Agree! So much on TH-cam is highly scripted (nothing wrong with that), I find it really refreshing to get to see your genuineness and humor! Thank you!
Laura if you want to say 'Um' - just say it. Viewers can make such ridiculous remarks on Utubers videos. Just ignore it. You are naturally charming and I simply love and look forward to your videos. To me the Bruderhof seems a very down to earth way of living. If folk are happy to live in that community let it be. Bless you Laura and all the people in your Bruderhof community. Much love to you all there from Switzerland.
Also, thank you for sharing your story about visiting your great-aunt's grave, and the moment of clarity you had there. That's a very personal story and I felt privileged listening to it.
Laura, I admire you for your candid, bubbly, kind and respectful way of answering people's pointed questions and sharing your community with the world! Thank you🙏
I have been enjoying your videos. I live in Oregon, but I used to live in New Paltz NY. I attended the vocational nursing program in Ulster county, back in 1993-'94 with a young woman from the Bruderhof. I am not religious, and I was still invited and welcomed, as were all of the students in my program. It was really fun see the Woodcrest site. I loved it there. I was so attracted to how the community functions, and works. I loved that everyone was included and had a part in helping the community function. I am also a preschool teacher, and so live my everyday life here in Oregon with the wonderful classroom furniture the Bruderhof produces. I also don't even notice your umm's, so don't even worry about it.
When I hear people say "uhm" for me it means they are thinking about what they want to say. They sound more thoughtful than people just blurting out things.
Hi there Laura, I love hearing you talk about your life, your family, and the way you live. Huge congratulations on your beautiful children btw! Stay safe and well xx
It is funny because I never noticed that you said "um" a lot until you mentioned it. I always just enjoy what you have to say, especially about religion. I learn a lot from you.
You are such an inspiring and heartwarming person even though I don’t know you I feel really touched by your words and laughs. Please don’t (ever) stop sharing your life inside the Bruderhof it’s so exciting!
Laura, don’t apologise for your “um”,you are doing God’s work,speaking into lives of others.That is a calling in it’s self, it is fascinating to here you speak of your community, a big “thank you”.
Dear Laura, in Dutch we have a word for the joy and love for life you share in your video's: "levensvreugde". Thank you for being you, and sharing that with the world. ❤
I.never noticed the "uns" and quite frankly they are usually followed by the best laugh so do not change who you are for critics. That is what makes us watch your channel. It is raw and real, not over edited.
I am a teacher about to go back into the classroom.i am over 60 and very high risk, so even though my school is doing what they can, I am scared. I appreciate your videos for the calmness that they convey.
I am also working in a school. I was very scared going back in September. Now I have started to get used to the new normal. Try not to get too close to the students physically. Wear a visor if you can. Pray a lot and remember that this is where God wants us and we have the chance to change lives how many people can say that about their job.
I can’t wait to come to America and meet you one day Laura! You are a true shining spirit of God xoxox Such an inspiring woman of spirituality you are😃
That's a really good point about evangelism in your own household. My parents are Christians and my mom has done a lot in her religious community. But at home there was a lot of abuse which was justified by reference to Christian teachings (marriage is a lifelong commitment, husband is the head of the wife, honor your father and your mother). Personally it's made it very hard for me to have faith or to trust religious teachers. I wish your thoughtful perspective was more common amongst believing folk.
I love your explanation of your community. so many religious communities are not fair to women, but the Bruderhof seems different. I love that the men help serve dinner.
This might be too personal to ask, but I was wondering if contraception is allowed in the Brudehof? I mean no disrespect or offence. God bless you and thank you for your videos x
@@hopewelch3307 Yes and i'm also curious about how sex education is taught in the Bruderhof. In some parts of America in public schools there's the issue of abstinence only being taught as the sole sex ed and so people don't learn useful information about their bodies and some become pregnant accidentally. Even when abstinence until marriage is taught to be a good thing i still would think sex education is necessary for when they do have sex and because we're only human for the people who don't choose abstinence.
I have seen this asked a few times I don't think she's going to answer it maybe it's not something she feels comfortable talking about which is fair enough. I don't think it's something I would feel comfortable talking about either
Shelley J idk where or when you went to public school in the USA, but I’m from Mass and I graduated high school around a year and half ago. But during my time in public schools I definitely received decent sexual education. The only place they were definitely missed the mark, was that they didn’t teach sexual education for LGBTQ+ people
Your grandfather sounds like my uncle! He has a real talent for keeping contact with people, it's a quality I really admire 😊 really enjoying these videos and learning about your community!
Oh Laura you are a good soul ,you have a great personality,don’t give up! Love you ,you are so funny and respect your beliefs.As long as we believe .🌹🌹🌹🍀🍀🍀🙏🙏🙏
Love your comment about following the faith of your family. Formation through the family is the cornerstone of Christianity! I did convert because my parents are not practicing Christians but my primary dream is to see my kids follow the truth. Knowing the Lord is not brainwashing!
I was pleased by your reference to the burial ground on your trip to Primavera in Paraguay as having been influential in your decision to commit to the Bruderhof. A couple of years ago I read Emmy Barth's "No Lasting Home" and, more recently "Water at the Roots" about Philip Britts. I've come to love both those books and especially Philip's poetry and teachings. They both illustrate just how seriously committed those earlier members were to loving Jesus and the work to which they had been set. Their graves remain as testament to this. (There really should be a short film produced about Primavera, with perhaps some of Philip's poems worked into it!) It may have been in a fairly recent issue of Plough that I found an article mentioning those graves with an accompanying photo. I found it particularly moving and am glad you were able to personally visit the site. God certainly knows how and when to influence us. Thank you for answering His call. -Mike D
I never noticed you said "um" until you pointed it out....lol. Go ahead and say it, how difficult it would be to not say it and not just be yourself. I loved how you laughed when you caught yourself saying it....lol. I love your channel.
don't be self conscious about saying 'um' or anything else - all of us have quirks of speech - I realise when I am editing my videos that I say 'however' all the time! I think its hilarious - the more you try to correct it - the more self conscious you can be - so just know that people come back because they like what you're saying, not how you're saying it. xxx
very interesting analysis about contemporary evangelicals seeking to convert strangers but potentially creating distance with people in their own homes
We all have a lot to learn from your life which makes you happy and very sensible, when I was a child I had very little but material things do not make you happy.
