ukraine
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

My name is Pawel Rogala. I was born in 1989 in Wroclaw, Poland, where my parents were working in a mission home as part of the Family International. In 1993 my family moved to Russia to continue their work there. Those were wonderful years and I believe that the love I received, and the joy of bringing Jesus’ love to others is something I could have never received anywhere but in the Family. I have recently moved to the Ukraine where we continue to minister to the poor and bring God’s love to the people.

I met Ricky in our mission home in St. Petersburg, Russia, and I remember him as a kind, fun person. He would play with us children and read us stories in the evenings. The news of the brutal death of Angela Smith and the subsequent suicide of Mr. Rodriguez was a shock to me. How could a person who seemed so kind change so drastically and commit such a terrible deed? The more I thought about it, it seemed I could come to only one conclusion. Richard Rodriguez and Angela Smith were victims of hate!!! Our apostates had fed Ricky with so much negative input and hate that he scarcely knew what was right anymore, and finally this hate took control of him resulting in the death of Angela. (more…)

By Sho, 15, Japan.
Second-generation member of the Family International.

I really think the Family is the best place that I’ve ever been. Although I’ve only been here for 15 years (and am kind of stupid), I know that the Family is the place for me.

I read that Davidito message and was disgusted at what lengths people could go to try to get us. But like the song goes “THEY’RE NOT GONNA GET US!!!” They can’t stop our rain. After reading that message I was motivated even more to reach the world before the times of troubles. (more…)

By Matt, 17
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

I was born in the Family International, and have been a part of it all my life. I am now 17 years old, and while some may say that is not enough time to make a definite decision about my goals in life, I feel that I can definitely say that the Family is where I want to be.

Those who oppose this choice need only think objectively to realize that they have no valid argument. One accusation that seems to be quite popular with our former members and others who seek to bring us down, is that the Family International as a group is responsible for their (the former members) inability to adapt to any other life, this however doesn’t measure up.

Say, for example, there was a family of businessmen, and their child was raised to be aware of and actively involved in business. One day when this child is grown, he decides that he wants to be a normal citizen, get a simple job, and be largely unaware and unconcerned about the higher struggles in the world of business. Unfortunately for him, he has had all these things instilled form birth, and cannot put them in the past. So he comes to the obvious conclusion that his parents, no, all businessmen are to blame for his inability to move on. He decides he must do something to fight this. So he sets about trying to find other like-minded individuals and instill in them the same anger at businessmen in general. Now suppose this story was true, would the public and authorities even give credence to the arguments of these individuals. Probably not – I say probably, as in these days one can’t be sure.

But that is not the point at hand, since the Family International is a missionary movement that is “on the fringes of society”, or might I even go so far as saying, a totally separate society, the public seems to be easily swayed against us, even though most of what we are being accused of has already been proven false. (more…)

By Aiki Kato, 16
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

All I can utter is the word, WHAT?!?!?!? What is going on with this world? Why is it that when people try to help the world, they get persecuted? Well, I assume that’s just to prove the Bible, where it says, “All that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” At least that’s the only thing I can come up with, for you trying to tear down what we live for. (more…)

By Maria Clara de Mello Connolly, 14, Brazil
(Second-generation member of the Family International.)

I was just listening to a song that goes something like this:

You can’t keep a good man down,
He’ll bounce back on his feet,
And just when you think you got him,
You’ll find out he can’t be beat!!

I would like to dedicate that song to all of those who believe they can stop our rain.

My name is Maria Clara de Mello Connolly. I have lived in Brazil my entire life. I have no fancy portfolio to boast, or any great accomplishments in my name, my life has been one based on simple tasks, insignificant to some but very significant to me. I study, cook, clean, help with a group of adorable children at our weekly social work, participate in a theater group, win souls and a little more. But one thing I don’t do is write, so ill keep this short!

It’s easy to keep this short because there’s not much to say that hasn’t already been said, I’d like to congratulate all my peers around the world for these great postings, they express wonderfully all that I believe in. Theirs just one thing id like to add to this website, and that is a big kiss to all of my friends in and out of the Family. Yes, that’s right, many of my friends have left the Family, but their decisions have not changed our love and friendship. (more…)

By Rosie Paone-Bruni, 17, USA.
(Second-generation member of the Family International.)

I heard the news a little while ago. How are you? I hope you’re doing okay and are happy where you are now. I’m praying for you, I hope you know.

