And well said. I could have written some of it my self. Though I came from a very fine home with a single parent and Christian background, I too joined the COG to Serve the Lord, or so I thought. I guess my guilt was from not recognizing that this was a cult and not having the spiritual discernment to smell a rat.

I have realized that I also didn't have the knowledge and teaching in my early years to be able to see that wiggly little red nose. When I say "I let things happen", I basically mean I personally didn't have enough understanding to know wrong from right at times. I felt like I should have. I've come to grips with it and have had a lot of long talks and apologies and conversations thereof with my kids as well.

My great hope is that my children will find healing and faith in their own terms and not wear the ugly badge of guilt I so proudly put on them in the COG. It's a work in progress.

I'm not applying any guilt to you. Please understand that. Many do feel it though and that takes some healing and understanding, which I think you have come to realize.

You said: > I am glad I am not alone! Thanks for
> starting this board and what I am saying is
> purely my thoughts and not a criticism. I
> wanted to say that because I am not
> challenging what you wrote but writing what
> I feel.

No criticizm received. That's why we're are hear. To speak honestly.