Ahh, the verbal pauses! Uhm is universal and not nearly as abrasive as "like" or "Ya know" Years ago I was selling real estate in Oregon and had the awful habit of saying "ya know" until an elderly man, upon hearing me say it for the umpteenth time responded, "No, I don't know!". Gulp. That started me on the life-long journey of breaking that bad habit and others. It took a effort but I did it. Yesterday I stumbled upon the Bruderhof documentary and have since watched many of your videos and others. Thank you so much for your faithfulness and candid remarks about your life and life in the Bruderhof community. All have been inspiring, uplifting and educational! I'm curious about the communities food dependency/source. Do you grow your own veggies/meat etc. or do your industries provide enough income to purchase all you need? Thanks again for your videos! David
Hi Laura, thanks for all your inspiring and interesting videos. You are always so light and happy, and it always puts a smile on my face when I watch. I have a question about diet - Are there any vegetarians in the Bruderhof communities, and if someone joined who wanted to maintain a vegetarian, or vegan diet, would it be possible for them to do so, and would it create any difficulties, thanks, Clive
I’d call myself agnostic more than anything but I love your videos you’ve done such an amazing job at showing people what the bruderhof means to the community and how misrepresented religion of any kind can be in the media You’ve definitely opened my eyes to religious people not necessarily hiding away from the outside world like most people think!
Your brilliant I love your way of living and think there is so much to learn from you and would like to learn more as I think there are so many benefits I'm not from a religious background but I do believe in God although there is much that I question I must say I do take an interest in fashion and all kinds of music and like to go out for an alcoholic drink sometimes at weekends how do you feel about those kind of things Laura ? You have a lovely family and you all seem content and at peace xx
I love music and I like a glass of wine from time to time. As you can see the fashion of my clothes is pretty basic but I do love beauty. Thank you for watching Cathy.
I like the ums! Your voice is very relaxing. Does the Bruderhof have any unique children’s tales? I bet everyone would love some Bruderhof bedtime story videos.
There is a wonderful story called "The Dragon and the Coffee Pot" which most of us here grew up with, about a little girl who walks past a dragon's lair and has to call on her guardian angel to protect her, and when she stops being afraid the dragon gets as small as a dachshund and they heat up coffee on its nose.
@@LaurafromtheBruderhof It's blasphemy against God to call upon angels to protect you. We call upon Jesus Christ to protect us, and He can send an angel on guard. Angels are very happy to oblige and protect us, but they don't have any authority unless an order is given to them.
We all use ums (thinking ums I call them) and it gives us that extra time to sort/organize our thoughts before speaking...you are so genuine and the laughter is a gift from God for sure! Did you guys have feelings of sadness because you couldn't participate in your tradition of eating and meeting with each other during covid? Also, an off topic question...what would happen if say for example your livelihood, ie. Play things business etc closed down for some reason...how would you guys be able to support the bruderhof financially and keep your community intact?
Yes it's sad not to be able to get together like we used to but better times are coming! To your other questions if our businesses got into trouble we'd just band together and figure something else out. That's the great part of belonging to a community of people like this.
@@LaurafromtheBruderhof yes you are right...when you are all in it together, you have strength in numbers...something would work out...don't forget to be careful with the responding and not burn yourself out, lol, I sound like mother hen sorry but sometimes we head toward burnout without realizing it is happening
Ummm... you are so cute! And, you don’t say um too much. You say it just the right amount of times. You do you! You are so clever and watching your videos makes me happy!
The Lord used the example of the bridegroom and church as the bride, to take a vow , would be to be a bride, just as in earthly marriage between a woman and man . Your vids are always great!!! And you have a wonderful, positive, joyful personality, which shows you're very happy in your life !! 🤗🥀🎆❇️🏵️
Hey Laura, I've been enjoying your videos and learning more about your community. I want to know what the Bruderhof usually eat or if you have a special diet? Do you have any favourite family recipes? or anything that people outside of the community might not usually eat? Thanks :)
I'm enjoying finding out about life in the Bruderhof community :-) I was wondering with the upcoming American elections if you or your community got involved in campaigning, and when you vote do you decide that as individuals or as a community?
Hello, Laura. I love your videos, and I hope you make many more. I have a question about the vows. I looked them up and here (www.bruderhof.com/en/our-faith/foundations/church-order/our-vows), I saw #40.5 or however you write that (5. Because a living church will always be a repenting church, do you affirm and uphold the practice of church discipline, and will you be ready to ask for it yourself if necessary?). Can you explain what discipline inside the Bruderhof looks like, and for what infractions? Thank you and God bless!
Hi Andrea. There's an explanation of church discipline and forgiveness in Foundations www.bruderhof.com/en/our-faith/foundations/church-actions/church-discipline-and-forgiveness which explains that. Let me know if you have more questions about it! Best Laura
Hi Laura, I'm an atheist with no intention of converting to any faith, but I have watched so many of your videos because I find it interesting to hear from a woman living in this community. I do however strongly disagree with you when you say that children "convert" to this faith of their own volition. Christianity spread through indoctrination and conversion, but children at a very young age - their brains are not fully developed yet and are therefore not able to form their own opinions and understanding of the world and complex themes surrounding faith and religion, independent from their parents and the environment in which they are raised. Children are thereby INDOCTRINATED to a faith, and do not "convert". Adults convert, children do not, as they are mentally incapable of doing so at a very young age. (Maybe a mature teenage at age 17 or so can. But a child of 3 or 6 cannot convert.) This is how religion spreads in most areas of the world - if you were born in India, you would most likely be Hindu, if you were born in Saudi Arabia you'd likely be Muslim, and if you're born into the Bruderhof community, you would most likely grow up with and be indoctrinated with that system of beliefs, the way of life, etc. I think it is very important to recognise this difference. Children rarely have a choice in the religion they follow, and very few kids break away from the faith that is passed on to them by their parents. This is where I personally have an issue with all religions, because children are indoctrinated from birth and are rarely given a choice or are exposed to different opinions, or even allowed to question theism and religion all together.
