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In Reply to: Believe it or not... posted by WC on July 22, 2002 at 13:47:35:
I know for me it was gradual. When I first left the family in Japan I considered myself still to be a family member. I just didn't want to live in a home anymore. I tried to litness once or twice but I just couldn't force myself to do it. It grieved my spirit to go through that song and dance. And in truth I no longer believed in the letters although I stil tried to. Then for several months I kept tithing and reporting (with no answer). I visited the home a few times and each time it was a shock to see that not only was the bondage as bad as I remembered it, but it was even getting worse. In my heart I was out. But in my head there was still some part of me that wasn't ready to accept that I'd spent my entire adult life in a stupid cult.
But once I left Japan and came to a country where individuality is allowed, it took no time at all. I was an ex-member and happy to be one.
The next big event was meeting some people I knew who were still in the Family. I was shocked that they couldn't seem to see just what bondage they were living under.
I know I was the same as long as I was in the family. All the condemnation heaped on us for even thinking about anything pretty much kept us out of touch with our own hearts.
I think people usually have to get out "by faith" not really understanding just why they are leaving. They just know they can't stand it any more. Then, once they're out, they begin to understand the reasons.
