Why I left the Holdeman Mennonites by Monica Rose
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- čas přidán 12. 06. 2019
- Here I tell some of the reasons I left the Holdeman Mennonite culture 8 years ago.
If you would like to see how my story informs my art, check out my Instagram post about it here: / b9zwxhuj-0l
If you'd like to hear some Mennonite style acapella music by my mom, sister, and I, click here: • "If Everybody Had a He...
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Blog: monicarosewrites.wordpress.com/
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I was raised in a church that teaches they are the only true church. Met a young Lady that was of the Holiness, Pentacostal faith. Went to services with her and heard Bible teaching never heard before. Bought a KJV Bible and read it. Amazing it taught me so much. No rituals, doctrines of man. Now a Christian since 1968, wife also. Beautiful testimony young Lady. 84 year old , not perfect but FORGIVEN.🐻
I left them as well, I was “ too strong of a woman” , they also were very closed minded about mental illness! I couldn’t stand and accept a male member back into fellowship, I knew he was verbally abusing his wife still. I was accused of following a false sprit( I told them I was under a sprit, the Holy Ghost and they needed to find it) thank you for sharing! It is hard walking away from friends and family, but sometimes it is so much better! I learn much from my time as a Holderman Mennonite. I grew spiritual!
Good for you! That takes strength to stand up! I'm glad you can find something good from it!
I have noticed that some have called Mennonites a cult - I'm sure there are different types of Mennonites, but none of the ones I have known, which have been a lot through the years, have been labeled as a cult - They have been God-fearing people and live their lives with one thing in mind - That one thing was to make it to Heaven !! I grew up and still attend church where we wear our hair up, but not the covering, we also wear modest longer skirts, no pants, and many other standards that the Mennonites have - We've never had TV - My parents never had one and as an adult I have never desired to have that mess in my home - I don't feel my life has ever suffered as a result of my church beliefs - I have taught in public schools and had so many parents and students that were so appreciative of my dress and etc - My church is Wesleyan Methodist - I guess I've never disliked my church, or had any reason to feel I rebelled against what my church has stood for down through my entire life !! My goal is to make Heaven my home - No price will be to much to pay when I can, by His grace, hear the gates click behind me !!
You have missed the MAJOR point of what Monica is saying. She is referring ONLY to the Holderman Mennonite (also called) the Church of God in Christ Mennonite. This group is a cult group of the first degree....abuse by its own members against other members has been documented in many court cases. The point to this is that this ONE particular cult group is NOT to be associated with other mainline Memmonite groups in America and Canada. This group says explicitly that it is the ONLY TRUE Christian church in existence. If a member does not subscribe to this teaching, they are ex-communicated upon the spot. Read about the cult group on Wikipedia.
I was excommunicated from the Holdeman church in 1995. I still love and admire a lot of things about the Mennonites but your words resonated with me ❤️I would enjoy corresponding with you!
Glad your out...so m i
@@dewuknowHIM Where are you from? What is your story? I wasn't born into the Mennonites, so in many ways it was easier for me to leave. I truly feel for people that are raised in it and the fear of excommunication. I live in PA!
@@vernalwoman hi paulette...i wasnt raised in it either....after years of abuse verbally..i had it !!
Email me.....
frocksfurbiloesandmore@ gmail.com
💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
*tygfr* *me* I tried to email you but it says the address isn’t valid? Mine is vernalwoman@comcast.net
Hi Paulette, I'm commenting on this now because I haven't been sure how to handle the requests for correspondence until now. You can email me at monicarosewrites@gmail.com
You’re very strong for leaving all that you knew to discover more. And as you have probably discovered, more is not always better. But it is your life now. Thank you for sharing what you knew and what you are learning. You are a beautiful person.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. There are many "doctrines" in Christian denominations. After I began to read the Bible for myself with an open mind and heart, I was shocked to realize that the actual words of the New Testament did not coincide with many of the teachings of the denomination I was born into. As I read the New Testament, I was amazed and thrilled to see that a true relationship with Jesus Christ brings great joy and peace. It was a frightening decision, but, at age 30, after reading the New Testament several times and spending much time praying about it, I left the denomination I had belonged to all my life. My parents and family couldn't believe it and remained hurt and angry with me. I wouldn't trade anything for learning about and receiving the free gift of my relationship with Jesus Christ! It's all based on what Christ has done for us. We cannot earn our salvation through works. Martin Luther's life was changed when he read in the Bible that "Salvation is by grace through faith, not of works." I encourage you on your journey for truth, peace, joy and hope.
Im zi glad you now have a relationship with our Savior Jesus Christ .. What denominarion wrte you in before? Thank yoy God bless you Enjoy your joy and freedom in Christ
But what about faith without works is dead. Also the parable of the 10 virgins 5 wise 5 unwise. The 3 servants and the last one didn't do anything with what God has given him. Also Jesus said
Om that day people will say " We witness in your name, Did good works. Cast out demons on your name. I will say to them. Depart from me I never knew you workers of iniquity. Not that works are saving you but because you believe you will want to do good works. Have a relationship with Jesus Christ.
@@asappestcontrol1250 Yes, you are right! What you could not see is that I'm trying to show her that every "works based" religion is not true Christianity. There is nothing that we can do in our sinful flesh to "earn" salvation. "All our righteousness is as filthy rags." One of my favorite chapters in the New Testament is Matthew 7. Read that again. Read the letters of Paul to the churches. Of course, faith without works is dead according to scripture. When we are truly born again, through belief and acceptance of Christ's atoning work on the Cross, His death, and resurrection, we are given the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is real, alive and powerful. He is the third person of the Trinity. When He lives within us, out of our innermost being will flow rivers of living water. We will say as Christ said, "I must work the works of Him who sent me." The works are of course present, but the works follow the experience of the New Birth. God has called us to good works that we only accomplish through salvation in Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit. You misunderstood me, Jose. I'm trying to steer this woman and everyone who reads this away from a "Works based salvation". Which is NO salvation. We don't work in order to obtain salvation. Comprende? Yes, Praise God, I have a relationship with Jesus Christ!!
Elizabeth Morgan you have given an incredible and clearest portrayal of the gospel. I know exactly what you went through. Been there. Here's my testimony: czcams.com/video/AJpueL11tNk/video.html
Also your comment on works and salvation is in complete agreement with what the New Testament teaches. I believe the same way you do.
I was encouraged at the beginning but then you spoke about martin luther and I know what you say is NOT true, because No one will come to the same conclusions as Luther by reading only, In fact Luther himself had trouble with much scripture because it did not FIT his doctrine, wanted to get rid of the book of james, warned against the book of hebrews and even said not all the 4 gospels had the same level of truth, I think he favored John if I remember correctly, He was constantly at war with the word of God., In Fact Luther said the opposite of Paul saying we need to sin big because our grace is so big, But Paul said should we continue to sin because of Grace, God forbid, Paul said don't you know whatever we submit our bodies to we are salves too weather sin unto death or righteousness onto life, and that the wages of sin is still death
You are so strong! Thank you for being so raw and open about your struggles.
Thank you :)
Well done. You were vulnerable and that takes great courage and also wisdom. Making these videos is part of your gentle transformation into who you are designed to be. Yes, honor your life's experiences as they add to the beautiful patchwork quilt of life story.
Thank you! I appreciate that 💚
Hugs, hugs, hugs! I am so proud of you for speaking out, putting your health and mental health first. You are an amazing person! Keep moving forward! You are so loved by God and others.
Thank you! Hugs back!
Very touching. I belonged to an Assembly of God ,church and I had to leave in order to find out what God as really saying. I am so much stronger now, I have discernment and I can never go back. God is exciting and he loves us so much, he made us all unique with a destiny. i am grateful for his salvation
You are one amazing lady. So strong and it's a real honour to watch your videos and see how you are recovering and learning yourself, and where you are in this wonderful world if you understand me. Thank you for sharing, I do understand it can be hard. I look forward to seeing you continue to grow, learn and recover while you also also teach. Thank you. Xx
Thank for the support Sorinda!
Hi Monica Rose....sounds like you're on this amazing journey...I too have left a similar culture and it has its pro and cons like you say but as the years go by I find more pros so keep smiling and being grateful where you're at is so essential....
Thank you for so bravely telling your story! Wishing you all the best on your journey.
Thank you Mary Jean! I did see you at the webinar on storytelling the other evening, correct?
I enjoy your videos, I'd love to see more 💕 I'm glad you're discovering yourself and have left something that hindered you. I'm trying to find myself too.
Thanks Phoebe! Wishing you the best on your journey as well!
I’m so happy for you. I’m glad you were able to get free. Thank you for sharing your heart and experience. ❤
The smile you got on your face when you started talking about how you got to dance for the first time was beautiful :) Obviously sad that you and so many others live/lived that way but I am glad you freed yourself from it! Enjoy life, be what you want to be.
Thanks Alexandra! :)
I am so very proud of you for pursuing happiness whichever way it way it takes you! It takes a great amount of courage to leave the only thing you've ever known. I hope and pray that wonderful things come your way...you deserve it!!
Thank you so much Kelly!
Enjoy this journey of self. You're a beautiful being, inside and out.
Thank you! :)
Thank you so much for sharing this experience... you are so right that you cannot just medicate what is not just chemical, life experiences need to be talked about and worked through for sure. Thank you for sharing your story with the world! It is extremely interesting to hear from an inside point of view and personal point of view.