The age of accountability before God is 8, meaning a soul is ageless and standing before God is judged already at that age. 10 year olds murdered sadistically James Bulger in the 90s. A girl at 13 can be married and cheat on her husband. If she died she would go 2 hell if unrepented. If you get your period u can be a mother. How can a child bear a child? Where is the logic? Mary bore Christ at 15. You must get the difference between religion which is vain traditions of men and satanism, and the gospel of Jesus Christ who is the absolute truth. Children of true Christians are blessed, while children of unbelievers are cursed. That doesn't mean they can not come to faith, but the choices of their fathers play a big part as a father can either bless or curse his future generations. Is all in the blood - line, and only a father shares the blood with his children. Mother only bears the children. No blood connection. Demons travel via the blood that is wht men must be in good control if their wifes and must walk in integrity if they want their children to be blessed and saved.
Atheism is of Satan. It is self - worship; worship of one's mind that basically doesn't work properly due to obstruction of Satan. (His legal rights to you/family due to rebellion against God/love for sin). To see God the creator in our surrounding you must have eyes that see and a brain that works! You don't have that due to generational curses and your own choices that also play a part, obviously. In the Bible it is written that it is a grave sin to call someone a fool = idiot. But it is ok to call an atheits that as God sais: "A fool had said in his ♥️there is no God!
To a proffesional who has educated himself into imbecility? I don't think so. Christ already has said we will be hated and ridiculed. You have been warned lady. Hell is forever! Love is conditional!
Hi Julia thanks for your thoughtful response. I think you're mistaken that children don't have a choice in the religion they follow. Growing into adulthood is all about making choices. Plenty of children who grow up on the Bruderhof leave and do other things (e.g.www.bruderhof.com/en/reaching-out/different-paths). Same for the other religious traditions you mention. For me seeing the example of my parents who showed with their lives that following Jesus means renouncing private property and trying to follow his example of self-sacrifice and service was convincing. But my experience of conversion was something distinct from that and completely personal.
I have a few questions: 1. How does immigration work when moving people to other communities in other countries? 2. Did you have to ask permission to make videos? If so, who? Do they have to vet your content before it's posted? Love these videos! Always so interesting 🙂
Hi Jackie - it depends on an individual's immigration status where they can move (just like anyone else!), but we also do like to visit between communities when possible. No I don't vet the content of the videos with anyone.
@@LaurafromtheBruderhof thanks for the response! Love your videos :) my husband is from the UK and I am from Canada and we jumped through so many hoops to be in the same place, so I'm always so curious how other people travel and move countries too :)
No we don't take vacations per se but we'll sometimes get a few days off with our family like for camping or what have you. Thanks so much for watching!
Laura, can I ask you how is the communal kitchen an important part of the community functioning in Covid-19 times. Langar - the Sikh tradition of a communal kitchen has often switched to preparing meals for those working in essential services and for the homeless.
@@johncrwarner We collect the food and eat at home - we're all looking forward to the day when we can eat together again. During the summer we did manage some socially-distanced communal picnics.
Do the women of the Bruderhof get a maternity leave after having a baby? If so, how long is it before they go back to work? What if a mom wants so stay home with her children? Or do all women have to work?
Yes. The maternity leave is six weeks, but then we get time to feed our baby several times a day after that, so it actually works really well. All the women here are part of the work force.
I'm sorry I don't understand what vows, I know nuns take vows, and priests take valve to the Catholic Church. But I did not know that you take the house can you please tell me what they are thank you. Blessings to you and yours.
Have you talked before about pets and animals.... dogs...cats..horses? I am somewhat new, I've loved looking through even your older videos. I do use YT as background a lot during my daily activities and don't always pay attention since I'm a busy Mom going about my day, I am sure I miss a lot. I don't spend much time paying a ton of attention to videos I'm always busy doing projects while I'm watching or listening. Also, I find it funny when people are insulted a bit for saying "umm" or even for saying "like" too much, I am guilty too, no worries.
Yes, families here have pets - dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs. There is also a community barn where there are a couple cows, horses, goats, sheep etc - this is to give children a chance to learn to care for animals.
I was wondering what might be the challenges of this kind of community life ? We have learnt a lot of good stuff, which I all believe, no problem. Laura is a delightful envoy to her community. But - life is what it is. Not sheer happiness all the time.
You're right there are definitely challenges - if people are living together there will be differences of opinion, or people just have a bad day, or someone has a serious illness. We do our best to work through stuff by talking directly if we have a problem with something (not easy to do always!) and also accept that life won't always be perfect.
I'm new to your channel. You may have touched on this before, but you sound like you have a bit of an accent. I love it! You're from the States, correct?
A lot of people say this! I've lived in the US most of my life but there are people in the community from all over the world so I guess a bit of that has rubbed off on me. I did spend a year in England after high school.
How does someone who never lived in the Bruderhof go about discovering if they would like to take the vow? Are they allowed to live there, work there, join in worship and be part of the community so they can see what it is really like so they can make a decision one way or the other?
Yes, just like you describe. If you're interested in finding out more you can email contact@bruderhof.com and someone will get in touch with you. People are also welcome to visit for a shorter or longer time if they are just interested to learn more.
Things are a little different now because of COVID of course, but usually we have a short worship service once a day, and members' meetings a couple times a week in the evening, and of course a worship service on Sunday. The Sunday service is forty minutes to an hour.
Hi Laura, Hey, I was just wondering.... have you guys heard of the Christian program called "The Chosen"? It is, hands down, the best visual Gospel presentation I have ever seen! They are telling the story of the Gospel of Christ in a 7 or 8 season show, each season being 8 or more episodes. Just wondering if you've heard of it. :) :) :)
@@LaurafromtheBruderhof Thats great! I think you and your husband and extended family would really enjoy it. It is being made completely independently and has nothing to do with Hollywood. The company making it is called Vid Angel. I don't know if you have an iPhone or a smart phone, but if you do, you can just go to your apps and download The Chosen app for free. They are giving the entire first season away for free. You can just download it and watch it on your phone or iPad or your "smart" tv if you have one. Or, if you go to TH-cam and just type in The Chosen Episode 1, something might come up. Anyway, I hope you find it and have time to enjoy it. I would love to know your thoughts on it! :) :)
You have to be 21 to be able to take vows - it's described in this book www.bruderhof.com/en/our-faith/foundations Let me know if you have any more questions.
