I commented on another thread that you might want to go in person to the US Embassy there and ask for help for you and your siblings. You are very strong and an admirable person! ✌️♥️
Amazing job telling your story! I'm stunned at home well put together you are considering what you've endured and how short of a time it is since you've escaped. You'd be considered a gifted speaker even if you weren't traumatized! I had a couple ah ha moments listening to you talk from memories of my born again/Pentecostal Grandmother. The mark of the beast, being made to watch videos that are Not child appropriate, and the speaking in tongues. It was stressful and scary as a child and now as an adult it's flat out "what in the actual feck?" haha.
Thank you for sharing your story! My partner's family is from Ecuador, so my impression of the country is much different from yours, though I'm always glad to be reminded that there are dangers everywhere. You are brave, intelligent, and oh-so- strong.
To Ella Sister in Christ. Hugs across the miles 🤗 Iam so proud of you 👏 Keep trusting in Jesus to guide you and heal you. 🙏 Lots of prayers 🙏 from Saskatchwan 🇨🇦
its very clear that Ella has only just escaped. This poor young woman is still experiencing the most intense part of healing from trauma, I can't imagine how difficult it must be to speak out like this. Love and light, Ella
As a prosecutor, I’ve actually dealt with Sovereign Citizens before. It’s a nightmare and is so completely devoid of any logic or common sense. I can’t imagine what it was like going through this.
My best friends husband is a prosecutor and had to deal with one as well and it is madness. You can't even call it mental gymnastics because of the nonsense that is said and believed.
My husband is a prosecutor as well, and has so many stories about these people. They cause a lot of problems around here because they really think they are above the law.
My brother slipped into that a little bit some years ago. It was wild hearing him speak. He fired his public defender and tried to represent himself, they considered him incompetent to stand trial and put him in a psych ward till he could be found competent again.
Wow, I can’t believe we are finally hearing from someone that was so close to and persecuted by the Sovereign citizens. Thank you Ella for speaking out. groups like these, the brotherhood, and others, continue to hide in plain sight in our country. You are not alone! Be well ❤
Yes, it's lovely. It also reminded me more generally of what a major good influence on a child it can be to have another adult helping them - for many people that will be a very good teacher at school who encourages them. As a mother who has always worked full time I have always thought it was great my children have 2 parents, someone who looked after them whilst I worked, people they knew other than knowing me, school etc as it has given them the chance to hear other ideas than just mine, have critical thinking skills etc.
I am so proud of her, being strong, speaking her mind, even when she was in the middle of it all. You can hear in her story she was trying to use her critical thinking even then, but was being beat down for it over and over. I'm also so proud that she is able to separate her religious beliefs from the trauma that was inflicted with using religion as an excuse against her. She has such a sharp, powerful mind, and I genuinely feel she's really going to go far now that she is out, and able to get all the help and love she needs and deserves. You are amazing, Ella, and so incredibly brilliant and strong!
It's weird isn't it? I've seen trauma like that, abuse physical and mental, utterly destroy and turn people into shells of their former selves as they turn to just about anything in order to escape the demons that haunt them. I also know people who have gone through unbelievably f*kd up shit, my Uncle physically had to beat his own abusive father out of their house when he was 12, who then go on to be some of the kindest, strongest, and most patient people I've ever known. There are still scars, triggers, and idiosyncrasies that stay with them their entire life, but there's a hardness and resiliency there I rarely see in people that haven't gone through that. It's a flip of the coin as to which way it will go, and no one can predict what they'll do or how they'll respond unless they're physically forced into that position. It's a thing that no one should be forced to go through.
Ella, you are so brave for speaking out so quickly after escaping! Please know that a diagnosis of bad experiences in your past does not mean your entire future is effed up too ❤ 10 years past leaving my own crazy parents and I'm living the life I always dreamed of. You're not alone and you are certainly not doomed!
Absolutely!!! I'm pretty sure she doesn't know yet how incredible she is. Shelise, please we need to watch more of her incredible journey. Her story would be an amazing book!!
You are not eternally messed up, Ella. You are 18 and already in therapy. You have already done so much, even though the process feels so huge. When I moved out of an abusive family at 18 I didn't even realize I needed therapy. I thought I was fine (not addicted to anything, etc). Fine was a really low bar for me, I guess. We're all really proud of you. The fact that you always had insight that things were not right tells me that you are not messed up! You were hurt and now you are healing.
I totally agree with this. I didn’t grow up in a family cult, but I had a really controlling father who would emotionally, verbally, spiritually and every once in a while physically abuse me. Even now, it’s hard to call it that, and I’ve been out of my dad’s house since 18 myself and am 24 now. I used to think I was messed up, and often still struggle to not think that about myself, Ella. I have really low self esteem because of what my parents told me and said to me. I was afraid to cry because I also was taught (through actions more than through literal words) that crying was a sign of my weakness. My dad didn’t have any crazy conspiracy theories, but he had some interesting theories of how to parent none-the-less, and I remember telling my mom on more than one occasion (starting as young as the age of 7) that I thought their marriage was unhealthy and often asked her why she loved my dad enough to marry him. Kids understand things that adults don’t realize they actually understand! I can relate to several aspects of your story Ella! Thanks for sharing! It helps me be able to deconstruct aspects of my own childhood trauma.
Just wanna give Ella a big old internet hug. It was painful to hear the same words spoken that I said when I left my childhood home behind...thank goodness she did it at 18. I didn't cut ties with my abusers until I was nearly 40. Ella love everything you feel is fine. You have the right to feel your anger and that well of rage you think will burn the world will not. You can let it go without physical injury and don't be afraid to ask for help.
I work at the Dutch tax authority and the sovereign thought conspiracy has landed here as well these past years. We get people claiming not to have to pay taxes because of it. It's impossible to even have a semi-normal conversation with those people. Absolutely, bat shit crazy. I feel so angry for her that she grew up in this insanity. I hope she will do well in the future and get the help she needs and will need in the future. Such a strong person.
I'm lithuanian and we also had a story with sovereign citizens like a year ago - our local CPS was trying to take the citizens' kids away due to abuse and they just up and left the country, never to be seen again. It's been a year and they have not been seen once since then
Claiming to be sovereign has absolutely not a direct connection to being abusive. Come on..... What makes you different just because you believe in the state?!
@@CMR308 preventing your child from socializing with the other kids (by homeschooling them when it's not medically necessary), not giving them medical care (because no birth certificate so can't register to a doctor) and not giving your child a proper highschool education all make a parent abusive. One can't be a sovereign citizen with kids without doing all of these things to their children. And also chosen poverty because you can't get a job without a passport
@miglek9613 you think homeschooling your children when it's not medically necessary is abusive? You do realize that homeschooling is LEGAL and children don't need to have medical issues to be hineschooled! Homeschoolers aren't socially neglected and often meet with other kids in their age group to do activities. Some even still participate in public school sports and extracurricular activities. They also score higher and get into colleges at earlier ages. You CLEARLY have no idea what you're talking about.
Ugh, we have a band of these "sovereign citizens" around the countryside where I live. They are SO ANNOYING. They will get arrested and have to go to court and stand there and be like, "You have no jurisdiction over me blah blah blah." The judge will be like, "Well, you can think that all you want, but I do. Here's your punishment." I commend Ella for going on your podcast and telling her story. I hope she is able to find strength and happiness in life. Much support to her.
Darrel Brooks is a sovereign citizen who represented himself in his own murder trial. (he was the guy who drove his car into a crowd of people at a christmas parade a few years ago.) his trial is on youtube and many law youtubers have covered it. its absolutely insane, and would be funny if this guy hadn't murdered people and children.
Yes@@bernjobi I was really interested in that! I hope the judge took a VERY nice vacation after the trial, because Oh My God. We had one recently that one of our judges put on a similar "you're not allowed to speak" rule. They really believe that the US government has no right to rule over them and it is actually quite frightening because they think they can do whatever they want and get away with it. They are completely delusional and they cause a bunch of problems.
I've never thought of Sovereign Citizens as a cult before, but now I see it. From videos of their interactions with the police and courts, they are some of the most intractable people I've ever seen. Full of narcissistic entitlement mixed with a persecution complex that is off the charts. I can't imagine being a child in that environment. So glad you could see that what you were dealing with wasn't normal or healthy, Ella. Your journey is just starting, but you seem to know who you are, and you clearly have a good support system. ♥♥♥
Indeed. Actually under English law here in the UK we DO have some people who have specific rights from very ancient days under current English law such as to drive your sheep once a year across a London bridge and one my ancestors was a yeoman in the 1700s which means he owned some property although not that much else but the concept of freeman has been abused by these groups in the US and UK. Most humans want more freedom than they have and there is nothing wrong with that but we live where we do and will be subject to the laws of that place. If we don't like those laws we can always move to more lawless places or live permanently at sea etc. @@nickywal
That’s a lie qanon was based off questions and answers by the public trying to expose elite pedo rings like the Epstein island you all wanted to pretend wasn’t happening. Please shut tf up
I was raised in a family cult similar to this. Ella, I think you are way ahead of the game, being aware and leaving at such a young age. I'm 61 and my mother (the ringleader of the craziness in my family) passed away in 2000, and I feel I'm just getting a handle on all of this. It took raising a family of my own to see how insanely I was raised. Good for you to get out so young; you can heal and build a life for yourself. All I can say in the way of advice is don't hate your parents. Hate is the most corrosive emotion and hurts you 100% and the guilty party 0%. Get some therapy and get some distance and some perspective and you WILL heal. Hugs to you.
It is amazing that she was aware of the abnormality of the situation, and was able to leave at such a young age, after being raised by them in that cult her whole life. She was never taught anything different, but she was still aware that it wasn't the right way for her to live. It was very brave of her to leave like that.
People always assume that it's a patriarchal nightmare - but not always. My mother was also the problem within my family. She passed on her arrogance, strange thinking and flat out destructive ideals to my siblings. It's all a bunch of craziness. Unfortunately she's not passed yet, so every once in awhile dealing with her aged issues does pop up. But most of the time she's, ironically, spending her days in an upscale old folks facility playing Bingo. LOL That's one of those "sins" she used to rail on about. It's wild and crazy how these people are. 🙃
@@bathemeinchampagne You need to get over yourself. I'm just giving some advice that I have experienced in my much longer lifetime than some people here as a victim of abuse as well. I'm not telling anybody what to do or what to feel and certainly not enabling anything or anyone. I'm just suggesting that perhaps some emotions might be destructive. That doesn't mean you shouldn't feel them but awareness is a wonderful thing.
In a sense that was because the parents "failed" to keep her isolated in the way some other groups manage in a much more controlling way - they allowed internet access, the Christian friend outside the family, the job outside the home etc @@NikkiC777
I love this, and just the concept of an affirmation book in general. I’ll have to start one too since that seems really beneficial and like something I need right now. Thank you for commenting this!
@@lindseyhendrix2405 I keep one because I started making affirmations for a friend who finds it easier to just listen or follow along. I have a playlist of long and short ones.
Shout out to Carry-Anne! Not many people would stick around for all of that. That's a ride or die kind of pal! A sister! I am so happy you had a great friend in your corner, Ella!
@@CultstoConsciousnessMormons are not Real Christians to begin with they are actually Fake Christians and they add stuff that is not in The Bible too. Because the Bible says not to add to The Bible and yet they have did just that.
What a dear, kind, sensitive soul Ella has! I relate SO much to the “triggering thoughts” caused by being sensitive which TOTALLY exacerbates “spiritual” struggles! I’m glad she made it out as early as she did… I hope she has the resources and time to heal and continue her deconstruction.
Me too! When I was a child I was taught God hears your thoughts and the devil is always around. So any bad thought, I thought was the devil. And my parents weren't like over the top religious. So my thoughts were spiral to worse things just bc I was scared and thought I had no control. By this mindset you givebup your power, so that every bad thing is of the devil. So you feel like you don't have the power to change it otherwise.. if that makes sense. Ella was not alone in her experiences! And she's taking her power back. ❤
I can’t believe how brave she is. I’ve been out of a cult for 25 almost 26 years & I STILL don’t think I could delve in to it like this even now & she’s just… speaking her truth. Incredible. Love & solidarity to Ella, I hope she’s got a strong trauma informed support system, nobody should have to endure the pain & healing alone.
Holy paranoid personality disorder. My mother has so many of these thoughts like her dad. I’m pretty glad she never found the sovereign citizen movement. Woah. Thank you for sharing Ella you have so much ahead of you! And I am So excited for you to experience the world on your own terms
I was third generation Mormon. Before I left I had no idea it was an accult. Looking back now I see that it was. The change I went through after leaving was difficult but worth it.
I hope there is a legal person watching this who can volunteer to help her with passport and birth certificate etc. hope she can help her siblings to escape too. God bless her she is amazing how she has survived.
My family and I got out of the IBLP when I was eight. But my friend and her family remained in it. SUPER strict family that fits most of what the video talked about. She has been having a hard time since leaving her parents and trying to live on her own and work. It sucks. @@denize7139
Thank you for sharing Ella's story! It's refreshing to see someone like me- sitting in the middle of the beginning of my deconstruction, feeling overwhelmed with all the connections I've been making and it's refreshing to see someone in the middle of this first stage.. Please bring her back to check in on her progress!
Let's be clear: even a single "swat" is abuse. Corporal punishment is abuse. It may be legal, but it is abusive, and there's a mountain of science proving it is harmful, traumatizing, and doesn't do any good. A "spanking" is using violence to control another human being, whether it be one hit or one hundred. I'm so sorry these poor children were forced to endure this abuse.
Stoked to catch a video this early and I’m commenting before watching to help boost the algorithm, but I’m already impressed with this girl just by the title! Thank you for sharing your story, and thank you, Shelise for bringing it to us with such grace and care! Edit: wow, I’m honestly surprised this is the first time (that I know of) sovereign citizens have entered the conversation on the channel! And I’m shocked that I’ve never thought of how easy the crossover of the Sov Cit realm & the Christian belief of being a citizen of heaven, the kingdom, etc. could collide! Yeeeeesh.
Ella you are truly amazing!! Another tip that I learned about dealing with anger is thinking of anger as hiding a true feeling. My therapist taught me that it’s usually masking a deeper feeling(disappointment, grief, confusion etc) It really helped me work through the anger and help make sense of my anger and being self aware of my true feelings. Thought it could help! Go Ella go!!!
Shelise, you continue to do such important work. I am totally blown away at the way you conduct your interviews in such a sensitive, supportive manner. You must feel so good about how your channel is doing and how much you are impacting the life of so many people. I can't say enough good things about you. Thank you!!!
Thank you so much for your kind words. It means a lot! ♥️ I truly don’t think I can comprehend the effects of the channel but comments like yours help 🥰
I am always dumbfounded that people can convince themselves to use religion to skirt the law, avoid paying taxes, abuse their children, neglect their children and generally try to take financial advantage of the country. My heart goes out to you and no matter how tough it is I certainly hope you are able to find peace.
This is a story everyone should hear. I commend her for sharing this with us, so we are more aware of the horrific capabilities of certain beliefs. How much of the residue remains from living in it up to adult life.
57:27 that’s the hardest thing to learn. I used to say my mother and I went through the wars together until a therapist made me look at it differently. Mind blown.
Thank you Ella for sharing your story. I am in awe of your strength at just 18, and I cannot wait to see what amazing things you are going to do with the rest of your life. I know you are going to help so many people. So many. And you already are. Keep channeling your anger into doing good and making change, you are gonna change the world girl ❤
For her to get back to the US, she should try reaching out to ex amish/menonite people who also had no birth certificate or documentation with the US government and see how they were able to obtain their documentation! I think I remember Eli Yoder on your channel said something about having the same issue. I dont know if it will be more difficult with her currently living in another country vs living in an Amish community, but I wonder if she would be able to with her parents' names and documentation if either of them have US identification. I knkw she mentioned her mother having a social security number. Perhaps if her mom is willing to do a DNA test or provide a written letter that she is her mother and gave birth in the US, she may be able to get her citizenship that way.
Probably a visit to the US Embassy. I’m sure there is a way-she might need a citizen here to sponsor her temporarily. I would go to the embassy and tell them about this.✌️♥️
I was going to post this anyway but this post already has some traction so I’m commenting it here: definitely try contacting the US embassy and consulate in Quito directly.
