interview with a recently exited SGA

I recently was priviledged to interview 3 different SGAs who had recently departed. Well, not a real interview, but I did ask a few questions.

I asked how long they had been contemplating leaving TF. The answer was, about 2 to 3 years. They had been in the planning stages for quite some time, but when the newest GNs came out about sacrificing anything worldly, they decided the time was now and not later. No one knew, least of all their parents.

I was informed that when new GNs would come in, they would not read them. Instead, they would do something else in their room, however, would strategically place the GN in front of them, so if someone should come in to check on them, they could quickly replace whatever they were doing with the GN. How clever.

They did, however, thoroughly enjoy the letter by Peter; The Professional. And the reason was not what Peter said, but the young person making the astute observations and criticisms. They said that they zeroed in on what was in black as that was what Peter was supposedly counter-attacking. However, that was what interested them and they thought whoever wrote that was the bomb and took the words right out of their mouth. These words in black actually gave them courage and strength to think on their own as they already were. So, whoever wrote the criticism in The Professional needs to be congratulated as your words went far in helping other unfortunate young people trapped in a cult to get out.

I asked how their parents were reacting to them, and the answer was not good. They looked down on them and gave them the cold shoulder. The good thing is that the new rules require that the home they depart from give them money for their first month's rent and living expenses. This was a good thing and gave them the head start that they needed. It's a good thing pressure from the outside was put on TF so they made these adjustments.

At the moment, they were having quite a good time "exploding" as they put it, being able to go out and do what they wanted for the first time. Soon, however, they realized they needed to concentrate on their jobs and the business of life. I think they will do fine, but it's a pity they have to be estranged from their parents in order to just live.

Something that really struck me was when the youngest (18) asked me what I thought when I heard they had left. He looked at me with a twinkle in his eye and a sense of anticipation. I could tell that since I had no doubt been painted as an evil doer who lived in the system and didn't care for TF, that he actually was looking for my approval and somehow all that bad talk about me had worked the opposite effect. So I told him that I was of course quite happy to know they could finally be on their own and live life they way they chose. That I had been worried about them not being able to be free and not being happy with a stifling lifestyle. That I was just overjoyed they had taken that very hard step to walk out of a home as I knew how hard that must be.

They know there are others who want to leave and they want to help them. I told them about MovingOn.Org so I hope they go there to get the support they need. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers.