Hi! This space is where many put a narrative about themselves which seems sterile and emotionless. Yes, I am replacing that narrative with this one. As I write this in May of 2020, I admit this global pandemic has helped change my focus. I see how fragile our society is when we try to use “social distancing” to stop the spread of an invisible enemy. These last few weeks have given me a time of reflection. Have you experienced it, too?
I live in a small, post-textile town in Western North Carolina. The COVID-19 virus has arrived, and things will be forever changed. The exact degree of change is still to be determined. Around town, painted and posted where all can see, there are lists of social events for the coming months. Will we have these celebrations? If so, what new restrictions will be mandated to limit the potential spread of this new enemy?
For many years, I have worked with Credit Unions helping members who were experiencing financial hardship. My view of that work is evolving, and I have this pandemic to credit for the new perspective. Yes, there are other diseases that cause more deaths every year than COVID-19. And in recent years, I experienced a few intense life-threatening ordeals which gratefully, I survived. However, the “shelter in place” mandate has given me a new awareness of the choices that I make daily.
The reward of a fresh perspective is the privilege to make new choices. In the weeks and months ahead, I am excited to see each new day with opportunities to grow and learn. It is a great time to be alive! A perfect time to help others find treasures they did not know existed!
Fear fades, hope grows…
John Huddle
Email John – john@johnhuddle.net with questions or comments.
Hi,
Hope you are well.
Just wondering if you know of any real legal recourse when trying to recover financial losses to a manipulative, exploitative religious cult?
Take care
Ken
Hi John. I just read “ Locked In.” Fascinating. I was a member of a COG church for 18 years and I noticed similarities with WOFF. However, there was no one in my church that seemed to be elevated as with Jane Whaley. And there wasn’t what I would call “brain washing control.” The senior pastor for most of those years acted on a bully pulpit type of ministry. Guilt and fear of eternal consequences was the means of control for the church goers, and those in ministry were placed under the thumb of loyalty to him. Also, the financials were gone over in detail each year, in a special service. Everyone in attendance was given a financial statement which was itemized and very detailed. There was always a reading with explanations. And a Q&A time after the reading. Full disclosure was available at any time during church business hours. I served in that church for 18 years in many roles. And I was never, and I mean never, happy there. I felt beaten up every time I walked out the doors after services. I determined that religion is work and work is it’s reward. That’s actually a quote I learned in the COG ministerial program I went through. How ironic a statement when compared to the actual dynamics of that church. I do believe in the base teachings of that denomination, but I learned how people distort things to meet their narratives, and how some use the gifts of God as a sort of inner faith status. I left that church a few years ago and have been searching for a church home ever since. I’m a “follower of Christ “ and know God to be who he is described in the Christian Bible as we know it. I struggle to get involved in any church as I’m cautious and apprehensive to get “ roped in” once again. I know Good still loves me, in my flaws, and the Spirit still resides within me. I appreciate your story and it’s helped me in ways. A truly hope you’re doing well and that you’ve found peace in your situations. I’m wondering if the sequel has been written and is available. Bless you brother.
Sincerely,
Trevor Ward