Once Upon a Time in My Oceania

One of the most wonderful times of the year is upon us and signs of the season are everywhere we look. I found myself happily smiling at holiday lights decorating neighborhood homes and the brightly lit Christmas trees gleaming through their front windows. I love wreaths on their front doors and the warm, homey feeling I imagine is just beyond them. The holidays are supposed to be joyous, filled with loved ones and the love they bring to you on display just like those decorations. And although many do find that to be true this time of year, sadly, not all do. Cult survivors can be that exception and some don't have a home to go back to for the holidays.  This can be for many reasons and through this blog post I'm going to try and tackle some of those possible reasons. I hope that by doing so others will open their hearts and consider survivors of all stripes, and the difficulties they may face during what is supposed to be the jolliest time of year. Shunning Shunning is sadly c...

Why speak out solely about Independent Fundamental Baptists ? First, it's something I personally experienced for twenty-one years. Second, when I left I was under the impression it was just my own experience, just my church, until I learned that wasn't the case and that knowledge forever changed me. Suddenly, it wasn't just me anymore, just my hurt. Other girls and boys, along with women and men have and continue to experience that very same heartbreak. Thirdly, although I do from time to time address other denominations who are experiencing similar things (because, yes, I'm aware that is true), I tend to share things I have either experienced myself or went on to research. Starting with a particular way of life I was born and raised in, then lived for most of my life, steered me in that direction. IFB is something ingrained in me, I know most of the ins and outs, pick up on particular trademarks, along with the fact I can usually recognize unique aspects. But more o...