I feel the need to write you a personal note and express to you my sentiments on the recent course of events. First I want to tell you how much I love you. How much I always looked up to you and appreciated all the good in you. For so long you were an example to me of what I wanted to be. Thank you for that. I know you’re in a good place now where you’ll be in good Hands, but I still do pray for you. No matter what you’ve done in the past, you’ll never lose the love of at least one Person. The Lord will never forsake you. But I wanted you to know that none of us have forsaken you either. We will always still love you and care about you. You’ll never stop being a part of us. (more…)

Alexandra Shpitalnaya-Levkovich, 14, Ukraine.
Second-generation member of the Family International.

Sometimes I think why do people talk about having a so called “freedom” and against “brain-washing,” while trying to pull everybody their way, putting their thoughts into their young sibling’s minds, putting people down for a choice that is different from “the norm” so called.

My name is Alexandra; I’m a Russian 14 year old. I live in Ukraine, Kiev serving the Lord with 16 other people. I’m a daughter of a single mom, living on a poor mission field, but I can tell you for sure: I’m the happiest person ever! I don’t really care if someone is saying that I’m just unfit for the norm, the radical. Yeah that’s me, I’m not ashamed of it, I’m a fool for Christ’s sake. If it comes to a choice to whose fool you are, there are only two roads: Christ’s or Devils. I’m choosing the first one! (more…)

Name: Blossom Wesseling
Age: 14
Location: Wales
Nationality: Dutch
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

I have been raised in a lovely atmosphere. I like it and I think that it’s the best place for a child to grow up in. Of course I haven’t had the perfect life, but I’m still convinced that I’ve had the most wonderful childhood I could ever ask for.

My mother died when I was a girl and that wasn’t the easiest thing in the world for me, but I’m not bitter. I mean, what’s the point of staying lost in your past?
(more…)

My name is Jeffrey Lykins. I am 11 years old, and I have a couple of questions to ask of those people who are persecuting us, the Family.

My brother was Josh, his death being one they are using against the Family. [A Family] which I am blessed to be part of.

(more…)

(From a second-generation member of the Family)

Hi, My name is Celeste P. Schaaf, I’m 14 yrs old, and currently live in the States.

You (apostates) may say that I’m to young to know or say anything, but since I grew up in the Family my whole life I think I know what I’m talking about!

I met Angela just a few months before all this happened, and I have to say that she was one of the most loving people I have ever met! She took the time to personally talk with each of us teens, she listened to music with me while I cooked lunch, and asked me what I thought about the Family. She listened to everything I had to say, and told me what she thought as well. She was young at heart, even if she was 50-some years old. This Ricky fellow must have been extremely messed up to kill such a wonderful person!

Whether you are in the Family or not, all you ex-members have to agree with this at least, IT’S NEVER RIGHT TO KILL ANOTHER HUMAN!
(more…)

Elizabeth Richardson, 15, Brazil.
Second-generation member of the Family International

Hi, my name is Elizabeth Richardson, I am 15 (soon to be 16 in April). I was born in the Family International and have spent all my life in it serving the Lord and trying to do my best for Him.

I don’t have half or even a quarter of nice inspiring stories to tell about when I was “young”, because I hardly even remember. I was born in Argentina, and lived in 2 different countries, now I live in Sao Paolo, Brazil and I am a missionary here.

But I do remember one thing about when I was smaller, I stayed the biggest period of my “younger years” with “nannies” and teachers who really loved children and the Family, (more…)

Name: Paula Regina Marraudino
Age: 17
Country: Japan
Second-generation member of the Family International

I must say that the events that took place, concerning Angela and Ricky, were quite shocking. I did not know Angela, nor have I heard of her until now, but from growing up in the Family, I am sure she was all that others who did know her made her out to be—loving, caring, a help and encouragement to those she encountered. It saddens me to hear of the death of someone with such good qualities. She surely did not deserve such treatment. But I know that now she is in a better place away from all the suffering and confusion of this world. (more…)

Nina Marie Sooter, 17, Sao Paulo, Brazil
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

I feel compelled to write this in response to all of the accusations directed at the Family International. I consider each one of those lies a direct attack on me personally and as would be my reaction to anyone who would walk up to me and call me an abused, brainwashed zombie who is a complete idiot for choosing my current lifestyle, I will speak up in my defense.

I realize that those who are attacking and trying to destroy all that I love do so with “my best interests in mind.” But, amazingly enough, although I grew up in a “cult” I still have the ability to speak, and even read and write! So, if they don’t mind, I would much rather speak for myself from now on and not have them put their words in my mouth. (more…)

From Pamela, 13, Brazil.
Second generation member of the Family International.

