These people who are talking down to you are sinning themselves because it clearly says that judge as you want to be judged and ye who lives without sin can cast the first stone too and as far as the clothing issues there it clearly states in the bible says come as you are too it doesn't say that you have to dress like them either and I'm proud to hear that you have leaft them too now idk that they were like that here either okay have a great day now
@Lara Gravenor the materialistic things don't matter at the same time we shouldn't live with rules around it of that makes sense. God isn't going to care whether you have electricity or not 🤷🏽♀️
Girl. This is nuts. It's like you're telling everyone about my life story, like, exactly. I can't even say how much it means for someone else to have the courage to say it all. Thank you. You are brave, brave, brave. In it with you sister - it hurts a lot, and always will, but it's so much better isn't it? You did it.
Its hard to connect to the divine with too much limitations organized society at large is not very different from the strictness of the Amish just different rules often adding up to much insanity. Are you really "leaving the Amish" or are you just following Gods calling to "spread the Amish" elsewhere into the world where you now live by personifying the best aspects of your culture to connect to those who never grew up in it? When God closes a door he always opens a window :) God bless you all :)
I just happened to find you WHAT A STORY! I too left my house because I lived under ridiculous rules, extremely strict father and a very jealous dominating stepmother, I was burned from studying all of my life (pre med) I had a boyfriend they hardly let me see, I couldn’t go anywhere. He asked me to marry him, my dad said no, I didn’t have his blessing and he wouldn’t go to my wedding, I was heartbroken he was the world to me. I didn’t speak to him for two years. I left eloped and we have been married 41 years. I’m so happy I found you
He was your external connection to the divine, True Love always is :) You found your way to Christ. The best way to deal with fake Christians, is to be a True Christian. When God closes a door, he always opens a window :) God bless you all.
fear and self preservation serves only half the need, however, with all these people starting new communities with different rules that are merging societies together something magic is happening. There is definately good things about Amish culture to, and if you truly understand the horrors of war and statecraft you would know. Plus, there is toxic contracts I believe are held with at least some Amish councils with governments, its relation to Bureau of Land Management agreements with the cults of power similar to all other communities experiencing human trafficking. This is because THERE IS NO CITY RESERVE OR TOWN in the country without the influence of the Masonhood global government apparatus that just gets to live and left alone without PAYING RENT. So, lots of vulnerable children in reserves easy to snatch and rack up a big reputation red flags etc. The babies out of wedlock, as far as I understand they get trusted to agencies to adopt out in the cities not in the community, its done in secret, which allows for trafficking to go unnoticed. I have been at this stuff for a long time surviving childhood youth and adulthood in Ontario and the trafficking is organized by CIA and CSIS drugs to.
God was with you all along, showing you what true freedom in Christ is. You are blessed and through you surely many will question the culture they originate from and seek the truth at all costs. I am so impressed with your story and pray that you continue to be so true to yourself and your beliefs. ❤
I watched the Leaving Amish series and when Maureen first saw the Ocean and beach her face lit up with awe. She said it was the greatest day of her life. It made me cry because they never experienced the world and missed out on everything. Every Amish person that decides to leave is a huge asset to the world.
Some Amish take vacations and travel more than I have in my 70 years of life. I do realize that there are different economic levels in the Amish just as the English, so not all families are able to travel.
Moving hurts in all cultures. Having a voice in where you go and what you do is very important. It leads to anger when things are done to us without choice yet we are not able to find a way to survive away from that situation.
This is so familiar to my experience being raised Mormon and then finally finding my way out as an adult. I’m so grateful that we both have been able to break free and create authentic happy lives for ourselves 💕
Having grown up in Utah as a heathen, I've enjoyed watching the few mormons who could actually look outside their imposed fantasy world and struggle with reality, then make the step to see the real world.
Casey, im sorry you had to go through this. You may not want to talk to me but I do understand where you didm it't have a choice. I am Mormon, but I f respect your decision. I course to be Mormon through. Actually, I was treated this way when I was one of Jehovah's Witnesses. And when I left I lost every friends I had. I do support you choosing what you wanted. I dunt think it is right to make someone choose something they don't want. I hope like this woman you have a good relationship with your family if you can.
Ich habe erst jetzt den Rest deines Videos gesehen. Du hast alles richtig gemacht! I just saw the rest of your video right now. You did everything in the right way! Ich hätte in einer solch strengen religiösen Umgebung schon spätestens mit 8 Probleme bekommen. In such a strict religious community, I would have run into problems so much earlier. before my 10th birthday. Ich habe immer schon viele Fragen gestellt. I always asked questions. Luckily, my family was never member of any church or religion - and so am I. But just as an adult I can fully appreciate this freedom, as I can say what I think - no religion can tell me what I shall say. I love your videos! I hope you will be a successful RU-vidr in the very near future! Followr your heart, your inner voice. And you will be good!
I have a similar background but I'm now an atheist. I've been detached from all organized religion for 20 years. The best move I ever made. #freethinker
Fantastic, laws( bibles) etc etc are written by man.. I know right from wrong and I do my best for my family or strangers... Mother Nature always wins Atheism all the way and I don’t need to justify it because I’m happy and hurt no one
@@MrPaultopp it's better to be Egnostic (to not know) then to be Atheist (just don't believe at all) because eternity is a very long time and if there is heaven then you have a chance but being Atheist is turning against God and you won't have a chance.
Whatever you feel is right for you then do that. Each person has their own beliefs and feelings and that is the amazing thing about choice. We all get to choose what we want to believe in.