This has such a different feel than most interviews, so much more raw because Ella so recently got out! It's gonna be amazing for her to rewatch this in a year or so and see how far she'll have come by then ❤ I'd love to see you back as your journey into healing progresses, Ella, I'm sure it'll help others who are going through the same process! Also my best friend lives in Ecuador, she's the most lovely person, so if you ever get lonely while still down there, feel free to reach out 🤗
Dear Ella, thank you so much for sharing your story! It helped me so much to know that I am not the only one whose mother broke my trust by continuing to stay in an abusive marriage and going back to an abusive husband who hurt her and her kids. It is valuable to me to know that I'm not alone in having abusive parents who weaponized the Bible to control and manipulate their children and discourage us from thinking they could be wrong. I think you are the person whose story I have heard on this channel who I identify the most with, so thank you for sharing! I'm proud of you!
Thanks for this great interview. I think more families are like cults than we can imagine. Individuation is a challenge for many of us who grew uplike this. So proud of Ella. Great interview.
Am I the only one who needs to know how they got from country to Country without birth certificates? I wish you all the happiness life has to offer, I am so sorry you have had to go through all of this
Not Jilly Juice! Omg! I’ve heard of that “protocol” and the woman who made that is NUTS. She was on Dr. Phil and so were her “adherents”. I’m so sorry that that poor baby had to go through the diet. 🤢
Well done Ella, you are such a hero for being able to speak out so quickly from escaping. You are an inspiration and I hope you get everything sorted and your life is blessed with good health.
Ok, hooray for Ella! Watching the intro, but well done! ❤ Welcome to the world baby girl. It's a really big place, but there are a lot of wonderful people out here. Sending you calm, inner peace, and good things for the future. It's awesome that you have a safe place to land. Speak loud and proud and heal your trauma wounds. You aren't alone. We're all effed in our own ways 😊
Ella, I just want to say that you have done an extremely hard thing. It takes a lot of guts to speak about it and even to begin to process it so soon after leaving. Remember, healing isn't linear, so be patient with yourself. ❤
Whenever my children bit me whilst nursing, I just took them off and waited a minute before trying again. Yeah. They stopped real quick. No pain involved. Redirecting works.
Wow, Ella, you are so reflectted and well-spoken. I am glad, you escaped and that you can now start to heal and decide what you are going to do with your life. I hope, now there will be many amazing experiences for you. I didn't know "sovereign citizens" also existed in the US. I know they exist in Germnany where I live and in my former home country Austria.
Ella is so young and so well spoken, I hope she can find true healing as much as possible and learns as much history as she can :) it'd be great some day we get to hear from her again later down the line so she can share her story of surviving to thriving. Best of luck to her in her journey
OMG, I have heard about Jilly Juice, that stuff is downright dangerous. I am so glad you was able to excape. I am still coming to terms in realising some of the things in my childhood were wrong, as I thought it was normal, and that my dad is emotionally abusive, watching my mum, she is just so worn down, she knows he's bad for her but she just can't escape. Its conflicting because I know she is a victim too, but she also was abusive in her own ways.
It's possible, but hard to say. The only thing that makes me lean in that direction is the incident of him praying in some unintelligible language, but she doesn't specifically mention hallucinations. Could be a paranoid personality disorder. It's confusing because we have SO many paranoid, delusional conspiracy zealots now.
My poor dad had paranoic schizophrenia and would have massive delusions and talk in completely confused ways. Scary and we had to leave him when I was 10 for our own sanity
I think that if I were Ella I would contact an organization like the Institute For Justice, or ACLU for legal representation. Her civil rights are being withheld because of bureaucratic policies. Some agencies not knowing how to satisfy their verification requirements in issuing documents shouldn't be allowed to remove fundamental rights. I do think that there should be a verification process, but it shouldn't be so short sited that missing one document overrides all other evidence.
What an intelligent mature young woman! Sooo insightful!!! I drew an endless stream of parallels to my upbringing and my father (who I thought was basically God) as our family cult leader. I cannot BELIEVE how far Ella has come so fast! I am about 30 years her senior and just figuring all this stuff out. Thank you for your channel and thank you to Ella for being so brave! ❤
I just want to hug her. Damn. Baby girl if you read this, you deserved and do deserve better than the way your parent treated you and your siblings. I have a 3 year old and hearing you were getting beat as young as him broke my heart in pieces. So glad you are out of that environment and youre deconstructing and telling your story.
Good lord, where to begin. This is the most relatable story I've heard so far on this channel. My parents were conspiracy theorists as well, although a little less so, but in my family my mom was the prophet. She claimed to hear from God, and God always seemed to take her side in everything. Thankfully my parents actually did educate us, but as homeschoolers we were extremely isolated. I rarely got to interact with kids outside my family, and never in a long term friendship. I definitely relate to the isolation. Corporal punishment was way overboard in my family too. I don't really agree with its usage at all, but Ella's description of it sounds similar to what I went through. Usually a wooden paddle was involved, and if you've never been hit with a wooden paddle, you can't imagine the pain. When Ella said that even the subject of moving out was taboo, that hit a nerve. It was totally taboo in my family too. When I finally moved out at the age of 29, that's what got me ostracized. It wasn't my reasons for moving out that was the problem (I mainly moved out because courtship wasn't working for me), just the mere act of moving out was an unforgivable sin that got me cut off. And the paranoia, the fear of CPS, the demonization of public schools, that was so integrated into my childhood. I deeply relate to Ella and so very much appreciate her sharing her story. As a side note, she mentioned that her parents let her run around and play as a child without much clothing, and that her friends said this was abnormal. I can understand why people think so, but it's actually quite normal in a lot of cultures, and even in the US it's not too rare, especially in rural areas. Nor is it harmful at all, unless there is some type of sexual abuse. It's definitely better than the opposite extreme of making kids feel ashamed of their bodies and telling them that they have to cover up even at a young age (which was more like my family). That said, it's critically important that parents provide their kids with the clothes that they want and need, and not skimp just to save money. Again, thank you for this episode and thank you Ella, if you are reading this, for sharing your story with me. It was encouraging, and I feel like you and I have some shared trauma.
Wow. I'm so glad you were able to leave. It's unfortunate that this was our start in life but now that we know what the truth is we can make the best of our hand.
I’m super curious, as someone who is a licensed foster parent how was the family able to take in foster children without being licensed and or working with the government? Thank you for sharing your story. It is very brave and helpful.
"Fostering" is really common in the US (in quotations because it's not illegal, but it's also not through the government). People just leave their kids with someone. There's a girl that I watch, can't remember her name but she had short red hair and was in the IBLP cult, she was "fostered" and "adopted" and didn't realize it wasn't a legal adoption until she was an adult. My family did legal foster care for 13 years, and the real process is very long to be approved, but even still some weirdos slip through the cracks. For example, I was in a cult and my parents were great, but they did tell my parents things like "You can't require the children to convert." Strangely for that religion, my parents weren't super conversion minded. But the kids that came to our house came to a house without tv and when dial-up internet became a thing it was against our religion too -- but my dad loved technology so we actually had like 5 computers with internet 😅. Anyway my parents actually won foster parents of the year because without tv the kids were so bored that they actually started doing homework and got involved in sports. My religion was against sports, so I was never allowed to play, but the foster kids played basketball, football, whatever they wanted. My parents are great, they left the religion with me about 2 years ago (mentally I was gone about 6 years ago), but I say this to inform you that being in a cult does not raise red flags when they are investigating you as a possible foster home.
Ella I left the cult I was raised in at the same age as you. I really can't encourage you enough to seek therapy as soon as possible and for as long as you need to. I unfortunately didn't do it until 10 years after... and it really could have prevented so much for me. That said you are a strong young woman and that will help you in everything in your life. Sending you lots of positivity and love. Wishing you all the best and a bright future with loving people around you ! 💪❤
Your channel is really helpful to people. I'm still stuck in my church and although my life hasn't been nearly as bad as any of the guests on this channel, I love to hear their stories and I've learned quite a bit along the way. Thank you ❤
It’s been said a bit already, but definitely seeking the help of a lawyer seems best for the birth certificate challenge. I’m not one, but would imagine someone or more than one lawyer, maybe, familiar with areas such as the Social Security Administration, Immigration, Naturalization, and other similar areas of law. It’s unfortunate you’re stuck in a legal limbo. However, it’s great to see you’re in a much better and more loving familial environment. You’ve got your whole life ahead of you so go after your dreams. It’s never too late!
