After being involved at Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) for over 16 years, forming relationships and living through dramatic times; it seems likely I would still have dreams reflecting those relationships and scenes from those years, right? Yes, likely, but not often pleasant or even desired. In fact, other survivors of this religious controlling group tell me of the same type dreams. Many of the dreams are non-sense and/or just flat weird even, as dreams go. However, occasionally, there is one scene or verbal exchange within a dream that makes  a mark and one I even remember hours after I wake-up. Two nights ago I had such a dream.

     Now, the details and “how we all got in this mess” explanations are a little fuzzy. But, the scene I remember is this: there were children that were perched in high places and they could not get down to safety. There was obvious panic as many were being told to stay calm… Adults were found around the scene in obvious angst over the whole deal. My view was as one who was detached and just observing from a distance. And you know in dreams the laws of gravity are not often applied consistently. So, one courageous man secures a motorized lift used in construction. This lift was VERY much like the one owned by the real estate management company owned by two families in WOFF. I had worked for that company during WOFF days and had seen the lift being operated many times before. So, no wonder that the solution “appeared” in this dream scene.

   The fellow who appeared to operate this machine for the rescue did not work for this company at the time I left WOFF. He was in one of the construction trades and a very good _______. In the dream, he drove the lift into place and rescued each of the children one at time to the excitement of all the parents and actually, he rescued his own son from one of the high places.  Just as he did, I saw his wife,  the mother of the rescued boy,  across the scene and she reflected her obvious relief and emotional release as she viewed her son being lowered to safety. She appeared to collapse in a heap. She then said, “That’s it, we have had enough. We are out of here. As soon as he is finished school, we are getting out.” She stopped for a second. At first, I thought she meant her husband, but I now realize he was not in school. She meant her son.

    My presence then was known by her and I immediately “ran” over to comfort her and encourage her. For the moment, in the dream, I had my present knowledge about me and I said to her, “Many sincere folks will be very upset when they learn you are leaving.” This lady acknowledged my statement with her glance and then said, “We have had enough.” From that repeated phrase, I knew she meant the drama and emotional episodes that accompany life at WOFF. These drama scenes are almost daily occurrences.  The dynamics of WOFF-life and the requirement to follow Jane Whaley and her every edict and whim are emotionally draining and very un-natural. This is a very over-simplified explanation for WOFF-drama, but it will suffice for now.

     In the dream, as I came along side this lady who was obviously just speaking to me, she said, “I don’t know where we will go. Maybe to Nashville or ???.” She appeared relieved to have finally told someone and to have finally made the decision- for good. This most recent drama scene had convinced her that WOFF-life was a thing to leave and not commit to forever. Again, I mention that many sincere folks will try to convince them to stay. What an UNDER statement! Why was I holding back in the dream? Who has seen or experienced the ordeal when a family announces ahead of time they want to leave WOFF? Who was I trying to sell? This lady was VERY familiar with the drill. She knew that just deciding to leave would not be enough. But, in the dream, her resolve was evident and I was happy to see it. It was clear she was not ready to make her decision known to others inside WOFF. It was just too early and announcing it would only lead to further drama scenes. I smiled at her and she smiled back. Then the dream was over.

    Why take time to mention this dream? Well, for one reason, there is a man inside of WOFF who fancies himself as an interpreter of dreams. He prays and “God shows him” the meaning. So, I do not claim that “skill”. I will say the symbolism in this dream would suggest that certain folks put WOFF children in places of idolatry and that is unsafe. The children need to be brought down to the right level in many WOFF minds. Honestly, that is more my opinion from years of observation while inside WOFF and the dream just “confirms” it.

    The real reason to mention the dream is to remind folks that there may be WOFFers that they come in contact with on a daily basis that are tired of the drama.  The decision to leave WOFF is one that many will not make known beforehand, but some will. Many times it is not evident just who is considering their exit and who needs to talk to someone about it. For those who come in contact with WOFF members on the job or other ways in the community, be alert for signs that a WOFF member may need to talk to you. Realize that securing their trust is important. Do not be overwhelmed at the thought of trying to help someone leave WOFF. There are resources for help.

    One resource is listed here on this blog, Faith Freedom Fund. Read the information on that page. Call the number listed. You may also email me and I will give you a phone number to call for help. There are other resources not listed on this blog that are available for those wanting to leave WOFF or groups like WOFF. Yes, there are other groups in Western North Carolina that are considered cults besides WOFF. You may need help with leading a member of another group out to safety. If so, consider the resources listed on this blog. The biggest help to a member of one of these groups is to have someone to listen to them and believe them, even if you may not completely understand them. If you are contacted by a member of WOFF or someone else needing exit assistance, my hope, my dream is that you will take the time to help and get others to help. Many who read this blog are out and long gone from Rutherford County. Several readers live in the area and contact me thanking me for writing about my experiences. Whatever your position, please be ready to help, if asked.  

    During the years inside of WOFF, it was a mystery why someone would need help to get out of WOFF. It just made no sense. For me, it was the unwillingness to see the extensive levels of control that most every member lives under while in that group. Looking back, my exit was planned and I had help. From the time the shunning/drama started on April 9, 2008 until physically leaving on July 10, 2008; it was touch and go as to how I would deal with the intense emotions and intense decisions facing me. My particulars set aside, each person’s situation is different and each one may need various kinds of helping in negotiating the muck and morass which lies ahead of a member of WOFF who decides to leave Jane and her kingdom. Please, be willing to help. Be available to make the dream of leaving WOFF come true for someone searching for help – your help.   

    Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog.  Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

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      (Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, the information about WOFF is from my memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be. ) Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 222.