Now is the time to“ Love your self” not just like. ♥️ Enjoyed this video n continue to believe in urself n I will go far. God Bless
I can relate to you in some ways and it's very hard. I'm a Holdeman right now but I'm trying to leave for a closer walk with God
Hang in there I’ll pray things work out for you
We left 15 years ago after I studied the Bible in its context...for the first time! I read so many of our Holdeman books and then went to the scriptures quoted in tbose books to support their doctrines and found they were completely taken out of context!!! The doctrines we had been taught all out life fell apart under scrutinity of the scriptures in context! I fell in love in a relationship with Jesus! We left knowing we were standing on the authority of scripture...i no longer was scared to give an answer for what I believed! I KNEW what and WHY I had put my faith in Christs work alone...on the cross! My adhereing to man made 'guidelines' according the the ministers had no effect for my salvation...its only by FAITH IN JESUS finished work in my place!
We left with our four children...knowibg we would be shunned...leaving our family & friends behind...was hard...but we NEVER looked back! My joy was overflowing for my freedom in Jesus work!! My husband realized he had never been born again...he had trusted his own works to save himself...not in Jesus work! Our children are all born again and followers of Jesus. It was worth losing all we had in the mennonite church to have the relationship with Him we now have!!! He has blessed us beyond anything i could have imagined!! If any of you are considering leaving...but scared...message me!! 208 610 9463. We would love to help and support you...as it was a leap of faith to leave and not know anyone..not know if our kids would find friends....but, Jesus gave us solid christian friends who are more than anything we experienced in the holdeman church!
Thank you for sharing. I think you're very strong for choosing your own path. It must be hard to leave behind what's familiar and venture into the unknown. I hope you're happier now.
Thank you yes I am!
That must have been so hard. I really understand why you needed to leave, so good for you that you went your own way 💜 dance dance dance, be whatever kind women you want to be. I was so angry when I heard a Mennonite mother telling her daughter, that women are born to be beautiful, that is her role , and not vain, because that is disgusting. What kind of encouragement is that for a child, teen or grown-up. Finding one's way, and self, is hard in it self.
I can totally relate. It’s been 8 years since I left and im still healing but it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I thank God that he leads people to Him not a religion.
I’m very happy for you. You deserve the freedom to explore the world and find your place in it. I hope that you do.
When you are going through the ascension process, you don’t fit in with your environment. You are on your path, don’t look back, have a good life, you’re a smart young woman!
Ascension really means New age religion which equals false doctrine the bottom line is what sense does it make Jesus said to gain the whole world live up your life without God or the Bible and then die at 80 and go to hell I mean what sense is that make to you just to enjoy a temporary life doing whatever you want to do and then go to hell you think that makes sense I know you don't believe in it but that doesn't mean that it doesn't exist just because you don't believe in it
keep your head up! proud of you😁
I hope you realize how brave and strong you are. Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you Kellie!
Thank you for sharing your story! I appreciate it :) You are very well spoken!
Thanks Grace! I appreciate it!
You are on a journey of self discovery and will grow each day so don’t give up! You got this and it is inspiring that you are wiling to open yourself and share your story. Sending big hugs!!!
Thank you Carol! Your response is inspiring! Big hugs back!
@@creatingheavenonearth Sweet lady, I trust that you will heal and make peace with your past. Life and faith is not black and white as some would have us believe. Rather more like shades of gray. I've just finished a video of Mennonites in Mexico dancing....who woulda thunk it?
@@creatingheavenonearth I said a prayer for you🙏God bless you and heal you. In Jesus name.Amen. Great big hugs!
I feel so bad you had to go through being in a cult. You’re an awesome and strong person for leaving💗💗
Thank you for your support!
The Mennonites are not a cult, being a part of the world system that's a cult.
Thank you for sharing. I am glad you had the courage to leave and listened to your need to discover, respect and love yourself. All the best wishes
Thank you very much! Me too! All the best
Very very though step, especially when your family is not supporting you (not sure if that's your case). But also necessary for your own sanity to do this. It takes courage. All the best! (From Germany)
this actually resonates with any super strict religion,of any denomination or pagan religion where you must deny the person you are and become a carbon copy of an illusive ideal, totally opposite of what God wants for us,. It is all to control behavior and sin instead of letting people be independent and responsible to God for their actions and deeds. But God looks at the heart and he understands our human condition
Thank you for sharing. Who you are shows through with great strength, sincerity and kindness. Leaving must take incredible strength; how nice to hear you say that you like who you are. I'm certain if I met you I'd like you too. Enjoy a happy, self-fulfilling life, you are entitled to that.
I’m sorry for what you went through. There are more liberal(open to modernity, not necessarily politically liberal) mennonite communities and churches that are pretty normal and supportive of their people. I’m sorry that it can wear you down though, and I hope you feel better.
I definitely understand why you left I left for similar reasons
You will be alright- follow you dreams. Your video was very touching. God Bless you- what you’ve been taught about him may not be your insight. It’s what’s within your soul- your feeling spiritually.Keep pushing forward- you will succeed.🌹
Yes! So true! Thanks for the encouragement!
