I met Billy when I began serving with the Faith Freedom Fund (FFF). If my memory is accurate, that was in 2011. When I had my first sit down with Michael Lowry, Billy was there in the Chinese restaurant to listen and ask questions. There I witnessed Billy’s mature stability and tender heart as we listened to Michael tell his incredible story. A few weeks later, Billy also went with me when we took Michael to Asheville airport.

The FFF helped many different survivors over the next several years. Each survivor came out and told us their story. I admit, at times, after hearing these stories my emotions would become intense. Other Board members may have shared those emotions, however, when we closed our meetings and it was time to pray, Billy’s prayers would calm and direct us to consider the person who had recently exited and those who remained in Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF).

A general paraphrase of his prayers included these thoughts; We pray for wisdom not only for us but for this young man or woman who had recently left WOFF. He went on to pray for those that were still in the group, for them to have a curious, inquiring mind and heart. Let them to begin to ask You about what they’re seeing and experiencing. Lead them to ask You, Father, for answers.

Today, as I reflected on my times with Billy, I was reminded that nowhere in these prayers did he express hatred for anyone at WOFF, regardless of what we had heard regarding the abuses the recent ex-member had experienced.  He prayed from a heart full of the love of God.

During and after the Worship Service, I learned of other ministries he started and gave his life to. Meeting his family was an honor as well. To his wife and family, I say, “Thank you”- for sharing him with the FFF. Our evening meetings went longer than we planned- most every time.  

Follow this blog on Twitter- @religiouscults
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/johnhuddleauthor

Thank you for taking time to visit and read this blog. Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know in Rutherford County and at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF.

Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

Look on the right side of any post for the option to subscribe by email for
notifications or RSS feeds notifying of new postings. It is a great feature.
Also, find more posts by selecting “Categories”.

Guest posts reflect the opinions of the writers. Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of John Huddle or any other persons affiliated with this blog.

Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, for posts written by John Huddle, any information about WOFF is from his memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be.

Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted.

(Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation) This is post number 684.

March 6, 2023 – a video was released by Freightworks, LLC (FW). In this emotional narrative titled, “Final Announcement”, Joyce Siqueira, VP of Operations begins, “Last Tuesday, the world changed for me.  I lay awake virtually all that night praying, trying to think if there was just one more thing we could do…. At that same time, trying to find the words for this announcement which has been written with many tears.”

Joyce gave an account of the recent adverse events (labeling February as typically “our toughest month”); which caused the company to decide, “We are just not going to be able to pull through this one…”

After much agony, a business decision was made to close the company.

Joyce acknowledged a lesson Josh taught her “over these years”- He realized that the company supported “over 200 families. Our obligation was to run a viable and sustainable company that they could depend on…”

Joyce explained current market conditions and certain core (unnamed) customers demanding significant rate reductions along with volume reductions. Adding to the narrative were other events (not explained) which made it impossible to see a path forward. She said the best course for all concerned- was an “orderly closing.” She listed certain promises for existing drivers and requests to help make sure the equipment is left in a safe place. This video ended with a fade to black as Joyce finished.

I admit, when I first viewed it, I was a little emotional. I knew several of the folks working with Josh from years ago. The prospect of immediate unemployment was a lot to consider.

My thoughts went back to my days inside Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) and my time working for Josh which ended in 2008. In 2010, Josh and his family filed for bankruptcy with Two Mile Properties, LLC (TMP) – citing the downturn in the markets as the cause. TMP was not as large as FW. But the TMP final closing events were startling, like those announced in the recent video, I am sure.

For the last several years, I have been aware of the swings up and down of the freight market. This has been through my work with credit unions and my personal relationships with truck drivers. So, the message of the video was not a total shock. However, the speed of the closure was abrupt.  I remembered the recent announcement of the LOVE’S truck stop deal in Rutherford County that gave the impression of nothing but parties and profits ahead. Add this to the fleet upgrade that was trumpeted in the local news.

What had gone wrong? Was FW caught in a poor cash position to weather this downturn as was TMP in 2010? We may never know.

To learn more, let’s review the podcast – “Life by the Mile” Eps 100 posted Oct 5, 2022 – “A Freight Company Keeping Promises” a production of FW with host, Butch Maltby. (Search for it wherever you get your podcasts)

The spotlighted opening clip features Josh saying, “When we make a commitment, we want to fulfill it. We don’t mind being held to that commitment, if we fall short in any way- I want that pointed out…it is critical to what we do to make sure we deliver on the commitments we make.”

Not long into the podcast, Josh says, “We believe this is what God has called us to do- our mission. … part of our outreach to others.” This podcast is a long commercial for FW and the glowing/growing future.