I'm so glad Ella is out on her own and has a supportive family to help her through this transition. ❤ Hopefully her documentation situation gets straightened out soon
Ella thank you for being so inspiring coming on talking about your journey. I was nervous about wanting to submit my own story because I’ve only been out a year and I know how hard and how fresh it is. Plus all the other guests have been out longer so honestly it was kind of intimidating. But you’ve really inspired me to find a platform, even if it’s here with shalise❤️, to talk about my story and experience. I never thought about it that it’s really the biggest f you to my father sharing my story. I guess sometimes I’m still afraid of him and I know he can’t reach me but yea… thank you for inspiring me Ella. You go girl ! And thank you Shalise because you really do an amazing job bringing these people on and you do help those of us deconstructing realize some stuff that maybe we wouldn’t have realized otherwise. Your channel is so inspiring and you too are inspiring. Thank you for all you do for all of us❤
The matthew cox interview brought me here and I can't get enough of your channel! It's awesome you're giving these people a voice. Keep up the good work!
Well done, her journey is wild and I feel elements of this. She’s so awesome. You should try and get Steven Hassan on! I’d love to hear more about Christian fundamentalist cults in the US. It’s been helping me in my own journey of walking back from fundamentalism and purity culture.
I have experienced the fundamentalist baptist/Christian life … and every time I watch these episodes about cults I realize they are their own form of cult as well although people don’t really talk about it in those terms - so many similarities with other cult groups … just a different name sadly.
@@mlc74Baptists in general are pretty extreme but not every baptist church is a cult. Far too many are though, but I don't think a lot of Christians like the idea of calling a denomination a cult unless its one of the "wrong type". A lot of Protestants would happily call trad caths a cult yet ignore or even participate in a lot of the same behaviours in their own church
Thank you Shelise for the platform, your kind interviewing and to Ella for sharing her journey. Keep moving forward and be well Ella. Shelise, I too, like Ella, am so happy to have found your channel since it feels like a safe place to identify unhealthy thinking and behaviors and deconstruct as part of my own journey. Be well
Ella- You are amazing!!! I was involved in a cult as an adult and it took me so long once I got out to sort through it all. Keep on your path of healing and awareness. I pray peace for you!!
Ella, this was a fabulous interview. I'm so grateful that your adopted family offered loving Christian support, showing you loving support with freedom. Bless you on your journey of recovery. I'm so happy that you have a healthy hopeful faith that is strong enough to take your questions! You have been, and will continue to be a blessing to others. I'm so glad that a therapist reached out to you for support as well. . . . . *** Tip- Oklahoma has some congressmen who are pretty good. Since it sounds like you were possibly born in Oklahoma, I would call one or two of their offices and ask for help. Their offices have people who help constituents. People who answer phones for Social Security are unlikely to have much training beyond the norm. Perhaps it would also be helpful to know your mother's SS number for some extra verification. Your passport is another helpful document.
What an amazing young woman! Ella you have the strength and spirit to do anything you want with your life, your new chapter! You are right - you reached the semicolon, not the period. I wish you healing, happiness, and love. Thank you for sharing your experiences and your wisdom.
Ella’s story really hit me hard. That note of a semi-colon not a period is strong, I actually bought myself a semi-colon ring after my first suicide attempt to help remind myself to pause not stop. I just want to send all the love her way and hope you Shellise realise how powerful and important the work you are doing is. I grew up in a Scottish town with 3 churches and a cathedral. Our school was “non-denominational” but was highly conservative Christian. Girls and boys had separate entrances when i was there until 2008. I’m in my 30s now and still deal with religious trauma but knowing I’m not alone has helped
Ella im so pleased for you that you managed to get away and have a family to help you, you are so strong and brave to be telling your story and to do it so soon too, I have a dysfunctional family and it's hard and frustrating to deal with the trauma caused, im sorry you experienced it but im glad you are out because the sooner someone gets away from that environment the better they will be thanks for sharing your story and thanks shelise for another great video and guest ❤❤😊
Thank you for this if you're reading this, Ella. I personally haven't been involved in a high-control group/cult, but this video meant a lot to me and there were a lot of aspects I identified with. What was said at 1:04:13 "...This is the first time in my life where I look forward to the present and I don't have to put myself in the future of what one day will be. [...] I'm glad there was a semicolon instead of a period in my life" ... was extremely meaningful to me and I can't name other times I've cried as a result of watching a youtube video. You've had a meaningful impact on me, and you've undoubtedly had an extremely meaningful positive impact on your younger siblings and mothers' lives. I can't thank you and tell you I love you on behalf of your siblings, but watching this reminded me how thankful I am for what my older sister has done and said when I always have been _very good at not speaking up_. Hearing your story and seeing how good you are at telling it has genuinely inspiring to me as someone who struggles a lot with a depression and social anxiety. Also, I think finding a lawyer may be your best bet for getting your legal status in the US. The _Immigration Advocates Network_ and the US _Executive Office for Immigration Review_ both have lists of pro bono legal service providers, and the types of services they provide, so if you have not looked at those, that may be a good start.
Wow I am so incredibly impressed with Ella's emotional intelligence and psychological insight. I can't believe she has this level of emotional maturity and awareness at 18, especially with a traumatic past. That is such a gift for you.
WOW! Ella you are fantastic! I've been through a long recovery journey and sometimes it's frustrating how long healing takes and how it's not linear but the fact that you are standing and are beautifully articulate tells me you have what it takes to heal. Your insight on anger is something I'm working through as I've blocked it off due to really poor examples of its use. Good luck- thinking of you. Thank you Shelise for bringing her on! Ella I learned a lot from you and you literally just left.
Love your videos girl you're doing amazing work. And she's such a brave girl I can't wait to learn her story. İt will be ok. You will be better you're so so brave thank you for sharing your story
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Thank you so much for the opportunity to share my story! I appreciate all the lovely comments!
I commented on another thread that you might want to go in person to the US Embassy there and ask for help for you and your siblings.
You are very strong and an admirable person! ✌️♥️
Thank YOU for being willing! There are a lot of supportive people here in the comments who want the best for you. As do I! ❤️
Amazing job telling your story! I'm stunned at home well put together you are considering what you've endured and how short of a time it is since you've escaped. You'd be considered a gifted speaker even if you weren't traumatized!
I had a couple ah ha moments listening to you talk from memories of my born again/Pentecostal Grandmother. The mark of the beast, being made to watch videos that are Not child appropriate, and the speaking in tongues. It was stressful and scary as a child and now as an adult it's flat out "what in the actual feck?" haha.
Thank you for sharing your story! My partner's family is from Ecuador, so my impression of the country is much different from yours, though I'm always glad to be reminded that there are dangers everywhere. You are brave, intelligent, and oh-so- strong.
To Ella Sister in Christ. Hugs across the miles 🤗 Iam so proud of you 👏 Keep trusting in Jesus to guide you and heal you. 🙏 Lots of prayers 🙏 from Saskatchwan 🇨🇦
its very clear that Ella has only just escaped. This poor young woman is still experiencing the most intense part of healing from trauma, I can't imagine how difficult it must be to speak out like this. Love and light, Ella
I would like a follow up later to let us know how she is doing
She’s so brave!!
As a prosecutor, I’ve actually dealt with Sovereign Citizens before. It’s a nightmare and is so completely devoid of any logic or common sense. I can’t imagine what it was like going through this.
My best friends husband is a prosecutor and had to deal with one as well and it is madness. You can't even call it mental gymnastics because of the nonsense that is said and believed.
@@darcyferrigno yup!! 1,000%!
My husband is a prosecutor as well, and has so many stories about these people. They cause a lot of problems around here because they really think they are above the law.
My brother slipped into that a little bit some years ago. It was wild hearing him speak. He fired his public defender and tried to represent himself, they considered him incompetent to stand trial and put him in a psych ward till he could be found competent again.
I keep commenting on sovereign citizen videos, this is NOT A THING. It’s a good thing I’m not a prosecutor. NOT A THING!! THIS IS NOT A THING!!!😂
Wow, I can’t believe we are finally hearing from someone that was so close to and persecuted by the Sovereign citizens. Thank you Ella for speaking out. groups like these, the brotherhood, and others, continue to hide in plain sight in our country.
You are not alone! Be well ❤
And you know, Lori Vallow's father was also a sovereign citizen and got in trouble about not paying taxes.
She’s such a gem. I’m so happy she had a friend with amazing parents who took her in.
Oh my goodness, YES!!! What wonderful people they must be.
Yes, it's lovely. It also reminded me more generally of what a major good influence on a child it can be to have another adult helping them - for many people that will be a very good teacher at school who encourages them. As a mother who has always worked full time I have always thought it was great my children have 2 parents, someone who looked after them whilst I worked, people they knew other than knowing me, school etc as it has given them the chance to hear other ideas than just mine, have critical thinking skills etc.
