Sometimes it helps to write things down. For those inside of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF), it may not be prudent for you to write down your reasons, so allow me to do this for you. After all, writing things down can bring clarity and helps you focus. Of course, I am out and have been for several years. What I write may not be exactly your reason, but it may come close. These are in no particular order.
1. You are tired of being told what to do in every part of your life including how to dress, where to work, where to live, what car to drive, who to love, who to hate, who is your “friend”, who is your “enemy”…
2. You see the shallowness of the alternate WOFF-reality and crave genuine relationships based on true character and not someone’s interpretation of your thoughts, your desires, your world…
3. You are not happy with the guilt of actually not believing what you are supposed to believe.
4. You did not choose WOFF- someone else chose it for you.
5. You see the charade for what it is and need a fresh and new start to find out who you really are and who you want to become.
6. You are tired of being broke- financially.
7. You are tired of working for free or minimal pay.
8. You are tired of being broken- emotionally.
9. You are tired of being told you are full of sin and living on the edge of intense correction over the simplest of things.
10. You want your own cell phone- not subject to search.
11. You want to finish college, but were told it’s not the “will of God.”
12. You are tired of hiding the WOFF secrets.
13. You are not sure of the consequences of what the Associated Press has published.
14. Your family is out and you want to be with them.
15. The large number of WOFF leadership carrying guns has you a bit uneasy.
16. You are tired of the constant questions about your thoughts and feelings as if everything you do is wrong- everything.
17. You are tired of the constant pitch for money.
18. You love your children and don’t have “faith” in the Word of “Faith” life any longer…
19. You are not sure that all the restrictions on holidays are needed.
20. You want to watch television- or at least have the make the choice on your own terms.
21. You want to freely choose what information you access.
22. You just don’t feel right about all that you see going on and you are tired of the constant loud voices of intimidation.
23. You suspect God is not full of hatred and physical abuse- you believe- “God is love.”
24. You wonder why there is a gate to the grounds if there is nothing to hide and you are truly among the “people of God.”
25. You can’t excuse what is really happening inside WOFF- any longer. The weight of the cover-up is too much to carry.
26. You just want to leave and don’t have 10 reasons, it is just your choice. You are not angry- you just want to leave and begin life in a different state.
This list is only a start. Obviously, I can’t read your mind or know the secret thoughts of your heart. No matter your reason, it is your choice. Many have left before you and after you leave, others will follow. Contrary to what you may be told there are valid reasons for leaving WOFF.
Your reason(s) may not be listed here. That is fine. You know what they are and that is all that counts. Writing something down can help you focus and find a better way to think or feel or express what is in your heart. The choice to leave may be made several times at several different points before you actually physically leave WOFF.
There are resources to help you. Many of us who left WOFF are willing to help in different ways. Contact local authorities by dialing “911”- if you feel your choice to exit is not respected or allowed.
The Emergency Advocate contact number is (980) 295-8073. Emergency Advocate email – savefaithkids@gmail.com – these points of contact are monitored 24/7.
There is also the Faith Freedom Fund- www.faithfreedomfund.org. Reach out to someone if you have a need. My number is (828) 289-7923. Your freedom is your choice, no matter who tells you different.
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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. Jane told me and Josh confirmed it.
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, for posts written by John Huddle, any information about WOFF is from his 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 597.
Keep fighting the good fight
And here are some scriptural reasons to leave:
1 Corinthians 7:23:
“You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.”
2 Corinthians 1:24:
“”not that we rule [like dictators] over your faith, but rather we work with you for [the increase of] your joy; for in your faith you stand firm”
2 Corinthians 11:20: (Paul about “the great apostles” treatment of the corinthians):
“For you tolerate it if anyone makes you his slave; or devours you and your possessions; or takes advantage of you; or acts presumptuously; or hits you in the face.”
Henrik,
Thank you, for taking time to read and become a part of the discussion and the answer.
John