The following are different outtakes and quotes:

“At this point, we have over 225 associates throughout the United States including teams in the Philippians, Columbia, South America and Brazil.”

At the annual picnic held September 17, 2022, they gave away FW themed merchandise in support of National Truck Driver Appreciation week-

Of the new trucks on order, FW has 37 new trucks on the road (Oct 2022) – 38 more on the road with new logo in next 60 days.

Josh: We have a total 126 seated trucks- out of 135-140 total- expect to increase to closer to 150 within 6 months.

In 2023- 50 new trucks will be delivered throughout the year. -Plan to relaunch the chemical liquid tank fleet

Driver’s compensation including raises- for 2023- Starting April 2023- 401k: a bigger company match. -Planned upgrade to onboard computers.

In support of his opening proclamation Josh touted a feedback channel- including an option to make anonymous comments. Each comment is reviewed by senior management to address issues. – FW has an industry leading driver satisfaction score. Josh went on to extol the performance marks that FW has earned from different customers.

How could the future of FW look so bright and positive in October and so dark in February? Is it possible that signs of a market breakdown began before February 28^th? It is true that closures in the freight space have been increasing since last year. (link-dated 12/31/2022) The questioning process of analyzing postmortem the previous layoffs/closures may have given FW insight into the trends at the end of 2022 and first 60 days of 2023. Possibly weak market segments could have been identified and changes made.

On March 23, 2023, in the US District Court for the Western District of North Carolina in Asheville, Martin Oshea (former employee of FW) filed a class action complaint and demand for jury trial against Freightworks, LLC and all the different FW, LLC companies. (Case #1:23cv00084) The complaint outlines non-compliance of Freightworks, LLC ahead of their sudden shutdown saying they reportedly failed to comply with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification -W.A.R.N. Act.

In short, because the FW closure affected at least 50 folks, FW should have notified the chief elected official in local government, the NC Department of Commerce, and all 200+ employees 60 days before closing their doors.  This allows for planning, outplacement, benefit continuance options and other provisions in agreement with Joyce’s call for an “orderly shutdown.”

It looks like this is just what Josh asked for in the podcast. “… if we fall short in any way- I want that pointed out…it is critical to what we do to make sure we deliver on the commitments we make.”

It is unclear what penalties Josh and FW face. Could Josh and Joyce backtrack and call this a “layoff”? How would that look? After several weeks of uncertainty, the FW management and employees face more questions than answers. Let’s not forget that when the paycheck stops, the bills continue. Many former employees are facing financial uncertainty and emotional hardship. Is the employee feedback/comment service open, now? Josh- were you under authority in closing FW, LLC?

A few days ago, news about a couple from Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) leaving after 30+ years of dedicated attendance caught my attention. After years of volunteering locally for every offered task and chance to serve, this couple spent the last several years in Ghana. Their dedication and support of Jane Whaley and Sam was undeniable.

In the 90’s, before we moved to Spindale, my family stayed with this couple during the weeklong seminars. They shared their home freely and without hesitation.  He has master-level construction skills and everything she cook is delicious. She baked cakes, pies and cookies that were simply irresistible.

I have not talked to them since their departure. They left North Carolina and from all indications- don’t plan on returning to Jane’s nest.     

Why do I share this news? It gives others hope. Not only for those of us with family members still behind the WOFF walls of deception and lies, but for those members who know this couple was a part of the “worker-bee True Believer” group. This couple was constant and dependable – until they weren’t.

What changed? After 30 plus years it must be something big- or not. Let me explain.

Several years ago, this story was relayed to me. A pastor in the area was shopping for a phone. That day, the clerk helping him was an outspoken WOFF member. (Imagine an outspoken WOFF member?) This salesperson knew the pastor was active in helping ex-members of WOFF. This seemed to give her more courage and she was laying it on thick – even by WOFF standards.

A couple years later, the salesperson left WOFF and cut almost all ties with the group. She encountered the same pastor after her exit. Of course, he was curious what caused her to leave. She admitted that even while she was giving him the WOFF pitch, in her mind she was desperately wanting to leave.

I know this condition is more common than outsiders realize.

Not every member of WOFF still wants to be there. In fact, on any given day, there are a certain number of members planning and plotting to leave. It takes courage and planning to leave the quicksand culture of WOFF. Members may lose their job, housing, car, phone, and access to money – if they make a break from the group.

If all you have known if WOFF-life, adjusting and making decisions can be difficult at first. That is why the “Faith Freedom Fund” seeks to help those who have left the confines of WOFF. We will provide housing, transportation, clothes, communication with relatives and other things as needed.

Call or text me – (828) 289-7923. I will help you in any way possible to move on to your next place in your journey. There are no strings attached to the gifts of support from the Faith Freedom Fund. None.

Follow this blog on Twitter- @religiouscults
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/johnhuddleauthor

Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog. Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Jane told me and Josh confirmed it.

Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

Look on the right side of any post for the option to subscribe by email for notifications or RSS feeds notifying of new postings. It is a great feature. Also, find more posts by selecting “Categories”.

Guest posts reflect the opinions of the writers. Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of John Huddle or any other persons affiliated with this blog.

Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, for posts written by John Huddle, any information about WOFF is from his memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be.

Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted.

(Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 682.

Members of groups such as WOFF can be excited and evangelistic about their group one minute and then “… the potential for a sudden reversal of sentiment, for the release of bitter emotions directed both at (the controls used in their group) and the (leaders) that perpetuate it.”  

Has this happened to you or someone close to you? Singing with their whole heart while jumping up and down to “God’s music” one minute, and not long after, scheming to leave as soon as they see a way out?  Yes, it could be evidence of their fine-tuned ability to play along to get along and stay out of trouble. The daily dynamics of WOFF-life require always reading the prevailing winds and moods of the leaders and predicting how to stay low and out of the radar..  

Stop to think about it. Living this way is not a rewarding life. Always suppressing the doubts so they don’t slip out. Is this how you live? Do you harbor contradictory thoughts or feelings about life in WOFF?

 The previous passage is adapted from a book written by an author who has observed and interviewed many people who lived in groups like WOFF.

Robert Jay Lifton  (born May 16, 1926) is an American psychiatrist and author, chiefly known for his studies of the psychological causes and effects of wars and political violence, and for his theory of thought reform. He was an early proponent of the techniques of psychohistory. (here)

In his book, “Losing Reality- On Cults, Cultism, and the Mindset of Political and Religious Zealotry” (originally published 2019) Dr. Lifton gives a great explanation of what he observed over the five plus decades of his work.

“I’ve come to recognize that the mental predators are concerned not only with individual minds but with the ownership of reality itself.”  

Ever wonder why life in WOFF is so intense? 24/7 – every detail reviewed, every thought exposed, every deed and intention put into “the light”? The goal of the leaders is to own and define your daily reality. This effort seeks to separate you from the desire to direct your own choices or even know that you have choices. If you don’t recognize your ability to choose, you will not exercise your ability to choose anything different than the choices set before you. Those daily choices are defined by which person in your church? Who owns the WOFF reality?

In his book, Lifton recounts many historic political and social events from China. Each event is related to the efforts to reform or “re-educate” the people of China. He describes “the Hundred Flowers episode” from Mao’s rule.  During this brief period, the restraints against criticism were lifted and Chinese citizens were encouraged to voice their concerns about the methods and the leaders of China. The list of grievances and the intensity of emotion behind the complaints were so intense- the leaders began to shut down the open gate and penalize those who dared to speak against the leadership.

“The Hundred Flowers episode is important because it revealed that in a reform-saturated environment, there is the potential for sudden reversal of sentiment, for the release of bitter emotions directed both at the thought reform and at the regime that perpetuates it. Behind such reversal lies the latent resentment that thought reform builds up in varying degrees within virtually all who are exposed to it. This resentment originates in the basic human aversion to excessive personal control, a phenomenon that I call the “hostility of suffocation.”

… In other words, thought reform is able to promote an emotional contagion- of resentment as well as enthusiasm.”

The very nature of where you live generates excitement for WOFF-life and at the same time, resentment towards the over-reaching requirement to sacrifice inner personal choices to remain a member.

Lifton did not say the resentment was unwarranted. He advocated it as a natural reaction to the “suffocation” of individual’s ability to choose and direct their own life.

There is an inner voice, sometimes soft, sometimes loud.  This voice is not the devil. It is part of your God-given nature. You’re yearning for freedom to choose and thus accomplish what your maker put in your heart. That is not “sin.” That is righteousness seeking expression.

Ponder these things and resolve to follow your heart, your inner voice. In the end, you are responsible for that calling. Don’t ignore the desire to be free to choose. Follow that desire.

Dr. Lifton recently gave an interview to Dr. Steven Hassan. Take time to listen. Lifton’s comments on the present conditions are revealing and worth your time.

Follow this blog on Twitter- @religiouscults
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/johnhuddleauthor

Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog. Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Jane told me and Josh confirmed it.

Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

Look on the right side of any post for the option to subscribe by email for notifications or RSS feeds notifying of new postings. It is a great feature. Also, find more posts by selecting “Categories”.

Guest posts reflect the opinions of the writers. Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of John Huddle or any other persons affiliated with this blog.

Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, for posts written by John Huddle, any information about WOFF is from his memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be.

Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted.

(Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 681.

Recently, I received the following information about a new and timely International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) presentation. Over the years, many survivors have voiced questions about what options they have in relation to their previous group. This presentation is a resource for answers to those questions. DO NOT MISS this opportunity!

Phil Elberg, Esq. has experience that is a valuable resource for survivors of controlling groups. I am excited to hear his story and draw from his wealth of knowledge.

Please, don’t pass up this opportunity. You can view from the privacy of your home. It is FREE! There is no requirement to donate. If you are able, please, consider a donation to support this educational project.

Webinar: Let’s Talk About Cults and the Law

Saturday, November 7th, 12PM US EST – Free ICSA Online Zoom Webinar (Donation requested but not required)

Registration now open, click HERE to register! The webinar will fill up quickly, so register soon!

Hour 1: Stimulus Presentation by Phil Elberg, Esq. “Cults and the Law: A Practical Guide”

Hour 2: Interactive Roundtable Discussion with Phil Elberg, Esq., William Goldberg, LCSW, PsyA, Patrick Ryan, and Joseph Kelly. Moderated by Ashlen Hilliard, ICSA

A year ago, Phil Elberg, former president of ICSA and winner of the first Margaret Singer Award for Advancing the Understanding of Coercive Influence spoke at a meeting of ICSA’s New York Chapter. For the first time in a public forum Phil told the story of how while looking into a case in his law office against the leader of a drug rehabilitation program, he made the cultic connection to his sister’s involvement with an abusive cult leader, and how making that connection led to his success in exposing the cultic nature of Kids and Straight, Inc. Phil’s fascinating and moving talk included a discussion of his advocacy work in the troubled teen industry and other cultic groups, including NXIVM, and focused from the perspective of a practicing lawyer what “cult law” is and is not. It concluded with a discussion of the legal issues that people concerned about cults focus on.

1. Keeping a family member from joining a toxic group;
2. Getting them out if they are in;
3. Once they are in preventing a loved one from turning over financial assets
4. Attempting to speak out about a cultic group (particularly on the internet) after leaving as part of the healing process and with the goal of helping others;
5. Suing the group or its leaders for economic and emotional damages arising from cult involvement;
6. Dealing with family court issues of custody and visitation when one parent remains and one leaves;
7. Using proof of brainwashing to excuse criminal conduct, mitigate a criminal penalty or convince prosecutors to pursue a prosecution of a group or its leader.

ICSA has decided to make Phil’s talk available on the internet as a stimulus presentation and to then provide an interactive discussion with Phil Elberg, Bill Goldberg. Pat Ryan, and Joseph Kelly moderated by Ashlen Hilliard in which legal and related issues associated with these topics can be discussed.

Register for this webinar now, while tickets are available. 

Follow this blog on Twitter- @religiouscults
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/johnhuddleauthor

Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog. Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Jane told me and Josh confirmed it.

Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

Look on the right side of any post for the option to subscribe by email for notifications or RSS feeds notifying of new postings. It is a great feature. Also, find more posts by selecting “Categories”.

Guest posts reflect the opinions of the writers. Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of John Huddle or any other persons affiliated with this blog.

Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, for posts written by John Huddle, any information about WOFF is from his memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be.

Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted.

(Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 681.

See registration details – HERE

We all do it. We all have the ongoing inner narrative which continually voices to the audience of one- you. Okay, some will not readily share the ongoing narrative which rolls continually on the inside of them, they have filters. Filters can be good at times. For now, let’s just admit the fact that we all experience self-talk.

Are you aware of the continual thread of self-talk which is in you? Do you realize the power of your self-talk to not only interpret, but mold your reality? I did not realize how important it was until recently. Oh, I have known about positive thinking and read books in the past about the power of being positive. But, does that really matter? Apparently it does.

In an article by the Mayo Clinic under the heading of Stress Management; “Positive thinking: Stop negative self-talk to reduce stress”- “Is your glass half-empty or half-full? How you answer this age-old question about positive thinking may reflect your outlook on life, your attitude toward yourself, and whether you’re optimistic or pessimistic — and it may even affect your health.”

Before the Negative Naysayers get in an uproar, the article continues, “Positive thinking doesn’t mean that you keep your head in the sand and ignore life’s less pleasant situations. Positive thinking just means that you approach unpleasantness in a more positive and productive way. You think the best is going to happen, not the worst.”

This is why I was prompted to share this article on this blog. Those still in the clutches of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) and those who have recently exited need the understanding of the power of controlling the narrative of self-talk which is in them.

I believe the practices of WOFF take away control of the self-talk of its members by using guilt, shame, public rebuke, segregation, threats of sickness and disease and eternal damnation to stymy and neuter the individual’s use their self-talk in positive ways. The benefits of self-talk listed in this article do not exist when you allow others to take control of your inner voice.

John, how could someone give up control of something inside of them? I know it is hard to fathom, but do you know what influences your inner dialogue? Have you ever considered what is driving your self-talk? Are you prone to be positive or negative- why? How has your upbringing and environment fashioned your disposition?

From the resource article:

“Self-talk is the endless stream of unspoken thoughts that run through your head. These automatic thoughts can be positive or negative. Some of your self-talk comes from logic and reason. Other self-talk may arise from misconceptions that you create because of lack of information.”

How many misconceptions from a lack of information influence the self-talk in you? Inside WOFF, information about the group and the outside world is filtered for the regular members. They have no unfettered access to newspapers, television, Internet, radio and other news sources.

I have doubts many of them read any of the Associated Press articles (2017) about WOFF in full and without a “guard.” Free access to information is a price paid for membership in WOFF. So, consequently the inner narrative of members is based on incomplete information. This affects the decisions they made every day.

The warnings of “one thought taking you over and driving you out of the will of God,” (away from the control of WOFF), cause members to distrust, discount and “hate” the continual river of thoughts and self-talk which may cause them to “go to hell” if they listen to it. The fears of losing what is counted as valuable inside of WOFF causes the internal struggle to tell yourself you deserved the rebuke, you deserved the discipline, after all look how wicked you are.

Many WOFF members stay because they have lost confidence in their inner voice.My experience while in WOFF was to discount and distrust the doubts raised by inner reflection.

For those who have grown up inside WOFF, they may have never believed they had a right to control the voice on the inside of them. Breaking free means taking charge of your inner voice and believing you have the right to choose.

Health benefits listed in our resource article:

“Researchers continue to explore the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health. Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include:
• Increased life span
• Lower rates of depression
• Lower levels of distress
• Greater resistance to the common cold
• Better psychological and physical well-being
• Better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
• Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress
It’s unclear why people who engage in positive thinking experience these health benefits. One theory is that having a positive outlook enables you to cope better with stressful situations, which reduces the harmful health effects of stress on your body.”

Who doesn’t want to live healthier? Who wants to stay negative all the time? Do we truly realize the importance of knowing how to control the self-talk which is in us?

When self-talk says “I can’t leave WOFF.” The answer should be – why not? Others leave and overcome the struggles of finding their way. There are resources and people willing to help you gain control of your inner narrative and find life outside the place which robs you of your freedoms- even to talk to yourself.

I have purposed to be more positive in life’s situations. When I am trying to turn out into traffic and the wait seems unbearable, I tell myself there is not a pile of other folks who NEVER were able to turn left out of this parking lot. Eventually, everyone has turned out of here, just wait a little longer.

Earlier this week (2017) I had a flat tire. This could have been a downer. But, in reality, it might have been worse. I ran over something on the Interstate and soon the indicator light came on to check the tire pressure. I took my exit and drove to the gas station up to the air pump. As I got out of my car, I looked at the right rear tire. It was low, then right before my eyes; it lost the rest of the air and went entirely flat! Yes, I ended up buying new tires, but it could have been much worse. The tire could have lost all pressure while I was driving 70 miles per hour.

Many things in life are a matter of perspective. Positive self-talk can help live a more enjoyable life and keep you going on top rather than submerged in the sea of negative. Will you use self-talk to live healthier and longer? Can positive self-talk boost your level of confidence and freedom to experience life to the fullest? I believe so, do you?

Follow this blog on Twitter- @religiouscults
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/johnhuddleauthor

Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog. Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Jane told me and Josh confirmed it.

Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

Look on the right side of any post for the option to subscribe by email for notifications or RSS feeds notifying of new postings. It is a great feature. Also, find more posts by selecting “Categories”.

Guest posts reflect the opinions of the writers. Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of John Huddle or any other persons affiliated with this blog.

Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, for posts written by John Huddle, any information about WOFF is from his memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be.

Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted.

(Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 680.

So, yes. This question is a big one.

A few months ago, while reading somewhere about a related question, I was introduced to the “learned helplessness” concept. On its surface, I felt it offered some explanation as to why adults with above average intelligence added to other “normal” aspects of their lives- continue to live in the WOFF closed subculture. For that matter, why do adults of any age or level of engagement in any control group stay in that group? This concept offered me some answers at the time.

In brief, the “learned helplessness” concept came from the work of two researchers. The following comes from “Psychology Today.”

“The term (learned helplessness) was coined in 1967 by the American psychologists Martin Seligman and Steven Maier. The pair was conducting research on animal behavior that involved delivering electric shocks to dogs. Dogs who learned that they couldn’t escape the shock stopped trying in subsequent experiments, even when it became possible to avoid the shock by jumping over a barrier.”