I am so proud of her, being strong, speaking her mind, even when she was in the middle of it all. You can hear in her story she was trying to use her critical thinking even then, but was being beat down for it over and over. I'm also so proud that she is able to separate her religious beliefs from the trauma that was inflicted with using religion as an excuse against her.
She has such a sharp, powerful mind, and I genuinely feel she's really going to go far now that she is out, and able to get all the help and love she needs and deserves. You are amazing, Ella, and so incredibly brilliant and strong!
Try not to allow professional to label you with things. You were abused. God love you
She's so spunky and full of life even after going through a lot. ❤
It's weird isn't it? I've seen trauma like that, abuse physical and mental, utterly destroy and turn people into shells of their former selves as they turn to just about anything in order to escape the demons that haunt them. I also know people who have gone through unbelievably f*kd up shit, my Uncle physically had to beat his own abusive father out of their house when he was 12, who then go on to be some of the kindest, strongest, and most patient people I've ever known. There are still scars, triggers, and idiosyncrasies that stay with them their entire life, but there's a hardness and resiliency there I rarely see in people that haven't gone through that. It's a flip of the coin as to which way it will go, and no one can predict what they'll do or how they'll respond unless they're physically forced into that position. It's a thing that no one should be forced to go through.
Ella, you are so brave for speaking out so quickly after escaping! Please know that a diagnosis of bad experiences in your past does not mean your entire future is effed up too ❤ 10 years past leaving my own crazy parents and I'm living the life I always dreamed of. You're not alone and you are certainly not doomed!
I am just shocked how intelligent and articulate and funny this young lady is, the world is in safe hands me thinks ❤❤❤
Absolutely!!! I'm pretty sure she doesn't know yet how incredible she is. Shelise, please we need to watch more of her incredible journey. Her story would be an amazing book!!
You are not eternally messed up, Ella. You are 18 and already in therapy. You have already done so much, even though the process feels so huge. When I moved out of an abusive family at 18 I didn't even realize I needed therapy. I thought I was fine (not addicted to anything, etc). Fine was a really low bar for me, I guess. We're all really proud of you. The fact that you always had insight that things were not right tells me that you are not messed up! You were hurt and now you are healing.
I totally agree with this. I didn’t grow up in a family cult, but I had a really controlling father who would emotionally, verbally, spiritually and every once in a while physically abuse me. Even now, it’s hard to call it that, and I’ve been out of my dad’s house since 18 myself and am 24 now. I used to think I was messed up, and often still struggle to not think that about myself, Ella. I have really low self esteem because of what my parents told me and said to me. I was afraid to cry because I also was taught (through actions more than through literal words) that crying was a sign of my weakness. My dad didn’t have any crazy conspiracy theories, but he had some interesting theories of how to parent none-the-less, and I remember telling my mom on more than one occasion (starting as young as the age of 7) that I thought their marriage was unhealthy and often asked her why she loved my dad enough to marry him. Kids understand things that adults don’t realize they actually understand! I can relate to several aspects of your story Ella! Thanks for sharing! It helps me be able to deconstruct aspects of my own childhood trauma.
Just wanna give Ella a big old internet hug. It was painful to hear the same words spoken that I said when I left my childhood home behind...thank goodness she did it at 18. I didn't cut ties with my abusers until I was nearly 40. Ella love everything you feel is fine. You have the right to feel your anger and that well of rage you think will burn the world will not. You can let it go without physical injury and don't be afraid to ask for help.
“I need to treat myself the way I would a stranger”
“I must be kind to myself.”
She has no idea how resilient she is!! Proud of you Ella! ♥️ you’re going to be okay
Yes, amazing for 18 when I left home for college/university (I was 17 nearly 18) and I was so shy, nothing like this brave girl at that age.
I work at the Dutch tax authority and the sovereign thought conspiracy has landed here as well these past years. We get people claiming not to have to pay taxes because of it. It's impossible to even have a semi-normal conversation with those people. Absolutely, bat shit crazy.
I feel so angry for her that she grew up in this insanity. I hope she will do well in the future and get the help she needs and will need in the future. Such a strong person.
I'm lithuanian and we also had a story with sovereign citizens like a year ago - our local CPS was trying to take the citizens' kids away due to abuse and they just up and left the country, never to be seen again. It's been a year and they have not been seen once since then
So it’s creeping in everywhere, like Hitler’s gang’s ’philosophy’ did. That is scary.
Claiming to be sovereign has absolutely not a direct connection to being abusive. Come on..... What makes you different just because you believe in the state?!
@@CMR308 preventing your child from socializing with the other kids (by homeschooling them when it's not medically necessary), not giving them medical care (because no birth certificate so can't register to a doctor) and not giving your child a proper highschool education all make a parent abusive. One can't be a sovereign citizen with kids without doing all of these things to their children. And also chosen poverty because you can't get a job without a passport
@miglek9613 you think homeschooling your children when it's not medically necessary is abusive? You do realize that homeschooling is LEGAL and children don't need to have medical issues to be hineschooled! Homeschoolers aren't socially neglected and often meet with other kids in their age group to do activities. Some even still participate in public school sports and extracurricular activities. They also score higher and get into colleges at earlier ages. You CLEARLY have no idea what you're talking about.
Ugh, we have a band of these "sovereign citizens" around the countryside where I live. They are SO ANNOYING. They will get arrested and have to go to court and stand there and be like, "You have no jurisdiction over me blah blah blah." The judge will be like, "Well, you can think that all you want, but I do. Here's your punishment."
I commend Ella for going on your podcast and telling her story. I hope she is able to find strength and happiness in life. Much support to her.
Darrel Brooks is a sovereign citizen who represented himself in his own murder trial. (he was the guy who drove his car into a crowd of people at a christmas parade a few years ago.) his trial is on youtube and many law youtubers have covered it. its absolutely insane, and would be funny if this guy hadn't murdered people and children.
Yes@@bernjobi I was really interested in that! I hope the judge took a VERY nice vacation after the trial, because Oh My God. We had one recently that one of our judges put on a similar "you're not allowed to speak" rule. They really believe that the US government has no right to rule over them and it is actually quite frightening because they think they can do whatever they want and get away with it. They are completely delusional and they cause a bunch of problems.
I've never thought of Sovereign Citizens as a cult before, but now I see it. From videos of their interactions with the police and courts, they are some of the most intractable people I've ever seen. Full of narcissistic entitlement mixed with a persecution complex that is off the charts. I can't imagine being a child in that environment. So glad you could see that what you were dealing with wasn't normal or healthy, Ella. Your journey is just starting, but you seem to know who you are, and you clearly have a good support system. ♥♥♥
And it’s linked to the Q cult.
And they keep spreading we have freemen of the land waddling around in the UK screeching about magna carta, its kind of entertaining until it isn't
Indeed. Actually under English law here in the UK we DO have some people who have specific rights from very ancient days under current English law such as to drive your sheep once a year across a London bridge and one my ancestors was a yeoman in the 1700s which means he owned some property although not that much else but the concept of freeman has been abused by these groups in the US and UK. Most humans want more freedom than they have and there is nothing wrong with that but we live where we do and will be subject to the laws of that place. If we don't like those laws we can always move to more lawless places or live permanently at sea etc. @@nickywal
That’s a lie qanon was based off questions and answers by the public trying to expose elite pedo rings like the Epstein island you all wanted to pretend wasn’t happening. Please shut tf up
Very well said!
I was raised in a family cult similar to this. Ella, I think you are way ahead of the game, being aware and leaving at such a young age. I'm 61 and my mother (the ringleader of the craziness in my family) passed away in 2000, and I feel I'm just getting a handle on all of this. It took raising a family of my own to see how insanely I was raised. Good for you to get out so young; you can heal and build a life for yourself. All I can say in the way of advice is don't hate your parents. Hate is the most corrosive emotion and hurts you 100% and the guilty party 0%. Get some therapy and get some distance and some perspective and you WILL heal. Hugs to you.
It is amazing that she was aware of the abnormality of the situation, and was able to leave at such a young age, after being raised by them in that cult her whole life. She was never taught anything different, but she was still aware that it wasn't the right way for her to live. It was very brave of her to leave like that.
People always assume that it's a patriarchal nightmare - but not always. My mother was also the problem within my family. She passed on her arrogance, strange thinking and flat out destructive ideals to my siblings. It's all a bunch of craziness. Unfortunately she's not passed yet, so every once in awhile dealing with her aged issues does pop up. But most of the time she's, ironically, spending her days in an upscale old folks facility playing Bingo. LOL That's one of those "sins" she used to rail on about.