Totally agree! Evangelism starts at home. Proverbs 22:6. It’s not brainwashing. It’s still a personal choice to accept Christ or not. Of course I pray my kids will but it’s *their* decision. All I can do is lead by example and show them why I love following Jesus. I asked the question about the pandemic too and I was surprised that you said you isolated from each other as much as you describe. Sorry if I’ve misunderstood how the community operates, but if you’re all staying within the Bruderhof for the pandemic and visitors can’t come right now, where could outside infection get in? Aren’t you somewhat “safe” within your community? My family are all overseas so there is no question of my not seeing them right now. Wish I lived closer to them so we could be together at this time. It’s definitely a blessing having so many friends and family nearby. And, for what it’s worth, say ummm all you like! 😊 We had a physics teacher at school (whom we loved) but she said ummm a lot. We used to count how many times she said it in a lesson. 😂
Who complained about the uhhms? I'ma need that address. Y'all back off with the neg comments lol. Your a light L. Look forward to every vid. Never change
Hi! I really enjoy your channel and your videos. You make great content and seem like a lovely and cheerful person! I've got two questions for you: Do you practice christening people, and do you do it when they are babies, like the catholics, or when they are fully aware and can consent to it, like the baptists? and the sencond question: what happens if somebody has already taken the vows but later decides that they want to leave the Bruderhof? Do you know of such thing ever happening? what is the responce of the community?
We are Anabaptist which means that people are baptized as adults. But we do have a blessing ceremony for babies. If someone decides to leave the Bruderhof of course they can, we do our best to part on good terms and the door is always open for people to come back. Our beliefs and way of life are described in a document called Foundations of our Faith and Calling which you might be interested in, it's online here www.bruderhof.com/en/our-faith/foundations
Hi Sue. This is described pretty well in a document called Foundations of our Faith and Calling which tells about our beliefs and way of life. www.bruderhof.com/en/our-faith/foundations/church-order/pastoral-leadership Let me know if you have any more questions.
@@mtorres4445 You should send an email to contact@bruderhof.com if you would like to be in touch with someone directly. There are single parents here. All the best and have a great weekend!
Of course! The vow of poverty means that we no longer own anything, but everyone has things that are precious and personal like a Bible, or maybe family photographs and so on.
Hey Laura, I love watching your videos and learning about the philosophies of life on the Bruderhof. I have a question about your approach to interacting with animals and the natural environment. Have you ever considered the morality of killing animals to eat? Since you seem to be interested in reducing suffering and living sustainably, I wonder if this is a concept you might enjoy considering or learning about. Thank you for showing us how to life another way! I aspire to be more like you.
Don't worry about your "uhm's", I love your voice and way of speaking!
Yes!!! Don't worry about that!!! Your voice is so calming!
Thank you!
Agree! So much on TH-cam is highly scripted (nothing wrong with that), I find it really refreshing to get to see your genuineness and humor! Thank you!
Absolutely! You share in such a lovely way. X
I agree
Laura if you want to say 'Um' - just
say it. Viewers can make such
ridiculous remarks on Utubers
videos. Just ignore it. You are
naturally charming and I simply
love and look forward to your videos.
To me the Bruderhof seems a very
down to earth way of living. If folk
are happy to live in that community
let it be. Bless you Laura and all
the people in your Bruderhof
community. Much love to you
all there from Switzerland.
So sweet to hear you laugh about the “umm”. You be you and ignore the negative commentators. Delightful vlog. Thanks for brightening my day❤️
😊 thank you
Yes, just be who you are. You are delightful.
You be you. Speak as you always have. It is nobodys business how you speak.
Also, thank you for sharing your story about visiting your great-aunt's grave, and the moment of clarity you had there. That's a very personal story and I felt privileged listening to it.
Thank you so much!
Laura, I admire you for your candid, bubbly, kind and respectful way of answering people's pointed questions and sharing your community with the world! Thank you🙏
Thank you so much!
I have been enjoying your videos. I live in Oregon, but I used to live in New Paltz NY. I attended the vocational nursing program in Ulster county, back in 1993-'94 with a young woman from the Bruderhof. I am not religious, and I was still invited and welcomed, as were all of the students in my program. It was really fun see the Woodcrest site. I loved it there. I was so attracted to how the community functions, and works. I loved that everyone was included and had a part in helping the community function. I am also a preschool teacher, and so live my everyday life here in Oregon with the wonderful classroom furniture the Bruderhof produces. I also don't even notice your umm's, so don't even worry about it.
Hi Ellie, great to hear from you! Come visit us if you're very in the area again. Laura
Hello how are you doing 😊😊😊☺️
When I hear people say "uhm" for me it means they are thinking about what they want to say. They sound more thoughtful than people just blurting out things.
You make your way of life sound amazing. I love when people are happy and content. There is too much anxiety and depression in this world.
Hi there Laura, I love hearing you talk about your life, your family, and the way you live.
Huge congratulations on your beautiful children btw!
Stay safe and well xx
Thank you so much!
It is funny because I never noticed that you said "um" a lot until you mentioned it. I always just enjoy what you have to say, especially about religion. I learn a lot from you.
Me too. I never noticed it at all until it was mentioned. Imagine someone saying she says it too much. What is wrong with people??
“Um” is a normal and natural feature of speaking extemporaneously.
You are such an inspiring and heartwarming person even though I don’t know you I feel really touched by your words and laughs. Please don’t (ever) stop sharing your life inside the Bruderhof it’s so exciting!
Thanks so much! Have a great week.
Laura, don’t apologise for your “um”,you are doing God’s work,speaking into lives of others.That is a calling in it’s self, it is fascinating to here you speak of your community, a big “thank you”.
Dear Laura, in Dutch we have a word for the joy and love for life you share in your video's: "levensvreugde". Thank you for being you, and sharing that with the world. ❤
That's a great word. Thank you!
In German, it's Lebensfreude, very similar! Good word and exactly describes your joy & love for life, seems to me.
Yay! You answered my question. Thank you! Your testimony is beautiful
I'm so glad!
I.never noticed the "uns" and quite frankly they are usually followed by the best laugh so do not change who you are for critics. That is what makes us watch your channel. It is raw and real, not over edited.
I am a teacher about to go back into the classroom.i am over 60 and very high risk, so even though my school is doing what they can, I am scared. I appreciate your videos for the calmness that they convey.
Thank you Tammie. Yes it's a challenging time but better days are coming!
I am also working in a school. I was very scared going back in September. Now I have started to get used to the new normal. Try not to get too close to the students physically. Wear a visor if you can. Pray a lot and remember that this is where God wants us and we have the chance to change lives how many people can say that about their job.
I can’t wait to come to America and meet you one day Laura! You are a true shining spirit of God xoxox Such an inspiring woman of spirituality you are😃
Thank you so much!
That's a really good point about evangelism in your own household. My parents are Christians and my mom has done a lot in her religious community. But at home there was a lot of abuse which was justified by reference to Christian teachings (marriage is a lifelong commitment, husband is the head of the wife, honor your father and your mother). Personally it's made it very hard for me to have faith or to trust religious teachers. I wish your thoughtful perspective was more common amongst believing folk.
You are a great ambassador for your community
I love your explanation of your community. so many religious communities are not fair to women, but the Bruderhof seems different. I love that the men help serve dinner.
They also do the dishes!
Love listening to you. You are smart and funny. God bless you.
This might be too personal to ask, but I was wondering if contraception is allowed in the Brudehof? I mean no disrespect or offence. God bless you and thank you for your videos x
I’m curious about this, too. What about natural family planning?
@@hopewelch3307 Yes and i'm also curious about how sex education is taught in the Bruderhof. In some parts of America in public schools there's the issue of abstinence only being taught as the sole sex ed and so people don't learn useful information about their bodies and some become pregnant accidentally. Even when abstinence until marriage is taught to be a good thing i still would think sex education is necessary for when they do have sex and because we're only human for the people who don't choose abstinence.
I also want this answered
I have seen this asked a few times I don't think she's going to answer it maybe it's not something she feels comfortable talking about which is fair enough. I don't think it's something I would feel comfortable talking about either
Shelley J idk where or when you went to public school in the USA, but I’m from Mass and I graduated high school around a year and half ago. But during my time in public schools I definitely received decent sexual education. The only place they were definitely missed the mark, was that they didn’t teach sexual education for LGBTQ+ people
Hi Laura, thank you for answering so many questions! More and more I learn! Take care! 🙏🏾
Hello Laura greetings and blessings on your community in the name of our saviour...from India blessings to you...
Thank you so much!
You seem like such a sweet person! Anyone who is your friend is very blessed :)
You are so kind
I had to rewatch you laughing at saying Um because it was so sweet 😂
Thank for another lovely video - Anna
Your grandfather sounds like my uncle! He has a real talent for keeping contact with people, it's a quality I really admire 😊 really enjoying these videos and learning about your community!
Oh Laura you are a good soul ,you have a great personality,don’t give up! Love you ,you are so funny and respect your beliefs.As long as we believe .🌹🌹🌹🍀🍀🍀🙏🙏🙏
Thank you so much!!
Love your comment about following the faith of your family. Formation through the family is the cornerstone of Christianity! I did convert because my parents are not practicing Christians but my primary dream is to see my kids follow the truth. Knowing the Lord is not brainwashing!
Thank you Lisa!
Hello Lisa.
I have been lost recently when u upload i find a happiness within that i see im missing i hope my path is full of light as are you 💞💞💞
Thank you Becky!
Becky Jones I feel the same xx
Don't worry about your 'ums', it shows you are speaking genuinely, and not scripted.
Just found your channel ! Love it! 👏
I was pleased by your reference to the burial ground on your trip to Primavera in Paraguay as having been influential in your decision to commit to the Bruderhof.
A couple of years ago I read Emmy Barth's "No Lasting Home" and, more recently "Water at the Roots" about Philip Britts. I've come to love both those books and especially Philip's poetry and teachings. They both illustrate just how seriously committed those earlier members were to loving Jesus and the work to which they had been set. Their graves remain as testament to this. (There really should be a short film produced about Primavera, with perhaps some of Philip's poems worked into it!)
It may have been in a fairly recent issue of Plough that I found an article mentioning those graves with an accompanying photo. I found it particularly moving and am glad you were able to personally visit the site. God certainly knows how and when to influence us. Thank you for answering His call.
-Mike D
Thank you Mike. That's a interesting movie idea!
You don’t say um too often, just speak as you speak Laura, you are very easy to listen to
I never noticed you said "um" until you pointed it out....lol. Go ahead and say it, how difficult it would be to not say it and not just be yourself. I loved how you laughed when you caught yourself saying it....lol. I love your channel.
don't be self conscious about saying 'um' or anything else - all of us have quirks of speech - I realise when I am editing my videos that I say 'however' all the time! I think its hilarious - the more you try to correct it - the more self conscious you can be - so just know that people come back because they like what you're saying, not how you're saying it. xxx
We watch all your videos Kate. I’ve never noticed it 😂 We Love your channel!
Thank you ❤️
Thanks so much for the encouragement! Your channel is so great!
You are such a joy and articulate beautifully 💐
very interesting analysis about contemporary evangelicals seeking to convert strangers but potentially creating distance with people in their own homes
We all have a lot to learn from your life which makes you happy and very sensible, when I was a child I had very little but material things do not make you happy.
Be you...i really was so interested in what you are sharing that I didn't even noticed the "ums" until you mentioned it.
Hello how are you doing 😊😊😊😊☺️
I just love listening to you speak....uhms and all. I can always count on your videos to make me smile.
Hello how are you doing 😊😊😊☺️😊
Ahh, the verbal pauses! Uhm is universal and not nearly as abrasive as "like" or "Ya know" Years ago I was selling real estate in Oregon and had the awful habit of saying "ya know" until an elderly man, upon hearing me say it for the umpteenth time responded, "No, I don't know!". Gulp. That started me on the life-long journey of breaking that bad habit and others. It took a effort but I did it.
Yesterday I stumbled upon the Bruderhof documentary and have since watched many of your videos and others. Thank you so much for your faithfulness and candid remarks about your life and life in the Bruderhof community. All have been inspiring, uplifting and educational!
I'm curious about the communities food dependency/source. Do you grow your own veggies/meat etc. or do your industries provide enough income to purchase all you need?
Thanks again for your videos!
David
Hi Laura, thanks for all your inspiring and interesting videos. You are always so light and happy, and it always puts a smile on my face when I watch. I have a question about diet - Are there any vegetarians in the Bruderhof communities, and if someone joined who wanted to maintain a vegetarian, or vegan diet, would it be possible for them to do so, and would it create any difficulties, thanks, Clive
There are people that avoid meat. I don't think there are any vegans here though.
I’d call myself agnostic more than anything but I love your videos you’ve done such an amazing job at showing people what the bruderhof means to the community and how misrepresented religion of any kind can be in the media
You’ve definitely opened my eyes to religious people not necessarily hiding away from the outside world like most people think!
Thanks Rebekah!
Your brilliant I love your way of living and think there is so much to learn from you and would like to learn more as I think there are so many benefits I'm not from a religious background but I do believe in God although there is much that I question I must say I do take an interest in fashion and all kinds of music and like to go out for an alcoholic drink sometimes at weekends how do you feel about those kind of things Laura ? You have a lovely family and you all seem content and at peace xx
I love music and I like a glass of wine from time to time. As you can see the fashion of my clothes is pretty basic but I do love beauty. Thank you for watching Cathy.
I like the ums! Your voice is very relaxing. Does the Bruderhof have any unique children’s tales? I bet everyone would love some Bruderhof bedtime story videos.
There is a wonderful story called "The Dragon and the Coffee Pot" which most of us here grew up with, about a little girl who walks past a dragon's lair and has to call on her guardian angel to protect her, and when she stops being afraid the dragon gets as small as a dachshund and they heat up coffee on its nose.
Oh my gosh, that sounds so adorable...my daughter would love that story!!
@@LaurafromtheBruderhof It's blasphemy against God to call upon angels to protect you. We call upon Jesus Christ to protect us, and He can send an angel on guard. Angels are very happy to oblige and protect us, but they don't have any authority unless an order is given to them.
@@nukapuka why do you say this. Let's be nice and loving.
@@patriciaverhoeven-jaspers3402 Nice and loving and on the way to hell?
Not saying that story is terrible but Christians need a wake - up call.
Good morning Laura, Interesting, informative content. Your presentation is, as always, a joy. ☺
Thank you so much!
I absolutely *love* your q&a‘s💛
You say "um" because these are natural, spontaneous answers! Most people talk like that. Don't worry about it.
You are delightful
We all use ums (thinking ums I call them) and it gives us that extra time to sort/organize our thoughts before speaking...you are so genuine and the laughter is a gift from God for sure! Did you guys have feelings of sadness because you couldn't participate in your tradition of eating and meeting with each other during covid? Also, an off topic question...what would happen if say for example your livelihood, ie. Play things business etc closed down for some reason...how would you guys be able to support the bruderhof financially and keep your community intact?
Yes it's sad not to be able to get together like we used to but better times are coming! To your other questions if our businesses got into trouble we'd just band together and figure something else out. That's the great part of belonging to a community of people like this.
@@LaurafromtheBruderhof yes you are right...when you are all in it together, you have strength in numbers...something would work out...don't forget to be careful with the responding and not burn yourself out, lol, I sound like mother hen sorry but sometimes we head toward burnout without realizing it is happening
Yes you must'nt worry about you sayin Urm. Ignore them. You carry on how you are xx
Don't ever apologize about something that is something fundamentally a part of YOU❣️💞 ALOHA FROM HAWAI'I 💞🌹 LYSSA 🌹
Ummm... you are so cute! And, you don’t say um too much. You say it just the right amount of times. You do you! You are so clever and watching your videos makes me happy!
Editing when the camera died is so very funny.
We love your uhms just be yourself love you vlogs blessings to you and your family
Thank you Lorry!
The Lord used the example of the bridegroom and church as the bride, to take a vow , would be to be a bride, just as in earthly marriage between a woman and man . Your vids are always great!!! And you have a wonderful, positive, joyful personality, which shows you're very happy in your life !! 🤗🥀🎆❇️🏵️
Hey Laura, I've been enjoying your videos and learning more about your community. I want to know what the Bruderhof usually eat or if you have a special diet? Do you have any favourite family recipes? or anything that people outside of the community might not usually eat?
Thanks :)
Ages ago a made a video about making maultaschen which I love th-cam.com/video/9P-hch8PG_c/w-d-xo.html
Um, thank you for another wonderful video.
Ha!
So do i say um don't worry about it
I'm enjoying finding out about life in the Bruderhof community :-) I was wondering with the upcoming American elections if you or your community got involved in campaigning, and when you vote do you decide that as individuals or as a community?
Some of us vote. Some don't for reasons of conscience. Who people vote for is up to them.
Hello, Laura. I love your videos, and I hope you make many more. I have a question about the vows. I looked them up and here (www.bruderhof.com/en/our-faith/foundations/church-order/our-vows), I saw #40.5 or however you write that (5. Because a living church will always be a repenting church, do you affirm and uphold the practice of church discipline, and will you be ready to ask for it yourself if necessary?). Can you explain what discipline inside the Bruderhof looks like, and for what infractions? Thank you and God bless!
Hi Andrea. There's an explanation of church discipline and forgiveness in Foundations www.bruderhof.com/en/our-faith/foundations/church-actions/church-discipline-and-forgiveness which explains that. Let me know if you have more questions about it! Best Laura
Don't worry about the one person. Don't change for one critic.
Hi Laura, I'm an atheist with no intention of converting to any faith, but I have watched so many of your videos because I find it interesting to hear from a woman living in this community. I do however strongly disagree with you when you say that children "convert" to this faith of their own volition. Christianity spread through indoctrination and conversion, but children at a very young age - their brains are not fully developed yet and are therefore not able to form their own opinions and understanding of the world and complex themes surrounding faith and religion, independent from their parents and the environment in which they are raised. Children are thereby INDOCTRINATED to a faith, and do not "convert". Adults convert, children do not, as they are mentally incapable of doing so at a very young age. (Maybe a mature teenage at age 17 or so can. But a child of 3 or 6 cannot convert.) This is how religion spreads in most areas of the world - if you were born in India, you would most likely be Hindu, if you were born in Saudi Arabia you'd likely be Muslim, and if you're born into the Bruderhof community, you would most likely grow up with and be indoctrinated with that system of beliefs, the way of life, etc. I think it is very important to recognise this difference.