 “The phenomenon exists in many animal species as well as in people. For example, Seligman subjected study participants to loud, unpleasant noises, with a lever that would or would not stop the sounds. The group whose lever wouldn’t stop the sound in the first round stopped trying to silence the noise in the second round.”

“The experience is characterized by three main features: a passive response to trauma, not believing that trauma can be controlled, and stress.”

In my mind, the concept answered the underlying questions of not only why people remain, but what mechanisms apply to continued membership.

Remaining in WOFF depends on a member showing a “passive response to trauma”- not resisting the continuous declaration from a WOFF leader that they are totally wrong and full of sin, while at the same time believing there is nothing they could do to stop this frequent and overwhelming proclamation. As a result, they assume the safest and least stressful posture of agreement and play that role.

As the weeks slip into months and the months roll into years; their position in the hierarchy is cast. They are frozen in the sea of “learned helplessness” never thinking they are worthy of more. The weight of WOFF-life keeps them from fighting back. They stay in “their place” as a worker bee. Before too long, they lose hope that life outside of WOFF is worth pursuing. After all, if they “leave the move of God, they will die early and go to hell…”

Let me give recognition to those that discount the equitable transfer of the dynamics of animal (dog) behavior to human behavior. I understand. It is a stretch for many.

And then COVID-19 lands in the United States and for many, life during these last few weeks has played out like a bad movie from which you cannot change the channel or mute the volume. Where is my remote control? These have been some extremely stressful and trying weeks.

People begin feeling overwhelmed and knowing they are not involved in the direct answer to this trauma, they see themselves as passive bystanders whose participation is staying home, washing their hands, and wearing a mask. Their actions pale compared to the enormity of the crisis. Some feel overwhelmed and many have become stressed.

Do we exhibit “learned helplessness” and just go with the stressful flow?

That is where I found myself in the last few days.  Fighting the notion that it is pointless, what benefit is there to all this restraint? I told someone- “I feel numb inside.”

Until yesterday.

In the early morning, I searched for more information on the “learned helplessness” concept. In the results was this article, “Learned Helplessness at Fifty: Insights from Neuroscience” by Steven F. Maier and Martin E. P. Seligman

My excitement soared. This article will help me learn! With eagerness, I started reading this lengthy work filled with new words, ideas, and concepts. It took my over two hours. I stopped at some point to forward the link to a dear friend who also had questions about the application of “learned helplessness” to cult life.

The authors cited many sources of newer learning garnered after their first observations in 1967. After all, neuroscience has opened many more doors for real time observation and experimentation to test the theories of previous years.

The paper is not light reading. Several of the descriptive terms I was familiar with from other sources in the field of influence. The many resources quoted and the logical progression of thought development around the central question of “learned helplessness” was easy to follow, however, I found myself rereading certain paragraphs with new terms and concepts. This post is not intended as a full review of the resource paper.

With those notions in place, I will extract a few concepts and share my views.

“Learned helplessness, the failure to escape shock induced by uncontrollable aversive events, was discovered half a century ago. Seligman and Maier (1967) theorized that animals learned that outcomes were independent of their responses—that nothing they did mattered – and that this learning undermined trying to escape.”

My intentions are not to over generalize. What “uncontrollable aversive events” occur in WOFF? Might the continual application of ever-changing unwritten rules and the penalty for breaking these rules be seen by members as “uncontrollable aversive events”? Accounting not only for the known rules- but for the known rules and new undiscovered rules which will be imposed every week? The regular member is subject to the “shocks” of breaking unwritten and sometimes, previously unknown rules.

“The mechanism of learned helplessness is now very well-charted biologically and the original theory got it backwards. Passivity in response to shock is not learned. It is the default, unlearned response to prolonged aversive events and it is mediated by the serotonergic activity of the dorsal raphe nucleus, which in turn inhibits escape.

The “default, unlearned response to prolonged aversive events”? This is a key observation which I believe gives credence to my theory about members just accepting their place in the hierarchy. They accept the idea of their inability to “hear God” live apart from “the gift of God in Jane.”

“This passivity can be overcome by learning control, with the activity of the medial prefrontal cortex, which subserves the detection of control leading to the automatic inhibition of the dorsal raphe nucleus.”

“…learning control.”

The experiments detailing how an animal and by similarity- people learn control over the events or the prospect of future events, is intriguing. Can we control events, or can we control our response to events around us? I believe we control our response to events.

“…passive failure to learn to escape is an unlearned reaction to prolonged aversive stimulation.”

After extended negative events, our “nature” is to give-up and live as we are treated. Does this ring true? Ask any speaker who is tasked with helping turn one person or one hundred folks from negative thinking to more hopeful and positive thinking. It is not easy.