It's wild and crazy how these people are. 🙃
@@bathemeinchampagne You need to get over yourself. I'm just giving some advice that I have experienced in my much longer lifetime than some people here as a victim of abuse as well. I'm not telling anybody what to do or what to feel and certainly not enabling anything or anyone. I'm just suggesting that perhaps some emotions might be destructive. That doesn't mean you shouldn't feel them but awareness is a wonderful thing.
In a sense that was because the parents "failed" to keep her isolated in the way some other groups manage in a much more controlling way - they allowed internet access, the Christian friend outside the family, the job outside the home etc @@NikkiC777
Putting this here to remind myself to write it in my affirmations book.
“I must look for the people who support me when I’m not okay.”
I love this, and just the concept of an affirmation book in general. I’ll have to start one too since that seems really beneficial and like something I need right now. Thank you for commenting this!
@@lindseyhendrix2405 I keep one because I started making affirmations for a friend who finds it easier to just listen or follow along. I have a playlist of long and short ones.
Thank you
Shout out to Carry-Anne! Not many people would stick around for all of that. That's a ride or die kind of pal! A sister! I am so happy you had a great friend in your corner, Ella!
This 🙌❤️
@@CultstoConsciousnessMormons are not Real Christians to begin with they are actually Fake Christians and they add stuff that is not in The Bible too. Because the Bible says not to add to The Bible and yet they have did just that.
Wow this is insane. Ella, you are incredibly brave and strong and I’m so so happy you found your way out.
What a dear, kind, sensitive soul Ella has! I relate SO much to the “triggering thoughts” caused by being sensitive which TOTALLY exacerbates “spiritual” struggles! I’m glad she made it out as early as she did… I hope she has the resources and time to heal and continue her deconstruction.
Me too! When I was a child I was taught God hears your thoughts and the devil is always around. So any bad thought, I thought was the devil. And my parents weren't like over the top religious. So my thoughts were spiral to worse things just bc I was scared and thought I had no control. By this mindset you givebup your power, so that every bad thing is of the devil. So you feel like you don't have the power to change it otherwise.. if that makes sense. Ella was not alone in her experiences! And she's taking her power back. ❤
@@d.floydd oh man. Same here. It culminated in insomnia at age 11 for me 😥
I can’t believe how brave she is. I’ve been out of a cult for 25 almost 26 years & I STILL don’t think I could delve in to it like this even now & she’s just… speaking her truth. Incredible. Love & solidarity to Ella, I hope she’s got a strong trauma informed support system, nobody should have to endure the pain & healing alone.
Holy paranoid personality disorder. My mother has so many of these thoughts like her dad. I’m pretty glad she never found the sovereign citizen movement. Woah. Thank you for sharing Ella you have so much ahead of you! And I am
So excited for you to experience the world on your own terms
I was third generation Mormon. Before I left I had no idea it was an accult. Looking back now I see that it was. The change I went through after leaving was difficult but worth it.
I hope there is a legal person watching this who can volunteer to help her with passport and birth certificate etc. hope she can help her siblings to escape too. God bless her she is amazing how she has survived.
My thoughts as well 🙌
Already 2 prosecutors have commented, hopefully they also reach out to help her.
My best friend grew up in a very similar way to this girl. She’s struggling very badly at 28 right now because of it. I feel for this lady.
Maybe it would be good for her to see this. Just knowing you aren’t alone is huge.✌️♥️
I hope your friend finds her way peacefully to a better place.❤
My family and I got out of the IBLP when I was eight. But my friend and her family remained in it. SUPER strict family that fits most of what the video talked about. She has been having a hard time since leaving her parents and trying to live on her own and work. It sucks.
@@denize7139
Thank you for sharing Ella's story! It's refreshing to see someone like me- sitting in the middle of the beginning of my deconstruction, feeling overwhelmed with all the connections I've been making and it's refreshing to see someone in the middle of this first stage.. Please bring her back to check in on her progress!
❤️❤️❤️
Let's be clear: even a single "swat" is abuse. Corporal punishment is abuse. It may be legal, but it is abusive, and there's a mountain of science proving it is harmful, traumatizing, and doesn't do any good. A "spanking" is using violence to control another human being, whether it be one hit or one hundred. I'm so sorry these poor children were forced to endure this abuse.
Amen to this
So raw, so real. What an amazingly strong young person!
I’m amazed how knowledgeable and articulate is, especially because she didn’t have a formal education. Amazon Ella!
Stoked to catch a video this early and I’m commenting before watching to help boost the algorithm, but I’m already impressed with this girl just by the title! Thank you for sharing your story, and thank you, Shelise for bringing it to us with such grace and care!
Edit: wow, I’m honestly surprised this is the first time (that I know of) sovereign citizens have entered the conversation on the channel! And I’m shocked that I’ve never thought of how easy the crossover of the Sov Cit realm & the Christian belief of being a citizen of heaven, the kingdom, etc. could collide! Yeeeeesh.
Thank you so much for your comment and support!❤️
Ella you are truly amazing!! Another tip that I learned about dealing with anger is thinking of anger as hiding a true feeling. My therapist taught me that it’s usually masking a deeper feeling(disappointment, grief, confusion etc) It really helped me work through the anger and help make sense of my anger and being self aware of my true feelings. Thought it could help! Go Ella go!!!
Shelise, you continue to do such important work. I am totally blown away at the way you conduct your interviews in such a sensitive, supportive manner. You must feel so good about how your channel is doing and how much you are impacting the life of so many people. I can't say enough good things about you. Thank you!!!
Thank you so much for your kind words. It means a lot! ♥️ I truly don’t think I can comprehend the effects of the channel but comments like yours help 🥰
Liked, shared and commented! Up the algorithm!! And thanks so much. Some folx still don’t realize they’re in a cult even if it’s just their family.
I love this energy and I’ll follow your lead!
Same!!!❤
There is probably thousands more children in similar situations. Thanks to Ella for speaking out.
I am always dumbfounded that people can convince themselves to use religion to skirt the law, avoid paying taxes, abuse their children, neglect their children and generally try to take financial advantage of the country. My heart goes out to you and no matter how tough it is I certainly hope you are able to find peace.
People can use any excuse to do those things.
Cults do tend to provide protection for predators, though.
This is a story everyone should hear. I commend her for sharing this with us, so we are more aware of the horrific capabilities of certain beliefs. How much of the residue remains from living in it up to adult life.
57:27 that’s the hardest thing to learn. I used to say my mother and I went through the wars together until a therapist made me look at it differently. Mind blown.
Omg...not the jilly juice! She's been harming people's health for years now. I wish she would get charged with giving health advice without a degree.
She really should have been prosecuted a while ago.
She is so brave speaking out.
Yikes this is the scary cult/sov cit/Jilly Juice crossover that no one needs - and this poor young woman lived it.
right! she collected a full nightmarish bingo
Thank you Ella for sharing your story. I am in awe of your strength at just 18, and I cannot wait to see what amazing things you are going to do with the rest of your life. I know you are going to help so many people. So many. And you already are. Keep channeling your anger into doing good and making change, you are gonna change the world girl ❤
For her to get back to the US, she should try reaching out to ex amish/menonite people who also had no birth certificate or documentation with the US government and see how they were able to obtain their documentation! I think I remember Eli Yoder on your channel said something about having the same issue. I dont know if it will be more difficult with her currently living in another country vs living in an Amish community, but I wonder if she would be able to with her parents' names and documentation if either of them have US identification. I knkw she mentioned her mother having a social security number. Perhaps if her mom is willing to do a DNA test or provide a written letter that she is her mother and gave birth in the US, she may be able to get her citizenship that way.
Her mother didn't even have to give birth to her in the US. Anyone born to a US citizen anywhere is a US citizen
Probably a visit to the US Embassy. I’m sure there is a way-she might need a citizen here to sponsor her temporarily. I would go to the embassy and tell them about this.✌️♥️
She might be better off getting her Ecuadorian papers. The United States is going downhill fast.
I was going to post this anyway but this post already has some traction so I’m commenting it here: definitely try contacting the US embassy and consulate in Quito directly.
