Posted by Pastor Don on September 10, 2012 at 08:08:05
I have been thinking about how to put my 2cents into this conversation. Most who know me know my take on things. I have a Christian worldview on things and hopefully a Biblical worldview. My outlook may be somewhat diverse, being an exer, then Bible College graduate, ordained minister, and associate pastor. This really has nothing to do with TFI at this time. The family was and is inherently evil, but being a cult and us as members being deceived it is now beside the point. As with other things in life I do try to find the positive side of things. As far as TFI is concerned, there are things I view as positive. I was introduced to the Gospel there albeit in a completely perverted form. Where I am now, where would I have been if there had not been this CRAZY introduction. I also have a beautiful Italian wife and an awesome son. We celebrate our 31st anniversary Sept. 11. I have seen parts of the world and can speak Italian and Spanish. I have had life experiences that others have never had that I can share and teach with. Those are just a few of the positive fruits of being in a destructive cult. Lastly, people have asked me do you regret the 30 something years you were associated with the cult. I have to answer no. Number 1, regret does no good as it is what it is and it was what it was and I can’t change the past. I want to make my past a source of good to help and bless others, even though my past may be ugly! Last but not least, I believe the scripture below sums up somewhat my feelings about the past and the future. Especially the part about the old life! I really like the way the Message Version puts it!
1 Peter 1:24-25
The Message (MSG)
22-25 Now that you’ve cleaned up your lives by following the truth, love one another as if your lives depended on it. Your new life is not like your old life. Your old birth came from mortal sperm; your new birth comes from God’s living Word. Just think: a life conceived by God himself! That’s why the prophet said,
The old life is a grass life,
its beauty as short-lived as wildflowers;
Grass dries up, flowers droop,
God’s Word goes on and on forever.
This is the Word that conceived the new life in you.