Myth Busting: Leaving Doesn't Mean You're Going to Hell

Hey Tribe, 

Let's talk about a myth that held me hostage for years; the belief that leaving meant I was destined for hell. 

Growing up, I was taught that even the smallest mistake could lead to eternal punishment. Leaving the "one true church" wasn't just discouraged; it was framed as spiritual damnation. That fear was so deeply ingrained that by the time I was 16, the guilt of even thinking about leaving tore me apart.

I battled with it silently, and it showed up in my mental health. But instead of support, I hid it and felt like it my own spiritual problem I had to work through. 

Here's the truth: leaving isn't about punishment. It's about reclaiming your autonomy. It's about choosing your own path, your own beliefs, and your own peace. 

For me, leaving the Geelong Revival Centre was terrifying. But it was also the beginning of something beautiful. I took a leap of faith - not into damnation, but into self-discovery. I started questioning the teachings I'd been raised with, and while I'm still learning, I'm in a much better place now in relation to that thinking. 

One of the most powerful parts of this journey has been parenting. My children have challenged beliefs I didn't even realise I was still holding onto. I went from being a young mum who thought she had it all figured out to someone who now embraces growth, change and curiosity. That's also what parenting is, too, the constant learning, constant evolving. 

If you or someone you love is still in a high-control group, please know that support matters. Be there for them. Listen without judgement; and when they're ready help them find the right professional support. I wish I'd had that when I was younger. 

You're not going to hell for choosing yourself. You're choosing freedom. You're choosing healing. 

Let's keep breaking those chains together. 

With love.