This has such a different feel than most interviews, so much more raw because Ella so recently got out! It's gonna be amazing for her to rewatch this in a year or so and see how far she'll have come by then ❤ I'd love to see you back as your journey into healing progresses, Ella, I'm sure it'll help others who are going through the same process! Also my best friend lives in Ecuador, she's the most lovely person, so if you ever get lonely while still down there, feel free to reach out 🤗
Such a wonderful young lady. Glad you are out and moving in a positive direction. Your whole life lays ahead of you.
Ella is a phenomenal young lady. Respect to her friend and family for their love and support. I wish her the very best in her future 🙏
Thank you for continuing to give voices to people who desperately need it. I hope Ella gets back to the US and gets all the help and support possible.
You are so brave for sharing your story. I hope you find peace and joy in your life.
Dear Ella, thank you so much for sharing your story! It helped me so much to know that I am not the only one whose mother broke my trust by continuing to stay in an abusive marriage and going back to an abusive husband who hurt her and her kids. It is valuable to me to know that I'm not alone in having abusive parents who weaponized the Bible to control and manipulate their children and discourage us from thinking they could be wrong. I think you are the person whose story I have heard on this channel who I identify the most with, so thank you for sharing! I'm proud of you!
Thanks for this great interview. I think more families are like cults than we can imagine. Individuation is a challenge for many of us who grew uplike this. So proud of Ella. Great interview.
Am I the only one who needs to know how they got from country to Country without birth certificates? I wish you all the happiness life has to offer, I am so sorry you have had to go through all of this
Not Jilly Juice! Omg! I’ve heard of that “protocol” and the woman who made that is NUTS. She was on Dr. Phil and so were her “adherents”. I’m so sorry that that poor baby had to go through the diet. 🤢
Well done Ella, you are such a hero for being able to speak out so quickly from escaping. You are an inspiration and I hope you get everything sorted and your life is blessed with good health.
Ok, hooray for Ella! Watching the intro, but well done! ❤ Welcome to the world baby girl. It's a really big place, but there are a lot of wonderful people out here. Sending you calm, inner peace, and good things for the future. It's awesome that you have a safe place to land. Speak loud and proud and heal your trauma wounds. You aren't alone. We're all effed in our own ways 😊
Thank you for sharing your story with us Ella 💛 This can't have been easy and we appreciate your strength and vulnerability.
Ella, I just want to say that you have done an extremely hard thing. It takes a lot of guts to speak about it and even to begin to process it so soon after leaving. Remember, healing isn't linear, so be patient with yourself. ❤
Whenever my children bit me whilst nursing, I just took them off and waited a minute before trying again. Yeah. They stopped real quick. No pain involved. Redirecting works.
Wow, Ella, you are so reflectted and well-spoken. I am glad, you escaped and that you can now start to heal and decide what you are going to do with your life. I hope, now there will be many amazing experiences for you. I didn't know "sovereign citizens" also existed in the US. I know they exist in Germnany where I live and in my former home country Austria.
Ella is so young and so well spoken, I hope she can find true healing as much as possible and learns as much history as she can :) it'd be great some day we get to hear from her again later down the line so she can share her story of surviving to thriving. Best of luck to her in her journey
Maybe find out who the midwife was at her birth would help her establish documentation?
OMG, I have heard about Jilly Juice, that stuff is downright dangerous. I am so glad you was able to excape. I am still coming to terms in realising some of the things in my childhood were wrong, as I thought it was normal, and that my dad is emotionally abusive, watching my mum, she is just so worn down, she knows he's bad for her but she just can't escape. Its conflicting because I know she is a victim too, but she also was abusive in her own ways.
Does her father have paranoid schizophrenia? Because it sounds like he was having delusions and was hugely paranoid.
Conspiracy theory internet brain rot.
It's possible, but hard to say. The only thing that makes me lean in that direction is the incident of him praying in some unintelligible language, but she doesn't specifically mention hallucinations. Could be a paranoid personality disorder. It's confusing because we have SO many paranoid, delusional conspiracy zealots now.
My poor dad had paranoic schizophrenia and would have massive delusions and talk in completely confused ways. Scary and we had to leave him when I was 10 for our own sanity
I think that if I were Ella I would contact an organization like the Institute For Justice, or ACLU for legal representation. Her civil rights are being withheld because of bureaucratic policies. Some agencies not knowing how to satisfy their verification requirements in issuing documents shouldn't be allowed to remove fundamental rights.
I do think that there should be a verification process, but it shouldn't be so short sited that missing one document overrides all other evidence.
Great suggestions!
What an intelligent mature young woman! Sooo insightful!!! I drew an endless stream of parallels to my upbringing and my father (who I thought was basically God) as our family cult leader. I cannot BELIEVE how far Ella has come so fast! I am about 30 years her senior and just figuring all this stuff out. Thank you for your channel and thank you to Ella for being so brave! ❤
Ella, you have a bravery and wisdom far beyond your years! ❤Keep us updated on how you doing if you feel comfortable doing so. Much love!
Ella you are so wise for your age. I hope everything works out for you. You deserve to be safe and happy.
Wow! What an incredible girl Kerry-Ann is! And her family
I just want to hug her. Damn. Baby girl if you read this, you deserved and do deserve better than the way your parent treated you and your siblings. I have a 3 year old and hearing you were getting beat as young as him broke my heart in pieces. So glad you are out of that environment and youre deconstructing and telling your story.
Good lord, where to begin. This is the most relatable story I've heard so far on this channel. My parents were conspiracy theorists as well, although a little less so, but in my family my mom was the prophet. She claimed to hear from God, and God always seemed to take her side in everything.
Thankfully my parents actually did educate us, but as homeschoolers we were extremely isolated. I rarely got to interact with kids outside my family, and never in a long term friendship. I definitely relate to the isolation.
Corporal punishment was way overboard in my family too. I don't really agree with its usage at all, but Ella's description of it sounds similar to what I went through. Usually a wooden paddle was involved, and if you've never been hit with a wooden paddle, you can't imagine the pain.
When Ella said that even the subject of moving out was taboo, that hit a nerve. It was totally taboo in my family too. When I finally moved out at the age of 29, that's what got me ostracized. It wasn't my reasons for moving out that was the problem (I mainly moved out because courtship wasn't working for me), just the mere act of moving out was an unforgivable sin that got me cut off.
And the paranoia, the fear of CPS, the demonization of public schools, that was so integrated into my childhood.
I deeply relate to Ella and so very much appreciate her sharing her story.
As a side note, she mentioned that her parents let her run around and play as a child without much clothing, and that her friends said this was abnormal. I can understand why people think so, but it's actually quite normal in a lot of cultures, and even in the US it's not too rare, especially in rural areas. Nor is it harmful at all, unless there is some type of sexual abuse. It's definitely better than the opposite extreme of making kids feel ashamed of their bodies and telling them that they have to cover up even at a young age (which was more like my family). That said, it's critically important that parents provide their kids with the clothes that they want and need, and not skimp just to save money.
Again, thank you for this episode and thank you Ella, if you are reading this, for sharing your story with me. It was encouraging, and I feel like you and I have some shared trauma.
Wow. I'm so glad you were able to leave. It's unfortunate that this was our start in life but now that we know what the truth is we can make the best of our hand.
I’m super curious, as someone who is a licensed foster parent how was the family able to take in foster children without being licensed and or working with the government? Thank you for sharing your story. It is very brave and helpful.
I was also wondering this. But not sure if the parents fostered the children from the US or from Ecuador. Maybe Ecuador has different requirements.
She was practically a baby for all we know he kidnapped those girls, but it was probably not a legal fostering.
"Fostering" is really common in the US (in quotations because it's not illegal, but it's also not through the government). People just leave their kids with someone. There's a girl that I watch, can't remember her name but she had short red hair and was in the IBLP cult, she was "fostered" and "adopted" and didn't realize it wasn't a legal adoption until she was an adult.
My family did legal foster care for 13 years, and the real process is very long to be approved, but even still some weirdos slip through the cracks. For example, I was in a cult and my parents were great, but they did tell my parents things like "You can't require the children to convert." Strangely for that religion, my parents weren't super conversion minded. But the kids that came to our house came to a house without tv and when dial-up internet became a thing it was against our religion too -- but my dad loved technology so we actually had like 5 computers with internet 😅. Anyway my parents actually won foster parents of the year because without tv the kids were so bored that they actually started doing homework and got involved in sports. My religion was against sports, so I was never allowed to play, but the foster kids played basketball, football, whatever they wanted.
