We have often struggled as Warren Jeffs and his followers have defined our religion. We abhor abuse of any kind, are against force and disagree with marriages under the age of 18. As much damage as their leader has caused us in publicity, the damage wrought upon the communities of once devout and sincere people is incalculable.
These people have been subjected to immense hardship for several years. Not only is the leader they put trust into imprisoned for sexual abuse, their UEP Trust, which contains most of their homes and businesses, has been seized by the state. They have endured state and federal raids. Families have been broken up and many are homeless. Women and children have been displaced. Businesses and livelihoods have been destroyed. Several factions are in conflict. Most news from the community is at best distressing.
While our family is not involved with the details of the religious, political or legal controversies to directly know the best solution, we do understand the human toll is immeasurable and seems to be worsening. Some of us have loved ones and distant relatives in the twin towns and would like to offer more assistance. We feel helpless but on this day, we ask for help knowing that only our Heavenly Father can provide needed comfort and strength and heal the wounds of the last several years. In this holiday season, let us unite our prayers in behalf of these brothers and sisters on Sunday, December 23, 2012.
Similarly, we have been touched by the recent tragedy in Connecticut regarding the many children who were killed, injured and otherwise traumatized by what seems to be unexplained violence and evil. Many have sought the occasion to politicize and pontificate on what can be done to stop such harm. Such a discussion is worth public debate. As a public we tend to want easy and quick solutions to complex problems. Like those in FLDS we do know there are innocent victims who are in need of love, support and assistance. Our prayers this Sunday, December 23, 2012 also go out to these people that healing will mend broken hearts, that children will laugh, play and learn again, and that forgiveness and love will reign in the hearts of the children of mankind.
It is in our faith to take the food, or money for such, we would have spent while fasting and give it to those in need. We invite you to only open your hearts but means in reaching out to these two suffering communities.
I wanted to write down a few thoughts and questions (more ethical, philosophical than legal) I have on the FLDS (not polygamy in general, only about the FLDS in its present form), but I wanted to ask you first whether you’d consider that inappropriate in this space.
The papers must be twisting it differently, because I read here in Dallas that UEP Trust was just being held because they couldn’t find anyone to take it over. When they ask people to come in for discussions, they don’t show? I hope this gets cleared up quickly. It just seems like another heart ache that needs to be fixed ASAP>
Is there a specific charity that ministers to this community that you support and that others can contribute to?
Warren Jeffs, some Arab men and many others do much harm to the doctrine of polygamy. They do very bad things and because of them the media show only a bad side of polygamy. People see only a dark side and think that polygamy could do only harm and cause only pain.
There are also many religious communities and denomination who do the similar harm to the religion as a whole. People see some radical, irrational and evil works of those people and start to abhor religion because of them.
I was wondering if this will help with pain and swelling? My knees are really bad due to my very abusive ex husband. He felt the need to use me as his personal punching bag and to show off his kick boxing skills. I was beat everyday for years. in 2004 I was aable to get away and got divorced but the damage was done.
I never knew that love like your family has existed and that men don’t hit and call the women they say they love horrid names. The next relationship I ended up in was much the same. Hitting, name calling and starving. I have now been single for over 2years.
Anyways I’ll try anything if it will work. God bless you for being a real man and treating your family with love and respect!
My heart and prayers go out to those in the flds same that are in such hard times. Also to the children and families of the shooting. I don’t believe that changing gun laws ar going to stop evil like this from happening again.