Is your membership ‘Locked in’ forever? Really?

A few days ago, news about a couple from Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) leaving after 30+ years of dedicated attendance caught my attention. After years of volunteering locally for every offered task and chance to serve, this couple spent the last several years in Ghana. Their dedication and support of Jane Whaley and Sam was undeniable.

In the 90’s, before we moved to Spindale, my family stayed with this couple during the weeklong seminars. They shared their home freely and without hesitation.  He has master-level construction skills and everything she cook is delicious. She baked cakes, pies and cookies that were simply irresistible.

I have not talked to them since their departure. They left North Carolina and from all indications- don’t plan on returning to Jane’s nest.     

Why do I share this news? It gives others hope. Not only for those of us with family members still behind the WOFF walls of deception and lies, but for those members who know this couple was a part of the “worker-bee True Believer” group. This couple was constant and dependable – until they weren’t.

What changed? After 30 plus years it must be something big- or not. Let me explain.

Several years ago, this story was relayed to me. A pastor in the area was shopping for a phone. That day, the clerk helping him was an outspoken WOFF member. (Imagine an outspoken WOFF member?) This salesperson knew the pastor was active in helping ex-members of WOFF. This seemed to give her more courage and she was laying it on thick – even by WOFF standards.

This virtual conference will help members, ex-members, family members and professionals learn about high-demand (closed) groups.  This organization cares about those involved, those who have left and those who have family still in high-demand – cultic groups. Look at the agenda. Hurry, some sessions are already full.  ‘

See registration details – HERE

(This is a repost/reworking of a blog from October 2017. I believe the topic is more relavant today than in years past. We live in a world of uniquely intense and emotional events. We are living in surreal times.)

We all do it. We all have the ongoing inner narrative which continually voices to the audience of one- you. Okay, some will not readily share the ongoing narrative which rolls continually on the inside of them, they have filters. Filters can be good at times. For now, let’s just admit the fact that we all experience self-talk.

Are you aware of the continual thread of self-talk which is in you? Do you realize the power of your self-talk to not only interpret, but mold your reality? I did not realize how important it was until recently. Oh, I have known about positive thinking and read books in the past about the power of being positive. But, does that really matter? Apparently it does.

In an article by the Mayo Clinic under the heading of Stress Management; “Positive thinking: Stop negative self-talk to reduce stress”- “Is your glass half-empty or half-full? How you answer this age-old question about positive thinking may reflect your outlook on life, your attitude toward yourself, and whether you’re optimistic or pessimistic — and it may even affect your health.”