Even today, as a grown woman, I
feel like a lightning bolt will come through the ceiling and strike me
for writing one of the "stories" from my WCG childhood. This
story is special to me, probably because it is actually my earliest
memory.
It was 1973 in Jekyll Island, Florida at "the feast" so I
couldn't have been any older than 2 years old. By the way, I remember my
mother holding my arm, so I doubt I had been walking long, at least not
well! Apparently I had been crying or misbehaving in the services (which
were held in miserable heat under a big canopy tent) when I was taken
outside for disciplinary proceedings by my mother. Bear in mind the fact
that on 3 days out of the 7, we endured two services a day. Each service
ran between 2 and a half to 3 hours or more in length. Unsuccessful in quieting me
inside the service, she led me to another tent which she explained was
the "spank tent" for unruly children. In fact, it was a tent
solely designated for the spanking of children. I remember hearing what
sounded like children being tortured; crying, screaming, pleading for
mercy, smacking sounds, etc. I cannot explain how horrific a feeling
that was; my own mother taking me to a "torture chamber" for
children, condoned by "the church," put there by "the
church." Hoping that my mother and "the church" would
find it in their hearts to let me live so I would have another chance to
redeem myself as something other than "spank tent" material, I
quickly stopped crying (after quite some time in the tent) and was
allowed another shot at permissible behavior inside the service.
"Children are to be seen
and not heard" was a common phrase spoken to me and many, many
other children by parents and church leaders. I only remember dreading
those services and wondering what if I would be killed someday for being
too loud. Young children have bizarre thoughts like that. Of course,
common folks (those outside the church) often praised us kids for our
impeccable behavior! Sure we were good!!! We didn't want to go to
"the tent!" As a mother today of a 5 year old son, it is not
okay with me to spank him. I have such bad memories/feelings of the
inappropriate discipline (from my own childhood) that I probably go too
easy on my son. Either way, I'll take my chances. I would never want my
son to feel like he was only worthy of love when he was being the
perfect child. There were countless other children who endured this same
"disciplinary attitude" and I hope they have realized that
"the rod" is not as it had been misinterpreted by church
leadership. If they had any idea the pain they've caused, surely they
would be sorrrry! But maybe not.
By India - Child Survivor of WCG
(first name used with permission)
March 12, 2002
Read India's other story:
Horrible
Experiences at S.E.P.
Note by ESN: The WCG for many
years told their members to follow
The Plain Truth About Child
Rearing, a dreadful booklet written by
Garner Ted
Armstrong. (Update: GTA died of pneumonia at age 73 on 9-15-03.)
Appalled at How Children
Were Treated in WCG (covers spankings)
Articles
For Those Who Were Emotionally and Spiritually Abused
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