The main body of the paper outlines several experiments, theories and findings involving the detection of escapable negative experiences and inescapable negative experiences. The neural pathways transmitting biochemicals to react one way or another are explained. I found it fascinating, however, I don’t feel comfortable enough to extract lengthy passages for comment.

The details showing how different parts of the brain work and where we learn what situations are within our ability to escape (avoid long term consequences) or not avoid (suffer long term passivity and/or depression) were amazing. While explaining knowledge that was supported by data, the authors also pointed out where more research was needed.

Included in this paper is a discussion of different therapies to treat depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The approach of each type of therapy is compared to the new knowledge and unconfirmed theories and how improvements may occur.

One main point of the paper was the newest understanding how the brain determines which events are controllable (for positive outcomes) and uncontrollable (suffer negative outcomes and defense responses). The length of this effect and whether the “knowledge” would transfer to other similar situations. This was the authors way to explain “hope.”

“In conclusion, the neural circuitry underlying the phenomenon of learned helplessness strongly suggests that helplessness was not learned in the original experiments. Rather passivity and heightened anxiety are the default mammalian reaction to prolonged bad events. What can be learned is cortical—that bad events will be controllable in the future. The top-down circuitry that descends from the ventromedial prefrontal cortex down to the dorsal raphe nucleus and other structures acts to inhibit this default. We are mindful that in the theory of explanatory style, “hope” consists largely in the habit of expecting that future bad events will not be permanent, global, and uncontrollable, rather they will be temporary, local and controllable (Seligman, 1991, pp. 48-49). Such expectations are likely the best natural defense against helplessness and we speculate that the ventromedial prefrontal cortex-dorsal raphe nucleus circuit may be usefully thought of as the “hope circuit.” (emphasis added)

There you have it. An explanation of “hope” and where it can be shown as active in the brain and why “hope” is vital. We “hope” for better outcomes and avoid passivity and depression. We hold on to our hope that how others see us is not the end or our final outcome. We are not “helpless” when we are hopeful! We can change.

Keep your hope alive!

Follow here: Twitter – @religiouscults #exposeWOFF, #exposeWordofFaithFellowship

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/johnhuddleauthor

YouTube- religiouscultsinfo.com

Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog. Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Jane told me and Josh confirmed it.

Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

Look on the right side of any post for the option to subscribe by email for notifications or RSS feeds notifying of new postings. It is a great feature. Also, find more posts by selecting “Categories”.

Guest posts reflect the opinions of the writers. Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of John Huddle or any other persons affiliated with this blog.

Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, for posts written by John Huddle, any information about WOFF is from his memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be.

Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation) This is post number 679.

Today, I will direct you to a choir practice all the way across the country from early March which included 60 people practicing for an upcoming performance. This was just as information about COVID-19 was beginning to circulate in Washington.

March 29, 2020- Los Angeles Times- by Richard Read – Seattle Bureau Chief- “A choir decided to go ahead with rehearsal. Now dozens of members have COVID-19 and two are dead”

“With the coronavirus quickly spreading in Washington state in early March, leaders of the Skagit Valley Chorale debated whether to go ahead with weekly rehearsal.

The virus was already killing people in the Seattle area, about an hour’s drive to the south.

But Skagit County hadn’t reported any cases, schools and businesses remained open, and prohibitions on large gatherings had yet to be announced.

On March 6, Adam Burdick, the choir’s conductor, informed the 121 members in an email that amid the “stress and strain of concerns about the virus,” practice would proceed as scheduled at Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church.”

The story goes on to say 60 members showed up and were offered hand sanitizer at the door. The members were trying to keep their distance from each other.

“After 2 ½ hours of practice they ended at 9 pm. At the time of the article, 45 were diagnosed with COVID-19 or ill with the symptoms, at least three had been hospitalized and two are dead.”

Later interviews with eight attendees revealed “nobody there was coughing or sneezing or appeared ill.”

The article outlined the World Health Organization stressing the virus is spread by “respiratory droplets,” While other research includes evidence that the virus could spread through “can be transmitted through aerosols — particles smaller than 5 micrometers that can float in the air for minutes or longer.”

The critical part which can apply to activities all the way back in North Carolina:

“One of the authors of that study, (New England Journal of Medicine) Jamie Lloyd-Smith, a UCLA infectious disease researcher, said it’s possible that the forceful breathing action of singing dispersed viral particles in the church room that were widely inhaled.

“One could imagine that really trying to project your voice would also project more droplets and aerosols,” he said. (emphasis added)

“With three-quarters of the choir members testing positive for the virus or showing symptoms of infection, the outbreak would be considered a “super-spreading event,” he said.”

The article goes on the warn about attending public events and sharing how quickly several of the choir members started showing symptoms.

What is the point? The concerns for the safety of our friends and loved ones inside WOFF is not about permanently taking away their freedom of religion or protected religious practices.