Hi I’m Pamela I’m 13 years old, born in Argentina, and this is what I have to say :

I was born and raised with kind and loving parents!! When I was just a little baby my dad made the decision to leave the Family. (more…)

Emerset Farquharson, 16, Male, Brazil
(Second-generation member of the Family International)

This is my second contribution to Myconclusion.

I consider myself extremely privileged to have a life like this. All my life I lived in the Family International. I am 16. And it is my right to talk and to speak out. I have a nice, close friend that was born and grew up all his life in a “normal” environment. And he’s a great guy but, I’d still choose this life. (more…)

Name: Victoria Viana
Age: 13
Location: Portugal

You can´t stop the rain from falling. No matter what you do you can´t stop the rain, and neither can you stop our rain. I believe we´re as fast and strong as a tsunami, and it would be dangerous for anyone to come and put their hands in the way and simply “command” it to stop! Do you think you can get away with poking your finger in God´s eye, and not expect Him to blow you away? (more…)

My name’s Andy Stevens, I’m 14, and live in the Ukraine.

I believe the Family is an awesome place for raising kids, where they’re safe from the violent movies and computer games and comic books that those outside the group are exposed to.

I see no reason to blame the wonderful teachers and parents for this senseless loss of life, when it was just the result of wrong choices of an individual.

I just can’t help but be slightly upset at the people who are trying to blame my wonderful parents who have raised my older siblings (and done an excellent job). And then blurting out all of this abuse bull, is really just a nasty kick in the nuggets.

I mean, check out all the posts on this site. It doesn’t really look like any one of us is upset at our parents or teachers, does it? It looks like we’ve all had good childhoods, no?

Maybe you who are trying to “rescue” us should think twice before saying things that might just cause hurt instead of help.

Hello, I love you, and God bless you to anyone who reads this! I’m Olivia, 15 years old and a second generation member of the Family international. I have read many amazing stories and articles posted by my fellow members of the Family on this site and it has been a truly encouraging and uplifting thing for me. I was also born and raised in the Family, but I was not able to partake of the wonderful benefits of travel and the experience that comes with it as my parents did most of their traveling before I was born and when I was only a small child. As my family grew to 8 children it became more and more difficult to travel so my parents decided to settle down in a city called New Orleans. I have lived there since my birth, a very unusual thing for a child raised in the Family. Although it was a struggle for my parents financially they gave me all that they could in the way of both physical needs and spiritual. (more…)

Ana Jessica Robillard - 16 years old

Hello everyone,

This is Jessica. I’ve been living in Brazil for the past 10 years. And I’m in it with all of you to win this world with love. Recently I went to visit my brothers (which are all out the Family) and they brought out the subject about Ricky. And there, they started accusing the Family and coming up with the negative side of the situation and saying that they agreed with most of it. For me, that was it! That was exactly what I needed to hear to get me started & make me think of my place in the Family and why I was in it. (more…)

My name is Priya Desruisseaux I am 16 years old & this is my statement.

I choose of my own free will to be in The Family International.

I choose to follow Jesus & Maria because I believe they have the truth.

I choose to serve the Lord as a full time missionary because that’s what He has called me to do. It’s not easy, nor is it for everyone, but don’t you think that I should be allowed to give my life to help others & obey the Bible without the constant slandering of my faith? (more…)

My name is Jonathan Michael Zalevich, I’m 17 and I’m a family-born Missionary Member of The Family International in Rio, Brazil.

I don’t have a long witty speech, being a man of few words; I’ll try to make this as short as I can.

First of all, I firmly believe in everything the Family International stands for; I am a fulltime disciple on my own accord, as well as writing this on my own accord. Second off, in all my years of life I have never been abused nor had anything that people say has happened to the second-generation of the Family International happen to me. (more…)

By Elisabeth Jayla S.

My name is Liz (Elisabeth) and I am 17 years old. The second eldest of nine children, I was born and raised in the Family, living first in Japan and later Taiwan.

I don’t think I need to reiterate the cruelty of what happened or refute the ridiculous rationale put forth by our detractors, because many others have already done so quite satisfactorily.

But I am sick of those who are trying to throw mud at our upbringing, to demean our chosen lifestyle, and to insult our intelligence by insinuating that we of the second generation remain in the group because we are bereft and ignorant of any other lifestyle.

That is baseless, and I have the experiences to prove it. (more…)

My name is David de Gaalon. I am 13. I was born in Denmark. I’ve lived in 5 countries and visited about 3 or 4 other countries.