@@creatingheavenonearth my heritage is mennonite. Geisbrecht from ukraine to canada first 50. I was adopted out as we're my 3 siblings. I have heard some things that are so cruel to my mom. I like you honor my lineage but confused as to the degree I honor it. Maybe you can understand and advise.
Thank you for sharing your story... you are brave and honest. Good luck with your life.
Hi Monica
I wanted to thank you for sharing your story. I find your journey to be very inspiring. I’m indescribably happy for you. Keep dancing! You have a joyful spirit! I wish you luck, love and wellness.
All my best,
Gemma
I Know theses people well much of what she said is not true. They are the free happier people I have ever met.would do any thing for you .I think the fashion of the world took over she did not look happy in the video..
I feel you. Thanks for being real and compassionately honest. I also longed for the deeper mysteries. Raised super strict Christian and can relate with you. I’ll not go back either. Cheering for you to dance and feel the freedom to keep exploring. 🤩 Dancing feels amazing!
Thanks for your lovely comment Selestine!
Monica Rose My pleasure! Thanks for being brave and sharing your story. I’m listening. Keep speaking up. 🥰 Follow your soul. Trust that she’ll show you the next right move.
Beautiful, yes! 😊 I appreciate your support!
You are a very wise soul, and a beautiful inspiration for others
Thank you Emma you too :)
Praying for you. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing. You were very brave to leave the known for the unknown. So
Many people don’t follow their own calling because of fear. Wishing you happiness and blessings.
Congratulations young lady, I live in a area with Mennonites and Amish and interact with them frequently..their always seems to be a hidden sadness or a change in facial demeanor when leaving to return home.
I think the innocence of the Mennonites sounds beautiful and closer to God. Perhaps you will come to understand that having your eyes open to the negative aspects of the world can sometimes be not so pretty. However it is up to each individual to find their own path to God.
Oh Karen;
“ I think the innocence of the Mennonites sounds beautiful and closer to God”.
These are words from someone who has NOT experienced what this wise young woman has. Listen to her words, she is speaking truth. There are many many from where she comes from who long to do what she has done but simply are not willing to risk the estrangement and excommunication that comes with it. It IS a cult. There is nothing beautiful, or close to God with a cult. Bless your trusting in Jesus and Jesus alone Monica!
Thanks so much for sharing. I was in another religion that has a very different view of God, and there was a very strong idea that everyone should look to God for inspiration...BUT...then there were these people who decided whether your inspiration met their standards. And I learned to hate myself because my answers did not come the way they said they should. I blamed myself instead of listening to what was really there inside me. And I realize that everyone was so desperate to fit in that they were putting on the same performance but inwardly they felt the same thing. I think that of all the sayings attributed to Jesus, the one that most frightens clergymen and deeply indoctrinated people is, “The kingdom of God is within you.” (Oh, heavens no, don’t look there! Let us tell you how to think!) It’s a long journey. I remember realizing that I had never learned to love myself, and that I needed to in order to have healthy love for/with others...and then it dawned on me: I had no idea how. It was one of the most painful realizations of my life, and learning how was one of the most precious. You’re doing wonderfully. Yes it will always be a part of our lives, and that’s okay; nothing in this is pure good or bad. But the more aware we become, the more we claim our ability and right to choose what to keep and what to let go of. I wish you a wonderful life full of joy, inspiration and discovery. ❤️
Hello. Thank you for sharing your story. I’ve had perhaps quite a parallel experience. I was raised as a Catholic. I grew up in Suburban Australia. I married at 28, first son at 29 and second a few years later. I now live in the USA in Texas and I am searching for my place and finding “me”... which is how I somehow come to find your you tube.
Wishing you the best on your journey. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing, it hurts to know a fellow Christian has been stifled and hurt. I’ve struggled with depression my whole life, it was my environment that brought this on. Medicine never fixed it, only made it worse, Jesus gave me the strength to keep on til I could get out of it. Never forget Him no matter where you go, He gave those talents and passions. No matter what you do learn to commune with Him, speak to Him and listen, He will answer. Prayers and blessings for you.
I saw a video where she said she was not a Christian anymore but I don't know maybe
God Bless You. I support your decision.
I guess as a young person who had been so shelted all your life you wanted to discover the world but for me who's been in this world all my life and living around nothing but sinfulness and a decaying world at my age 64 I'm ready to seek such a religion as what you had because I think it's to easy to live in sin out here. So for me I want to show God I'm willing to go all in to serve him according to his world and not of Satan's. I wish you luck. But this world is aweful I hope you can stay strong out in this cold hard world .
I agree with your view. It bothers me when ppl call ultra-conservative churches ‘cults’. Some young ppl appear to be secure in their church. There are tons of things wrong on the ‘outside’. If someone appears to want to follow God in an ultra-conservative church it is not my place to say it is wrong.
Proud of you!! i can imagine it's hard! I'm an atheist and knew I was despite my parents at a young age but it made me who I am 😊 hope you are well
You got a beautiful spirit, whether you got it from the Mennonites or after you left is irrelevant, you got it, and it can be a rare thing in todays World. I hope you are happy though in whatever your doing today. I will watch some more of your vids - thanks!!