Children rarely have a choice in the religion they follow, and very few kids break away from the faith that is passed on to them by their parents. This is where I personally have an issue with all religions, because children are indoctrinated from birth and are rarely given a choice or are exposed to different opinions, or even allowed to question theism and religion all together.
The age of accountability before God is 8, meaning a soul is ageless and standing before God is judged already at that age. 10 year olds murdered sadistically James Bulger in the 90s.
A girl at 13 can be married and cheat on her husband. If she died she would go 2 hell if unrepented.
If you get your period u can be a mother. How can a child bear a child? Where is the logic? Mary bore Christ at 15.
You must get the difference between religion which is vain traditions of men and satanism, and the gospel of Jesus Christ who is the absolute truth.
Children of true Christians are blessed, while children of unbelievers are cursed. That doesn't mean they can not come to faith, but the choices of their fathers play a big part as a father can either bless or curse his future generations.
Is all in the blood - line, and only a father shares the blood with his children. Mother only bears the children. No blood connection.
Demons travel via the blood that is wht men must be in good control if their wifes and must walk in integrity if they want their children to be blessed and saved.
Atheism is of Satan. It is self - worship; worship of one's mind that basically doesn't work properly due to obstruction of Satan. (His legal rights to you/family due to rebellion against God/love for sin).
To see God the creator in our surrounding you must have eyes that see and a brain that works!
You don't have that due to generational curses and your own choices that also play a part, obviously.
In the Bible it is written that it is a grave sin to call someone a fool = idiot. But it is ok to call an atheits that as God sais: "A fool had said in his ♥️there is no God!
To a proffesional who has educated himself into imbecility?
I don't think so.
Christ already has said we will be hated and ridiculed.
You have been warned lady. Hell is forever!
Love is conditional!
Hi Julia thanks for your thoughtful response. I think you're mistaken that children don't have a choice in the religion they follow. Growing into adulthood is all about making choices. Plenty of children who grow up on the Bruderhof leave and do other things (e.g.www.bruderhof.com/en/reaching-out/different-paths). Same for the other religious traditions you mention. For me seeing the example of my parents who showed with their lives that following Jesus means renouncing private property and trying to follow his example of self-sacrifice and service was convincing. But my experience of conversion was something distinct from that and completely personal.
@@LaurafromtheBruderhof The deceived don't realise that God only accept true conversion, and not counterfeits.
God takes winners! Satan takes loosers!
I have a few questions:
1. How does immigration work when moving people to other communities in other countries?
2. Did you have to ask permission to make videos? If so, who? Do they have to vet your content before it's posted?
Love these videos! Always so interesting 🙂
Hi Jackie - it depends on an individual's immigration status where they can move (just like anyone else!), but we also do like to visit between communities when possible. No I don't vet the content of the videos with anyone.
@@LaurafromtheBruderhof thanks for the response! Love your videos :) my husband is from the UK and I am from Canada and we jumped through so many hoops to be in the same place, so I'm always so curious how other people travel and move countries too :)
How are you doing 😊☺️👋😊
can you go on a family vacation? if so does the money come from the community?
great answers today thanks for sharing with us!
No we don't take vacations per se but we'll sometimes get a few days off with our family like for camping or what have you. Thanks so much for watching!
As far as I'm concerned, say all the uhms you like, just please leave in your laughter 😉
lailja21 isn’t her life the absolute best? It makes me break into a big cheesy smile
Laura, can I ask you how is the communal kitchen
an important part of the community
functioning in Covid-19 times.
Langar - the Sikh tradition of a communal kitchen
has often switched to preparing meals
for those working in essential services
and for the homeless.
Hi John - the kitchen kept running with a lot of safety precautions. I didn't know that about the Sikh tradition - really interesting.
@@LaurafromtheBruderhof
Thank you for your reply.
So do you go and collect the food
or still eat communally?
@@johncrwarner We collect the food and eat at home - we're all looking forward to the day when we can eat together again. During the summer we did manage some socially-distanced communal picnics.
Hi Laura! What would happen if a married person wanted to join, but their spouse didn't?
It's happened. It's not the easiest obviously.
Seems like such a safe loving place.
Do the women of the Bruderhof get a maternity leave after having a baby? If so, how long is it before they go back to work? What if a mom wants so stay home with her children? Or do all women have to work?
Yes. The maternity leave is six weeks, but then we get time to feed our baby several times a day after that, so it actually works really well. All the women here are part of the work force.
Laura from the Bruderhof thank you for replying!!
What type of funerals or burial services do the community members have. Does the community have their own cemeteries or is cremation more popular?
“Umm” is a good transition phrase.
I love ur Videos and ur messages
Hello how are you doing 😊😊😊😊😊
you inspire me
I'm sorry I don't understand what vows, I know nuns take vows, and priests take valve to the Catholic Church. But I did not know that you take the house can you please tell me what they are thank you. Blessings to you and yours.
Have you talked before about pets and animals.... dogs...cats..horses? I am somewhat new, I've loved looking through even your older videos. I do use YT as background a lot during my daily activities and don't always pay attention since I'm a busy Mom going about my day, I am sure I miss a lot. I don't spend much time paying a ton of attention to videos I'm always busy doing projects while I'm watching or listening. Also, I find it funny when people are insulted a bit for saying "umm" or even for saying "like" too much, I am guilty too, no worries.
Yes, families here have pets - dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs. There is also a community barn where there are a couple cows, horses, goats, sheep etc - this is to give children a chance to learn to care for animals.
I was wondering what might be the challenges of this kind of community life ? We have learnt a lot of good stuff, which I all believe, no problem. Laura is a delightful envoy to her community. But - life is what it is. Not sheer happiness all the time.