In my 13 years in the Family I can truly say that I have never been abused. I have been home schooled all my life and my life in the Family has been happy, fun and fulfilling! And there is no place on this earth I would rather be!

I have two loving wonderful parents, who have never, in any way abused me, so don’t be so quick to say that kids in the Family are abused. (more…)

My name is Cherish Rider, I’m 15 (just turned in January) and I live in Japan.

I am (like all my friends in the Family) un-abused, unhurt, un-brainwashed, and quite un-in need of being rescued from my wonderful, loving, and caring family by unfulfilled, unforgiving, un-"moving on", bitter, pro-suicidal pro-murderers like those to whom most of this site is addressed.
(more…)

Hi! My name is James J. Knoke. I am 17 years old and like many others here I was born and raised in the family and didn’t come from an abusive childhood; nor have I known (heard) of anyone in the family who has.

So, to be honest, I find the thousands are methodically abused and raped statement to be a little perverse, but at the same time kind of funny. It’s like saying –very seriously- that two-hundred pound weightlifters are physically unfit and malnourished. Honestly, we have so many posts here already saying what I have to say that I’m a little reluctant to write this as I’d rather use my time for other purposes. But for the sake of “adding another unabused life to the list,” I’m writing this. (more…)

My name is Anna Marie Mckenzie, I’m nearly 18. I was born and raised in The Family International, which I can honestly say I’m proud to announce!

Until today thinking back on my childhood and all the sweet, fun, and humorous memories it brings is a topic that provokes many smiles and laughters as I sit with family and friends remembering those good old days! I don’t at all look back and think, “Oh poor me, I was so mistreated and abused as a kid!” Are you kidding, there was none of that! It’s actually quite the contrary. I can’t think of a better way to have been raised or fonder memories I could have than what I have now by having been raised in The Family. I wish everyone could have the opportunity I had to receive all the love, care, and concern from my parents, teachers, friends, and peers throughout my whole upbringing! I’m so glad for all the good and even the harder times (which you experience just about anywhere) I experienced in this Family, for it only contributed to bringing about good in my life! I do believe that the Family is the only place that could have taught me so much about getting through and overcoming the hard times, coming out of it a better person!
(more…)

From Sharon Farrell, 15 years old, Guatemala

I would like to take the chance to express myself about some of the bitter accusations made against us by our apostates and detractors. Personally, I don’t even know how they find time to constantly be slandering the Family and everything else, in my opinion they should live their lives, and let us live ours. Even if they were abused or brainwashed or molested or whatever else they claim happened to them.

I have personally NEVER been abused, brainwashed or molested or whatever else they claim happened to them. Do they really think that we would want to keep on being in the Family if those kinds of things were really happening to us?
(more…)

My name is Cristina, I’m 16 years old, born and raised in Colombia. My parents have both lived in The Family for over 25 years now, and have raised my brothers, sisters and me as true missionaries, for which I’m not ashamed!

When I heard the news about what happened with Ricky and Angela, I thought: How can somebody whom, throughout his whole life in The Family, received attention, unconditional love, and all that they imparted to him, end his life like that, killing someone and then taking his own life too? And the worst of it all is that they want to make us believe that he was the victim? (more…)

Well, I’m almost 14, and my name is Jesse Daniel.

I just want to make one thing clear to all you people:

The Family ROCKS!!!!!!!!!! (more…)

I’m a sixteen year old born and raised in the Family, and I’m proud of it.

After hearing about Angela’s and Ricky’s death, I was fairly shocked. That incident just went about to prove what hate and bitterness can do to you and how dangerous it is to listen to the enemy’s lies. I did not know Angela or Ricky personally, but I do know that what happened to Angela could never EVER be rightfully justified. Of course we should love the sinner and hate the sin, and I know Ricky has been forgiven, I personally have forgiven him, but that act of hatred was undoubtedly wrong.
(more…)

My name is Emanuel Belanger. I’m 16 years old and currently living in Canada. I’m about certain tall, no, maybe a little shorter. I like playing basketball…Uh, ahem. Back to the subject. When I heard the news of Ricky’s death, I was naturally shocked. I’ve never met him, but from what I’ve heard he was a sweet guy. The metamorphosis he underwent is nothing short of appalling. From being sweet and friendly, he turned into a bitter murderer. And I would like to point out that that had nothing to do with his upbringing. We in The Family International believe in love. That is what governs our actions—a love for God and for our fellow man.