Thank you for sharing your feelings. God bless you.
I was raised holdeman Mennonite in DeRidder, la and have been out 16 yrs. praise God for showing you the truth. It’s unfair for us or anyone that is raised in a religious cult like this to go through some of the experiences and spiritual abuse.
I hope by sharing your story and putting yourself out there that it helps your healing and mental health!
Thanks for the insight.
Your videos are so interesting and I think it's amazing and strong how can say you are grateful to have been a Mennonite, though you wouldn't do it again. How old were you when you left? So amazing. In your previous video you talked about the head coverings and scrambling to find one before a devotional. It gave me a chuckle but makes me think of how legalistic that seems. I think it's definitely a misinterpretation of the passage. I can't imagine how you came out of that and what you must feel and think now. I hope and pray that your experience didn't totally scare you away from Jesus. It makes me sad to wonder how many people live in there but never experience true life and freedom from bondage in this world that God intended. Anyways, awesome videos and we'd all love to see more. Best wishes, smiles and prayers for you Monica! :)
It’s obvious that your background and how you were raised has shaped you into a courageous, wise and beautiful person. I’m glad you honor your past.
Thank you for sharing your story! ♥️
@@AndreBentrup Andre, pray for her. She hasn't rejected Jesus just the religion.
Thank you Lori! :)
You are such a lovely soul! And very beautiful!!!
This video is very comforting for me. As a man who fell in love with a Mennonite woman and is still in love with her, this speaks to me. She has been going through a lot of inner conflict. She is one who doesn't listen to her feelings. She shuts bad feelings out. We have begun talking again and we have been very happy. I am giving her time and patience, a lot of patience, to allow her to develop her own identity really. To learn to love herself. She is the most beautiful woman in the world to me. More beautiful than the brightest star. I'm protective of her and she knows that but, I also told her she will always have freedom with me, as well as a voice. She has the freedom to leave me or stay. The freedom to live her life. I have been through many relationships, searching for the one person I could love so deeply and I found her... Finally. Things have been tough. The way she was brought up is a factor. Having been with me was such a completely different experience from anything else she ever experienced. She wasn't supposed to even be talking to me but, we connected immediately. We came together and it's like we became one. Like two pieces of a puzzle. I hope with time and patience that things work themselves out. She has stated she doesn't plan to stay in her religion. I understand that she will leave when she is ready. Your video actually took so much anxiety off of my heavy heart, and it has been so very heavy with the burdens of my pain. I really appreciate you so much.
I really love to hear this! It does take a long time to really leave the Mennonite way of thinking. I've been studying religious trauma syndrome to help me understand better what happened. Wishing you the best!
@@creatingheavenonearth Thank you so much for your reply. After she broke up with me, I did a lot of thinking. The only thing I can think of is having been with me introduced something that she was very unfamiliar with. Something she wasn't technically even supposed to be doing. This, in turn, I feel introduced a lot of fear, confusion, and conflict inside her. This is just my logical explanation. She still does things that basically scream she loves me still. Her actions and her words are going in two different directions. I will visit her in Kansas and she will still sneak out because she wants to be with me, in my arms. I know, that isn't good behavior but, if that's what she wants, shouldn't she go for it? Especially if she is happy? This whole thing for the last year has been so hard and trying for me. She tells me I'm a good man. That I never did anything wrong. But, she will turn around and be bitter cold with me at times. I feel like that's the fear stepping in. She might be afraid of what could happen at home. I know she isn't ready and I'm okay with that. I just don't know how to reach out to her.
Also, I subscribed because I feel like you could really help me understand better as well.
@@creatingheavenonearthI too was part of the Mennonites and then the old order Amish and then eventually completely left but I still have trauma I'm still find it hard to fit in and other Church groups because of the indoctrination
I'm curious how things have gone in your journey with this all?
What a wolf.
Mental health stigma in the Holdeman church or Church of God In Christ Mennonite is VERY REAL. It's like the only solution is more jesus. It reminded me of a Saturday Night Live skit where the actors are trying to figure out what is wrong with the song they are producing and the producer keeps saying that the problem is it needs more cowbell, even after they have increased the level of cowbell to a ridiculous volume.
For me, leaving was a relief. I was free to think. Free to pursue my passions. Free to say what I think and free to think critically. I, too, can never think that way again.
I'm glad you got out and you have your freedom! I discovered a lot about myself and my thoughts and interests after leaving as well! Wish you the best!
Derrick freedom without wisdom is still being lost out there in the world...why do people have this false idea that freedom is more important than wisdom? Freedom is an empty idol. There are slaves who are happier than free people...consider that reality.
@@christianmama2441 I don't think slavery is necessary.