You're right there are definitely challenges - if people are living together there will be differences of opinion, or people just have a bad day, or someone has a serious illness. We do our best to work through stuff by talking directly if we have a problem with something (not easy to do always!) and also accept that life won't always be perfect.
you are so cute, I love your stories. thank you for sharing. the prime minister of Canada says umm a lot too. nothing wrong with it at all
So I'm in good company!
By the way, my grandparent also lived in Paraguay. I never met my grandmother but do remember my ‘opa’!
I'm new to your channel. You may have touched on this before, but you sound like you have a bit of an accent. I love it! You're from the States, correct?
A lot of people say this! I've lived in the US most of my life but there are people in the community from all over the world so I guess a bit of that has rubbed off on me. I did spend a year in England after high school.
My sister teases me constantly about my umms. Who cares. Go with it 👍
How does someone who never lived in the Bruderhof go about discovering if they would like to take the vow? Are they allowed to live there, work there, join in worship and be part of the community so they can see what it is really like so they can make a decision one way or the other?
Yes, just like you describe. If you're interested in finding out more you can email contact@bruderhof.com and someone will get in touch with you. People are also welcome to visit for a shorter or longer time if they are just interested to learn more.
Hello Laura, how many times a week to you go to church and how long are the services usually?
Things are a little different now because of COVID of course, but usually we have a short worship service once a day, and members' meetings a couple times a week in the evening, and of course a worship service on Sunday. The Sunday service is forty minutes to an hour.
I wouldn't worry about your ums it's what makes you, you xx
Hi Laura, Hey, I was just wondering.... have you guys heard of the Christian program called "The Chosen"? It is, hands down, the best visual Gospel presentation I have ever seen! They are telling the story of the Gospel of Christ in a 7 or 8 season show, each season being 8 or more episodes. Just wondering if you've heard of it. :) :) :)
Never heard of it. I'll check it out.
@@LaurafromtheBruderhof Thats great! I think you and your husband and extended family would really enjoy it. It is being made completely independently and has nothing to do with Hollywood. The company making it is called Vid Angel. I don't know if you have an iPhone or a smart phone, but if you do, you can just go to your apps and download The Chosen app for free. They are giving the entire first season away for free. You can just download it and watch it on your phone or iPad or your "smart" tv if you have one. Or, if you go to TH-cam and just type in The Chosen Episode 1, something might come up. Anyway, I hope you find it and have time to enjoy it. I would love to know your thoughts on it! :) :)
What specific vows do you take? (Perhaps I missed a video wherein you outlined these?) Do you have to be a certain age to take these vows?
You have to be 21 to be able to take vows - it's described in this book www.bruderhof.com/en/our-faith/foundations Let me know if you have any more questions.
Totally agree! Evangelism starts at home. Proverbs 22:6. It’s not brainwashing. It’s still a personal choice to accept Christ or not. Of course I pray my kids will but it’s *their* decision. All I can do is lead by example and show them why I love following Jesus.
I asked the question about the pandemic too and I was surprised that you said you isolated from each other as much as you describe. Sorry if I’ve misunderstood how the community operates, but if you’re all staying within the Bruderhof for the pandemic and visitors can’t come right now, where could outside infection get in? Aren’t you somewhat “safe” within your community? My family are all overseas so there is no question of my not seeing them right now. Wish I lived closer to them so we could be together at this time. It’s definitely a blessing having so many friends and family nearby.
And, for what it’s worth, say ummm all you like! 😊 We had a physics teacher at school (whom we loved) but she said ummm a lot. We used to count how many times she said it in a lesson. 😂
Thanks! On the pandemic we just wanted to do everything we could to protect our older members and as they say discretion is the better part of valor
Who complained about the uhhms? I'ma need that address. Y'all back off with the neg comments lol. Your a light L. Look forward to every vid. Never change
Teaching you children your faith is NOT brain-washing. It is parenting. Period. It is the greatest honor if they continue your faith after adult hood.
Hi! I really enjoy your channel and your videos. You make great content and seem like a lovely and cheerful person! I've got two questions for you: Do you practice christening people, and do you do it when they are babies, like the catholics, or when they are fully aware and can consent to it, like the baptists? and the sencond question: what happens if somebody has already taken the vows but later decides that they want to leave the Bruderhof? Do you know of such thing ever happening? what is the responce of the community?
We are Anabaptist which means that people are baptized as adults. But we do have a blessing ceremony for babies. If someone decides to leave the Bruderhof of course they can, we do our best to part on good terms and the door is always open for people to come back.
Our beliefs and way of life are described in a document called Foundations of our Faith and Calling which you might be interested in, it's online here www.bruderhof.com/en/our-faith/foundations
@@LaurafromtheBruderhof Thank you so much! I'll be sure to check it out!
I'm interested to know how your leadership is organised? Do you have elders, pastors, deacons or other forms of leadership?
Hi Sue. This is described pretty well in a document called Foundations of our Faith and Calling which tells about our beliefs and way of life. www.bruderhof.com/en/our-faith/foundations/church-order/pastoral-leadership Let me know if you have any more questions.
Do you use a specific version/translation of the Bible? Is it dictated by the bruderhof or can you choose you favourite?
I use NIV. I think it's useful to read different translations from time to time as each brings out something different.
What are the actual vows you take to join?
You can read about them here www.bruderhof.com/en/our-faith/foundations/church-order/our-vows
@@LaurafromtheBruderhof thank you! Love you!
Wishing to join community but as a single mom with 2 teen kids, probably not someone they'd accept ( though I am a credentialed teacher).
@@mtorres4445 You should send an email to contact@bruderhof.com if you would like to be in touch with someone directly. There are single parents here. All the best and have a great weekend!
@@LaurafromtheBruderhof you as well. Thanks for your time!
I like your Umms
When someone joins the group are they allowed to bring anything from home such as their Bible?
Of course! The vow of poverty means that we no longer own anything, but everyone has things that are precious and personal like a Bible, or maybe family photographs and so on.
Hey Laura, I love watching your videos and learning about the philosophies of life on the Bruderhof. I have a question about your approach to interacting with animals and the natural environment. Have you ever considered the morality of killing animals to eat? Since you seem to be interested in reducing suffering and living sustainably, I wonder if this is a concept you might enjoy considering or learning about. Thank you for showing us how to life another way! I aspire to be more like you.
How are you doing 😊😊☺️☺️