I was never abused in my entire life. I have wonderful, loving parents. They have showered me with their encouragement and attention. Never once have I felt seriously mistreated or unloved. My parents would give their life for me in an instant. How many families in the world can boast that genuine love?
(more…)

Hi! I’m a 16 year old female from the planet Earth. I have lived most of my life in the Family International except for a short time when my mom and her three youngest (including me) were TSers. I’d like to say right now that the Family is the best place in the whole world and I would never, ever trade my place here for anyone in the world.

As a young child growing up, my siblings and I (there are 8 children in my family but I refer to only the three youngest, me, my older sister, and my younger brother) were never allowed to play with guns, swords, knives, or any other violent toys. Now, before you think “oh, poor kids, they never got a chance to enjoy those ‘harmless’ fun toys and games” I would like to point out that at the present I’m not going into my school and shooting my classmates, friends, and teachers (like the Columbine tragedy and many others that I haven’t even heard of). We were taught morals, something that today’s society has disregarded, and still abide by so called ‘old fashioned’ concepts like, obeying your parents, not killing, not stealing, being kind, helping others in need, and so on. I don’t call that a bad upbringing. (more…)

Emerset, age 16, Male, Brazil

What I have to say about all of this, is this.

I will still hang on. I will still trust in Maria David. I will still trust in prophecy. I will still live this life with all of my heart. I will still keep on. none of these things move me, & neither do I hold my life dear unto myself. And this is what I will do. I will do this with all of my heart, and happily.

I wrote this out of my own accord, because this is what I FIRMLY believe on. there is nothing anyone could do to change that. these are my convictions, and I am writing what I want.

My older brother left the Family, & he’s a great guy, nice friendly and everything. I’m going to visit him soon. Yet I know that’s not my life. I choose this one. Im glad he respects my decision; and I respect his.

Thank you, former members, everyone, for you who went on with life. who didn’t let life pass you by. You’re worthy of respect, for not backbiting, back-stabbing, & swearing.

As for me, I will fight on. And on, and on.

Emerset Farquharson is a second-generation member of The Family International

From João Paulo de Mello Connolly

I am only sixteen years old. I have no outstanding list of vocations and skills to boast. I mow the lawn, wash dishes and scrub toilets. I am still quite inexperienced, busy learning, wondering and growing. I guess everything seems so huge when you’re growing, so long, frustrating, and yet, ironically, so small, so short. You want to be understood and heard, accepted for what you are.

I am only growing up. There are no great answers I can give. No dissertations I would write. The Family International has given me something more priceless than any high education or career: love. I’m proud to see my older friends and peers standing for what they believe. They have learned to fight and sacrifice, and I can only admire them for what they’ve already given. “We cannot all be great,” it was once said, “but we can attach ourselves to a great cause.”

By Julia Kelly (age 17)

What I have to say is not concerning Ricky or Angela. I wrote another article on this site, it still stands as my views on the subject, and I continue to support their families and loved ones in prayer.

I have had an epiphany. I’ve had epiphanies before on a variety of subjects ranging from “What is cool?” to “Does it matter what is cool?” and have, in the past, felt the need to share them with the world. I feel that need now. I figured newspapers wouldn’t be interested and I have no web log of my own to share these things with, but I have this awesome website. So here goes.

I’ve had a rough week. It started off good: I come home from vacation and find a spiffy new website where Family/former Family young people can post their views. That was cool. An article of mine gets posted on this site. That was cool too. I start reading all the entries, they’re all very cool.

Then I start musing the whole incident over in my mind; over and over and over again. I hear what the media is saying, I don’t like it. I hear what some former Family members are saying to the media about the Family, I don’t like that either.

I read some comments from former members that I don’t agree with. I start thinking about these comments a lot. I feel they are wrong, so wrong. I start to get angry at these people. I start to spend a lot of time trying to think of ways to disprove them and humiliate them and expose them. I start to get really worked up.

I start to attack them, sometimes in my mind, sometime verbally. I attack their arguments, their logic, their reasoning. I start to attack their lifestyle and their choices. I start taking personal offense to everything they’re saying, regardless of what it is. I lose sleep over all of this.

I start to get exhausted, I can’t think of much else. My mind is racing with rebuttals, snide remarks, cutting innuendos, and all kinds of things I could say to these people. I start to think they are very evil; I start to think all former members are very evil because of how I feel about a few individuals. I stop doing the normal things I like to do and instead spend the time reading over, musing over, and trying to rebut a few comments I don’t like. I find myself thinking bad things about these people. I find myself becoming bitter. I find myself thinking I have every right to become so. (more…)