I was never holdman Mennonite, but I know a lot of them, the ones I know do believe in using meds for depression, you can be free in christ, a church don't keep you from that, I encourage you to look up and above a church for happiness, and freedom, ,they cannot make you happy, I don't see or hear it now, Jesus christ is the answer he loves you, he will lead you to the right worship place
I was a hold for 25 years and the minister kept trying to coerce my husband to get me on meds...he told that man...."you put her(me) on meds". Lol !!!!
I like who you are, too!
Aw thanks! 💜
This was really really hard to hear, even on the highest volume.
Thankfully not all Mennonites are like this. I left the Lutheran church due to he lack of biblical teaching and came to the conservative Mennonites to have a safe place for my son. We have been blessed with a loving, caring church family. I hope you find a church like ours!
A real conservative Mennonite Church would not have its members on CZcams
I wish you good luck in your new life! Cheers!
I am proud of you for speaking up and speaking out.. you are very brave. ❤️ Allow yourself to breathe.. just breathe…,
Thank you ❤ I appreciate it!!!
@@creatingheavenonearth You are speaking for more people than you realize… my upbringing was more Plymouth brethren but just as stifling… I love God and want to walk in His ways too, but legalism can paralyze us if we allow it too… it’s taken me years to find freedom in Christ … stay on your path.. ❤️
I just watched your video, and I can’t get over how sad you seem. Stepping out of the life you led must be extremely hard. I grew up in a very strict Baptist background, many things were forbidden, and most of them were man made rules. I rebelled and finally found my way of worshipping. I pray that you find peace, and that all fear and anxiousness would be calmed. Don’t every give up on yourself,.......keep fighting, and healing.
How very brave! I salute you
Thank you so much! I appreciate that 😊
HI Monica - came across your video on YT today - it is three years since the video was posted, wonder how you are now? I was raised in the Roman Catholic religion from infancy and can relate to the oppressive nature of religion and some of the issues it causes - by the grace of God I found the Good News of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone via the word of God and not via religion - eternal life in Jesus - and left the RCC around 2016 - went on a long journey trying to find a group to gather with - did not find one - many different teachings here and there that do not fit the Bible also my own vulnerabilities and shortcomings and issues - now living back in Northern Ireland where I was raised from around five years old. The religious atmosphere is still here but different, more so perhaps - some saved Christians but a lot of religious type beliefs as opposed to free grace - so it is challenging - left friends behind in Scotland - also challenging - just dropping by to share that religion to get saved or the stay saved can be so oppressive ( and can damage mental health, I agree and damage the self that God gave us to be) I also am in self imposed isolation due to the challenges from people's superstitious behaviours and some sort of pattern of speech which seems to be the norm here, but which i cannot quite figure out or match - but there are blessings here in the creation around and other things - missing friends, but cannot go back under the yoke of religion ( re-lig-ion , means to re-bind, I believe) Jesus sets us free, by believing in and trusting Him alone - a relationship, not a religion - hope you are well and flourishing - explored psychology also and some philosophy - probably got some insights, but now feel God's way gives more peace and hope - God Bless you and guide you. Moira, Northern Ireland
I will pray for you!
Have you found some happiness friend , sorry to ask . I hope your finding your way , you seem really open ,honest and so real .
I can absolutely tell that you were raised holdeman by the way you speak. Thank you for sharing! May I ask, are you from Manitoba? You have the classic Manitoba accent within the "church".
So you would not sell the experience for a million dollars but would not give a nickel for another like it. Life has some experiences like this.I had a hard experience with the Holderman Church in Pa. Due to trying to date one of the young Ladies to say the least she took a trip to her sister inTexas where in she was pressured into writing a letter denying her feelings.She is now married and living in Canada. You might even know her.I hope she is happy its along life if she is not.
If you need anyone I’m here for you
God bless you, sister. I, too, was raised Holdeman Mennonite; but, as you can see from my photo, I took a different path. After 23 years of uniformed military service, I am now a retired Army JAG & still a practicing attorney ... &, most importantly, very happily a full-fledged Catholic. I will keep you in my prayers. Take or keep the best that you learned from the Holdemans ... & then move forward, living a happy, fulfilled Godly life. You can do it!
Joining the military is no virtue.
I served 23 + years defending your right to practice your faith as you wish. Why don't you read what Christ said to the Centurian? Matthew 8:8-11.
@@PS987654321PSwhat was the point of this comment? It's completely out of place. Shame on you.
You can dance as if no one is looking now, honey. Because they aren't!❤
You did the right thing. Well done sister.
Thank you 😊
Thank you for sharing your story. God will lead you his own way, everything that happens is for some purpose.
Have you found a church family? I hope you have. It's difficult to leave what you were raised to be true. It's almost like you need to relearn the bible and christianity without the interpretation of the "church". Blessings on your journey.
DANCE!
What a beautiful testimony by beautiful you! I so admire your insight at a young age, including your ability to balance thought and feeling - recognition that it’s an ongoing journey. Eyes to see, ears to hear, a brain to think and a heart to feel and discern! Oh, and feet to DANCE!! 💃🏻 Yes! Enjoy life ... It’s the most PRECIOUS gift we’ve been given.
