Wednesday, I attended a book signing in Asheville. Debby Shriver, author of “Whispering in the Daylight-The Children of Tony Alamo Ministries and Their Journey to Freedom” read from the book and answered questions. I met Debby several years ago. We share common interests in helping survivors of high-demand religious groups. It was an enjoyable evening as I met her husband and their dog.
In addition to providing the chronological understanding of Tony Alamo and his journey, Debby interviewed the children who were taken by authorities from the group in 2008. She gives them a voice. The insight from them is treasured because it is raw, real and provides understanding of the struggles for those who grow-up in control groups. This aspect of the book is very valuable.
I recommend if you have any connection in any way to a high-demand control group, whether that means you were recruited into one as adult, spent most or all of your childhood in one or have friends or relatives who are caught up in one- this book will help you. Debby interviewed over 300 people for this book. She spent countless hours writing and planning this work. You will realize this once you begin reading.
Today, I share an excerpt from the words of Irene. She was one of the children taken in the raid September 20, 2008. She shares several personal observations of her journey. The following is one I found included what I believe is universal trait for members of high –demand groups.
“When you are under the discipline of a sociopath, there is no such thing as a simple right or wrong answer. There isn’t even an “almost right” answer. If what you say doesn’t line up one hundred percent with what the sociopath wants to hear, then you are just wrong….
Continue reading Irene- “I tried to stay out of trouble…”