My freedom is a sham. (long, non-political rant)

Honey, you need to figure out a safe way to leave.
You need some money, a place to go, where no one you know will ever go and would ever think you would go. You need a phone that no one has the number for. You need a plan.

You need to not lose hope for your life. You are young. You can be and do so much.

Even if you go to a larger city and stay in a women's shelter, you can find a job, save money, find someone looking for a roommate, rebuild your credit. Then learn a trade, so you can get a better job.

Next, save money and go to a community college, transferring to a four year college. Make friends along the way who will treat you with respect. Find a way to get some counseling to learn how to set boundaries so you don't repeat the patterns in your life.

Forgive your mom and dad, but let them go. Forgive your relatives and let them go. If you don't forgive them in your heart, you will hurt inside from anger and pain.

Don't feel bad that you were duped with the bank situation, because you were young and trusting and these people were older than you and used you. They suck and don't deserve another moment of your life or your thoughts.

Think of all that the world has to explore, that life has to offer. You can do this. You can get an education, have a rewarding career, have friends, a family of your own if you want, car, home, hobbies, travel.

It may take time to get your plan in place, some money saved. Sell everything you have that you don't need to raise funds, on ebay, garage sale, whatever. If there are really no jobs in your town, then babysit, cut grass, run errands for elderly, do whatever is legal to get your savings together.

Be sure you are healthy, eat healthy, exercise, walk, jog, swim, get in the best shape so you can work two jobs if you need too when you leave that crazy town.

Go to the library and get every book you can that is inspirational, positive, about goal setting, codependency, toxic relationships, self help.

I wish you all the best.

a reply to: Miracula2

In terms of biblical reference, blasphemy has a wide use, but in this specific instance, I am talking about the fact that this charlatan preacher has been elevated to occupy a position similar to that of Jesus Christ himself, which, of course, would be akin to the creation of and worship of a golden calf, which is also a no no.

In short, the issue here is not just that the brother-in-law is a total bum, but that he has also decided to worship at the feet of a false God, probably because removing Jesus Christ from the equation entirely, makes it easier for him to justify his unjustifiable actions. If he is prone to ask "What would a charlatan preacher do?" rather than "what would Jesus do?", when deciding on how to proceed in life, then clearly he no longer worships Christ, or seeks to emulate him. Christ did not swindle people out of their money, cheat people, or treat them poorly. But regular people do this from time to time, and televangelists do it as an intrinsic part of their business model.

originally posted by: TrueBrit
a reply to: Miracula2

"what would Jesus do?",

See, I think you're asking the wrong question. Jesus didn't party or have sex.

Satan does. Satan's more fun.

Therefore we should ask, humbly and with reverence.

What Would Satan Do?

a reply to: Miracula2

Satan would be doing what her brother-in-law is doing. That sort of behaviour is exactly what one expects from people owned by darkness. Never mind the carousing and merrymaking, its the callousness of his actions that show him up for what he is.

a reply to: TrueBrit

Her brother in law?