I am sending a cyber hug 🤗 to you ... I sooooo hope to see more of your videos ... and wouldn’t be surprised if there was a book or two (or a series) sometime in the future. So much talent, beauty, integrity and kindness shining through! Thank you for an uplifting message of hope for us all. Nothing changes if nothing changes ... Be the change you want to see. 💕
Thank you so much! Your response warms my heart! I want to make more videos and yes I'm thinking about a book. Not sure where to start with it all. Hugs
“Being safe mostly.. except for emotionally, mentally, spiritually” I resonate with this so much. I’m struggling with the same things you went through... were anabaptist but try to be non-denominational. Everyone we go to church with is from an Eastern Mennonite background. I’m really struggling. Anyway we could connect?
You can contact me through my blog: monicarosewrites.wordpress.com/blog-2/
I feel no religion is good. I'm glad you are a strong woman and you got out 👍
So cute 😍 ...id love to be your guide
hi God bless you. I don't know what type of Mennonite that is or what area you were in but I just want to mention not all Mennonites are like that. Mennonites I know are God seeking, loving, peaceful people. My children go to a private Mennonite School and it has been a blessing I have friends that are Mennonite and to be honest is like a breath of fresh air they are happy people. I know that no one is perfect, no church is perfect, no group of people is perfect but we seek perfection. I feel bad for the experience that you had. As a Christian we seek God's perfect will in our lives.... and if we go out of the will of God and start to desire other things like worldly things that are against the Bible then automatically we are going to clash with anyone who preaches the holy word of God. I pray that wherever you went and wherever you go the love and the spirit of God abides in you. Jesus is not coming for a denomination or a group or a certain type of people but all of those who seek Him in spirit and in truth with Holiness and peace with all people. Amen....
Are you paying for your children to be taught by someone with only an 8th grade education? Just curious. My daughter was invited to a Christmas play and the handmade invite (by a 4th grader) had Christmas spelled -Chistmas two times. The school name put on it was also misspelled (including the word Christian).
And is this how you judge people? For the letters missing in their spelling? You sound no better than the Holdemans you are judging!
"And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him." - John 7:15-18
Health, joy and peace are surely at the heart of God's promises, and sadly this is not what is often communicated to us at all. Instead, people twist these very good plans and great promises, and hinder us from fully understanding what was in fact intended for us by our Heavenly Father: Health, Joy, Peace! Sadly they do it in order to disempower us, and to retain unnecessary control and one-up-manship. You took a very brave and courageous step, and now a new journey awaits you. What true peace and true joy will await you! Be creative. Take what is a blessing for you and is in fact positive, heart-warming and helpful in your relationship with God, and keep casting aside what is not true for you at present. Dance when your heart sings. May the Spirit comfort you as you need comforting. May all three: health, joy and peace, and even more of God's gifts and promises, be worked out step by step to be part of your journey going forward! May these words be a source of encouragement and blessing. All the very, very best.
Even now I'm struggling with depression and questioning God sometimes *HOWEVER I know he loves me despite what I'm going through* the rejection the failures because I count my blessings and the other good things I got going on in my life like my own business and I'm able to make money and then whenever sickness tries to attack me I bind it and cast it out in the name of Jesus and it usually goes away so I count my blessings *and he loves you too please do not leave God you may leave religion two different things but don't leave God*
for what does it profit a man Jesus says to gain the whole world and possibly lose your soul? *Now I did see hell in a vision and it does exist* but you and the viewers may not believe me it's fine but I'm speaking to you directly to your heart and your mind are you really going to take that chance to live the life you want to live I'm not saying that you can't dance and stuff like that because you were deprived of that stuff for years apparently but I'm saying to leave God altogether and just believe in scientists or New age religion or consciousness you going to take that chance with your soul and then when you die possibly go to hell you know you only have one life and there's eternity after that life has ended and it's either eternity in heaven or eternity in hell so are you
really willing to take that chance with your life and your soul just for some temporary pleasure until you're around 80 years old? REALLY? I pray God speaks to your heart and gives you understanding and for you to make the right choice but please do not let the devil deceive you but like I said keep pressing and do not believe the false doctrine of consciousness or the false doctrine of New age religion or the false doctrine of doing what you feel because that's how the devil works he works on our feelings for us to do what we want to do Jesus said that the spirit is willing but our flesh is weak so the devil did the same thing to Eve he worked on her feelings she felt good about it and so she did what she wanted to do even though God told her not to eat from that tree
And now not only Eve paid for that sin but Adam and all of us women
paid for her sins so I'm praying for you that you will make the right choice and do not let the devil deceive you into false doctrine of consciousness and New age religion I haven't been to a church in a long time but I do have an online fellowship that I worship with and I encourage you to join it's on Wednesdays Fridays and Sundays feel free to join in via chat and or by phone and if asked how were you invited just tell them sister precious told you about the ministry and she's also a prophetess and if the spirit leads her would tell you everything you need to know I'm praying for you
Apostle Sharon Hamilton
m.czcams.com/users/ApostleSharonHamiltoncommunity
Services is on Wednesdays Fridays and Sundays via live chat or over the phone from 6:00 a.m. till about 3:00 p.m. EST sometimes finishes early sometimes finishes later you can join in at any time
I think maybe you need some adventure. I think it's great you went public w/your video. I like your stoicness if that was a word.