However, considering the very high transmission rate among the small choir that can’t project their voices as loud as WOFF members; would it be unreasonable to expect for the health and safety of all members that you temporarily discontinue gatherings above the State mandated number which include the practices of loud prayer and singing?  

Does the adage apply here- “better safe than sorry”? Will we learn from the mistakes of others?

Yes, for some, it may be too late. Will you consider starting today?

This is good information for any church considering the options for meetings or celebrations this weekend.

Follow here: Twitter – @religiouscults #exposeWOFF, #exposeWordofFaithFellowship

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/johnhuddleauthor

YouTube- religiouscultsinfo.com

Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog. Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Jane told me and Josh confirmed it.

Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

Look on the right side of any post for the option to subscribe by email for notifications or RSS feeds notifying of new postings. It is a great feature. Also, find more posts by selecting “Categories”.

Guest posts reflect the opinions of the writers. Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of John Huddle or any other persons affiliated with this blog.

Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, for posts written by John Huddle, any information about WOFF is from his memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be.

Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation) This is post number 678.

 At 8:18AM, I looked at my phone and realized today was a Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) radio program. Contrary to my custom, I prepared to listen.

I joined the live stream video just before 8:30AM. Jim Bishop processed a few short announcements. The WOFF technician prepared the table by setting up the microphone. Jim Bishop wiped the microphone and table with a disinfectant. He left the booth and Larry King, Jr. entered dressed in a suit and tie. You could see the exchange as polite. Jim reentered, started the prerecorded intro and left the booth. A COVID-19 requirement since it is too small for proper social distancing.

Larry King, Jr is a long-time member of WOFF. He came in before I started, after leaving a college baseball career. He spent time in Brooke Covington’s home while working meager hourly jobs and attending the WOFF Bible school. He is married with two children and a stepson who is not in WOFF any longer.

While I attended WOFF, Larry would speak and share scriptures on occasion. His parents were in WOFF and so was his cousin, Trina Elliot. Trina was raised as his sister. His father and mother retired from the local school systems. All are apparent true believers.

As he introduced his message, I noticed he was stammering and not appearing to “flow” in the scriptures. He touched on some basic themes as praising President Trump for pointing out “FAKE NEWS” and exhorting us to realize that no matter what we see or hear; it is not always how it looks at first glance. He said we are to practice “vetting our sources.”

As he began, he started coughing and taking sips of water. He blamed this on “strong pollen.” I began to wonder. Could he positive for COVID-19? Anyone would wonder that during these days we live in.

He tried to continue, and several times stopped to cough and drink water.

Of course, somewhere in this dissertation about “Judgement, he warned of the social media “gossip” blowing up with no “truth.”

It was obvious he was struggling to present a cohesive message. This was not like I remember him. He seemed nervous and uncomfortable.

Once he was finished, I began my work for the day. All the while still bothered by Larry’s struggles.

Then, shortly after 9:00AM, my phone begins to blow up with information about a WOFF member dying last night of COVID-19. I did not know him. He apparently was there in the 90’s, left and returned.

For a short while, my phone was quiet. Suddenly a flood of text messages with counts and names of more WOFF member’s in ICU or struggling with COVID-19. One more is (possibly) on a ventilator.

One member reportedly struggling with COVID-19 – is someone close to him. Could this have been why he was so disjointed? Did he tell Jim Bishop of the WOFF member dying last night? If not, why not? That would be common courtesy to let Jim decide if the show needed to be delayed. Was he told not to tell and that made him anxious?

This is all very sad. True, Larry could have a battle with “strong pollen.” Has he inquired about being tested? Why promote him to be on the radio if he has symptoms which could be confused with the Coronavirus?

There is no way for me to know the level of angst and fear rolling over WOFF members. For faithful members, there is a spiritual kinship that gives you the feeling of unity. The foundation is continued belief in the spoken and unspoken required beliefs. My sources are different in origin and there is more which I don’t have confidence in sharing.

The consequences of ignoring government guidelines may become too difficult to manage. If/when that happens, I hope that reach out for help – sooner rather than later. As our President said, these will be some rough days ahead. He made no exclusions.

Follow here: Twitter – @religiouscults #exposeWOFF, #exposeWordofFaithFellowship

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/johnhuddleauthor

YouTube- religiouscultsinfo.com

Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog. Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Jane told me and Josh confirmed it.

Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

Look on the right side of any post for the option to subscribe by email for notifications or RSS feeds notifying of new postings. It is a great feature. Also, find more posts by selecting “Categories”.

Guest posts reflect the opinions of the writers. Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of John Huddle or any other persons affiliated with this blog.

Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, for posts written by John Huddle, any information about WOFF is from his memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be.

Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation) This is post number 677.