My parents are great, they left the religion with me about 2 years ago (mentally I was gone about 6 years ago), but I say this to inform you that being in a cult does not raise red flags when they are investigating you as a possible foster home.
Poor thing. Her dad is off his rocker.
Ella I left the cult I was raised in at the same age as you. I really can't encourage you enough to seek therapy as soon as possible and for as long as you need to. I unfortunately didn't do it until 10 years after... and it really could have prevented so much for me. That said you are a strong young woman and that will help you in everything in your life. Sending you lots of positivity and love. Wishing you all the best and a bright future with loving people around you ! 💪❤
Poor girl went from that upbringing straight into a christian pastor’s home.
I’ve written 4 research papers on sovereign citizens & my lawyer-daughter and I, also a lawyer, are teaching the NJ Bar Assoc about them Dec. 8th.
Can you link to your research papers?
Your channel is really helpful to people. I'm still stuck in my church and although my life hasn't been nearly as bad as any of the guests on this channel, I love to hear their stories and I've learned quite a bit along the way. Thank you ❤
❤️❤️❤️
It’s been said a bit already, but definitely seeking the help of a lawyer seems best for the birth certificate challenge. I’m not one, but would imagine someone or more than one lawyer, maybe, familiar with areas such as the Social Security Administration, Immigration, Naturalization, and other similar areas of law. It’s unfortunate you’re stuck in a legal limbo. However, it’s great to see you’re in a much better and more loving familial environment. You’ve got your whole life ahead of you so go after your dreams. It’s never too late!
OMG she's adorable. I will be praying for her. I hope she writes a book, starts a channel, and helps people. Rooting for you sis.
I'm so glad Ella is out on her own and has a supportive family to help her through this transition. ❤ Hopefully her documentation situation gets straightened out soon
What a story. Ella you are a brave young woman. I hope you are able to get back to the US soon.
I want you to meet with this young girl again in a year and check in with her! I think she has such a bright future
I am very happy you exist and you open so many doors! ❤❤❤❤ thank you
Ella thank you for being so inspiring coming on talking about your journey. I was nervous about wanting to submit my own story because I’ve only been out a year and I know how hard and how fresh it is. Plus all the other guests have been out longer so honestly it was kind of intimidating. But you’ve really inspired me to find a platform, even if it’s here with shalise❤️, to talk about my story and experience. I never thought about it that it’s really the biggest f you to my father sharing my story. I guess sometimes I’m still afraid of him and I know he can’t reach me but yea… thank you for inspiring me Ella. You go girl ! And thank you Shalise because you really do an amazing job bringing these people on and you do help those of us deconstructing realize some stuff that maybe we wouldn’t have realized otherwise. Your channel is so inspiring and you too are inspiring. Thank you for all you do for all of us❤
I'm so glad that you were able to get out! It's hard to talk about the abuse but silence is their protection. I wish you the best of luck!
Break the silence. Break the cycle.
The matthew cox interview brought me here and I can't get enough of your channel! It's awesome you're giving these people a voice. Keep up the good work!
Awesome! Thank you! Welcome to C2C 😁
Well done, her journey is wild and I feel elements of this. She’s so awesome.
You should try and get Steven Hassan on!
I’d love to hear more about Christian fundamentalist cults in the US. It’s been helping me in my own journey of walking back from fundamentalism and purity culture.
I have experienced the fundamentalist baptist/Christian life … and every time I watch these episodes about cults I realize they are their own form of cult as well although people don’t really talk about it in those terms - so many similarities with other cult groups … just a different name sadly.
@@mlc74Baptists in general are pretty extreme but not every baptist church is a cult. Far too many are though, but I don't think a lot of Christians like the idea of calling a denomination a cult unless its one of the "wrong type". A lot of Protestants would happily call trad caths a cult yet ignore or even participate in a lot of the same behaviours in their own church
Thank you Shelise for the platform, your kind interviewing and to Ella for sharing her journey. Keep moving forward and be well Ella.
Shelise, I too, like Ella, am so happy to have found your channel since it feels like a safe place to identify unhealthy thinking and behaviors and deconstruct as part of my own journey. Be well
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Ella!! I'm so proud of you for advocating for yourself and escaping such a toxic, abusive situation.
Ella- You are amazing!!! I was involved in a cult as an adult and it took me so long once I got out to sort through it all. Keep on your path of healing and awareness. I pray peace for you!!
Ella, this was a fabulous interview. I'm so grateful that your adopted family offered loving Christian support, showing you loving support with freedom. Bless you on your journey of recovery. I'm so happy that you have a healthy hopeful faith that is strong enough to take your questions! You have been, and will continue to be a blessing to others. I'm so glad that a therapist reached out to you for support as well. . . . . *** Tip- Oklahoma has some congressmen who are pretty good. Since it sounds like you were possibly born in Oklahoma, I would call one or two of their offices and ask for help. Their offices have people who help constituents. People who answer phones for Social Security are unlikely to have much training beyond the norm. Perhaps it would also be helpful to know your mother's SS number for some extra verification. Your passport is another helpful document.
What an amazing young woman! Ella you have the strength and spirit to do anything you want with your life, your new chapter! You are right - you reached the semicolon, not the period. I wish you healing, happiness, and love. Thank you for sharing your experiences and your wisdom.
Thank you for coming on and sharing your story. Good luck! Best advice I ever got, QUESTION EVERYTHING.
Ella’s story really hit me hard. That note of a semi-colon not a period is strong, I actually bought myself a semi-colon ring after my first suicide attempt to help remind myself to pause not stop. I just want to send all the love her way and hope you Shellise realise how powerful and important the work you are doing is. I grew up in a Scottish town with 3 churches and a cathedral. Our school was “non-denominational” but was highly conservative Christian. Girls and boys had separate entrances when i was there until 2008. I’m in my 30s now and still deal with religious trauma but knowing I’m not alone has helped
You’re definitely not alone! Thanks for sharing ❤️
Ella im so pleased for you that you managed to get away and have a family to help you, you are so strong and brave to be telling your story and to do it so soon too, I have a dysfunctional family and it's hard and frustrating to deal with the trauma caused, im sorry you experienced it but im glad you are out because the sooner someone gets away from that environment the better they will be thanks for sharing your story and thanks shelise for another great video and guest ❤❤😊
I cant get over how bright and articulate this young woman is! Absolutely amazing.
Thank you for this if you're reading this, Ella.
I personally haven't been involved in a high-control group/cult, but this video meant a lot to me and there were a lot of aspects I identified with.
What was said at 1:04:13
"...This is the first time in my life where I look forward to the present and I don't have to put myself in the future of what one day will be. [...] I'm glad there was a semicolon instead of a period in my life"
... was extremely meaningful to me and I can't name other times I've cried as a result of watching a youtube video.
You've had a meaningful impact on me, and you've undoubtedly had an extremely meaningful positive impact on your younger siblings and mothers' lives. I can't thank you and tell you I love you on behalf of your siblings, but watching this reminded me how thankful I am for what my older sister has done and said when I always have been _very good at not speaking up_. Hearing your story and seeing how good you are at telling it has genuinely inspiring to me as someone who struggles a lot with a depression and social anxiety.
Also, I think finding a lawyer may be your best bet for getting your legal status in the US. The _Immigration Advocates Network_ and the US _Executive Office for Immigration Review_ both have lists of pro bono legal service providers, and the types of services they provide, so if you have not looked at those, that may be a good start.
I'm glad you were able to benefit from my words. I appreciate your comment! It means a lot.
So proud of you for following Jesus Christ and I pray every one watching and making these videos comes to know Him🙏🏻♥️
This is so fresh for Ella. It would be interesting to see how she's doing in a year. I wish her well on her journey.
Wow I am so incredibly impressed with Ella's emotional intelligence and psychological insight. I can't believe she has this level of emotional maturity and awareness at 18, especially with a traumatic past. That is such a gift for you.
WOW! Ella you are fantastic! I've been through a long recovery journey and sometimes it's frustrating how long healing takes and how it's not linear but the fact that you are standing and are beautifully articulate tells me you have what it takes to heal. Your insight on anger is something I'm working through as I've blocked it off due to really poor examples of its use. Good luck- thinking of you.
Thank you Shelise for bringing her on! Ella I learned a lot from you and you literally just left.
Love your videos girl you're doing amazing work. And she's such a brave girl I can't wait to learn her story. İt will be ok. You will be better you're so so brave thank you for sharing your story
Thank you so much!!
This was one of my favorites! Thanks for giving Ella the space to share her story!