I left a year ago from the charity group
Harken then thine ear unto the voice of Tradition, for I have not entered into thy life to replace the Scriptures, nor do I wish to. But I beseech thee that thou wouldst seek the word of the Lord, to see if I be based upon biblical principles or if I be sheer Tradition. Forthwith thou must know where I be from, for thou dost need to know the difference between the two. If I be but sheer Tradition, then ye must see Scripture and Tradition dwell together in unity. And if ye find that we may not, then remove me from thee. For I do not wan to withhold thee from the wisdom of God! But I would rather assist thee in abiding in it. -A. Random Lattin
Wow i left the mennonites for a lot of the same reasons
My experience has been very much the same and very much different. I left a very strict Catholic cult many years ago, and have found a progressive Mennonite congregation. I don't know if I'll remain, but they are far more open and accepting than my family ever was.
@Christopher Stewart Apparently, you have difficulty reading, so I'll make it more clear.
I did not, as you suggest, claim that the entire Catholic church is a cult. Instead, I spoke of cults within the Catholic church, which the church has acknowledged in the past. Examples might be the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which the Vatican took action against last year.
So, if you're going to attack because you feel threatened, you might want, instead, to ask questions - prior to making yourself look foolish.
And as to my beliefs, you might consider that your church doesn't condemn other Christians - and if they don't, why are you? Do you think it makes you look good?
So look at the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the practices of some Opus Dei groups, The St. Benedict Center, the Legionaires of Christ - and others. When those groups go beyond the church, to the point of harming the members of those groups, those groups are cults. Consider also, as the Pope himself put it - the cult of abuse - which was the priests who hurt so many children.
So, again - I never said, as your lie about me suggested, that the entire Catholic church was a cult. I didn't insult your precious religion. I spoke of groups within your church that DO take advantage of, and harm people. Please read better before you go on the attack.
really people!..... do we really expect 100% of young people born into whatever denomination to stay in that denomination?..... parents pick a church they think is the best thing on earth, but it may not be a match for all of their children!..... the world does not stay the same!
I feel like you should reach out and meet (in real life or virtually) with people that have left the Jewish Orthodox world because the guilt of leaving and pride and defending their way of living because a sense of belonging seem to me very similar. And they can probably help you psychologically or to reach out for even further resources like job opportunities or educational alternatives.
God bless you dear. Be careful out there. I pray Jesus Christ reveals His love for you in a fresh and wonderful way.
Move from one cult to a other. You can't see the forest through the trees.
@AzureDaydreams - Thank you for sharing your story! That took courage. Darling, please start a go-fund-me page. There are people out here that want to help you. I am one of them. Every experience in my life has shaped me into the woman I am today, both good and bad. You are wise, beyond your years, to already recognize this. Keep your positive outlook. Find your passion and you find your peace and direction. Be blessed, dear one, today and always! =) Big hugs to you!
Thank you so much Karen! I would like to! Your words inspire me! Blessings to you too and hugs! :D
What would you like the Gofundme account to be about?
@@creatingheavenonearth - The start of a new life and ventures, maybe? Think about it and let your heart lead the way. I can't wait to see what you do with your life. I know whatever you do will be wonderful and successful. You have determination. It has been proven since you left the only life you knew for one with uncertainty. Be blessed, darling, today and always! =)
My heart goes out to you! I, too, would donate to your GoFundMe account. You're beautiful inside and out and will continue to do great things. Hold your head high and keep going!! Peace and love to you💜
Thank you both Karen and Casey! I have created an account here : www.gofundme.com/telling-my-story-about-being-a-mennonite
I spend time with Holdemans and I wonder what they think of me as an outsider. Are they afraid I'll give their youth some bad ideas to leave? They say that it's very rare to have outsiders stay with them and worship. Their services are very meditative, reminds me of Buddhism, I like the solemn aspect of it. I'm able to straddle both worlds and I don't feel pressure to convert or that they are stuck in their culture, many of them seem interested in that outside world as much as they can be. The outside world has too much chaos and selfishness, I like some strict nature of the culture, it's what the human race needs. I'm glad you have found better happiness.
Sweetie....anyone who isnt one of "them""baptized in"...is a outsider.....argh ...i was one for 25 years....WAS !
Oh let's not forget that expression of feelings is absolutely unacceptable. Crying is not accepted. Ugh!!! It seems beautiful in the beginning, but then you realize it's completely broken and abusive!