@@Sheila612Miller that Logic only make sense If you belive in a god tho... It's like answering the question "do you belive in a invisible purple Elefant living in your house" with "I dont know, maybe he's there" 😛
My Grandmother was AnaBabtist, I remember how strict she was, when I visited her I had to abide by her rules. I had to wear dresses to my anlkes, cover my head and arms. She had no electric or running water in the house. It drove me nuts, I had lived in the real world and just didn't understand why she had to be so strict.
So sorry to hear what you have gone through but same time glad you did the cut off finally. God bless you and I wish you all the best of luck for your future life. Respect 👍 Tom from Vienna /Austria 🇦🇹
From one who spent 30 years in a rather restrictive sect, asking questions beyond a certain point and using an inquiring mind was frowned on. We used technology and all the usual trappings of modernity, but the rules and regulations were cloying for many members. I completely empathise with and relate to you.
Although I was not Amish, I left a rules oriented conservative cul- like religion many years ago, and I have never looked back. My only question is why it took me so long, but I know the answer to that, it was raw, naked fear. Today, I know that any person or organization that can control your feelings can control your mind. People in a cult desperately want you to stay and will do and say anything to make you stay, because your leaving invalidates the feelings of those who choose to live in the safety of their gossip chamber of judgment. Jacques Cousteau once said something that helped me, perhaps it will mean to you what it does to me. " The conquering of fear, is the beginning of wisdom." I have found that to be true, and you will too.
We are literally driving home right now from Harrison Valley, Pennsylvania. A young man in our community left the Amish with his brother, he came back and immediately his fathe (very heavy-handed, also the bishop of the community) got him treatments. It's like his father thought he needed to have whatever in him that desired to be English gitten out of his mind somehow. I've seen that a lot as the driver of the Amish . I love your candidness and your passion! So many people just don't understand or believe that life isn't always sunshine and rainbows being Amish.
You are such a good storyteller!!! And now I need to watch part 2! thank you for sharing your story. I always idealized the Amish culture and I feel like the modern world has so much to learn from a culture that puts family and a more simple ways of life first, but I’m learning more and more just how oppressive it can be.
thank you for being brave enough to share part of your story, can't wait to hear the rest and so sorry you had to go through that. i have never belonged to any religion except family. wishing you all the best for all you are doing with your life. love love love
@@EmilyAdams_ your so welcome and so happy you were able to make choices in your life eventually. your mind thought was not part of their process. its that simple. happy life for you no matter what you do. love love love
@@EmilyAdams_ Girl, you gotta check out the Amish Potato. I like his discernment on the gospel and how the Amish get it wrong - unfortunately. But yeah, check him out. 🙂👍🏼
Emily this video made me cry! It’s sooo sad and scary living there!! I’m soo proud of u and happy for u how much u accomplished!! U r sooo strong!! U r amazing! Love u and keep up your amazing videos! ❤️❤️
No where. Heaven is for those who repent of their sins, turn away from them, and believe in their heart that Jesus is God come in the flesh who died to pay for our sins & we then confess to others that we believe he is who he says he is. This is not just head knowledge. for it is with the heart (spiritual) that we believe & with the mouth we confess.
I'm one of the biggest atheists you'll ever meet. Last time I read the Buybull, it didn't say that only Amish Luddites went to heaven. Shunning people for not following the Ordnung is NOT what Jesus would do. He welcomed the stranger, hung out with sinners, clothed and fed the poor, you name it.
You are a very brave woman. The hardest thing to be when there is so much fear that blinds us. “Be brave and courageous” is what the Bible tells us and you are. I know because I chose to be a coward. Not with Amish but in my Christian life. I can not imagine you having to go through anything harder, but I haven’t heard the part 2 yet. Thank you for sharing your life, it will help many people. ❤️
I am also a fan of the channel " Growing Up In Polygamy" the strength to make important life changes as a teenager takes a great amount of fortitude. Good for you to take your life in your hands.
Emily - you are absolutely, positively one of the most courageous woman I know- and I am Lebanese 😀😀😀 I have no idea why your channel was on my feed, but I am glad it is. My first ever Amish encounter was when I did 1000 pieces of puzzle 🧩 with the Amish country. Than, I started watching Amish reality shows- you are a beautiful soul and I am following you for sure 🥰🥰
@@EmilyAdams_ I believe you - I hope everything that is portrayed is not true - otherwise, the drama alone can harm you. Well, after 28 years being in an extreme abusive relationship myself, from threatened to be killed after he kills my son, or if I leave him - I will have to leave my son after he had convinced us to move to Dubai - he always said: you can leave anytime you wish, but my son will be kept there. It was a constant mental, emotional and super abusive so called marriage. I feel every word you say, yes, you are an amazing beautiful person- yes, you deserve to be have and have pea ce of mind that we all need to be able to get out of bed… every morning 🥰🥰🥰
Thanks for sharing and I am going to listen to part 2! I am an Orthodox Christian, and our services can be long also. But I love them and love singing in the choir. A normal Sunday for us is about an hour and a half unless something special is happening like a higherarcal visit or a holiday. Pascha (AKA Easter) is the longest service being 4 hours. But again, I love it!
Very moving story. As a parent, I know your parents did what they did because they love you. I hope that your departure fro the Amish culture didn’t mean a departure from your faith.
Lack of grace is not a characteristic of the God I know. Only of imperfect people who are not reflecting God's image. God is all about 2nd chances, forgiveness and redemption. I hope you remember the Bible and know that truth! Thanks for sharing your story!
What a story! Your courage is inspriational. Your exasperation as a person, even at such a young age, motivated you for a long time. Your parents never viewed you as a person hence your seeking validation elsewhere.
Although this video is very old, I just found this channel and had to comment. The pain you l felt telling your story is raw. The tears are streaming down your beautiful face. So glad you followed your dream despite obstacles you encountered.
I went to school with some Amish kids. Some of them left their community. I remember how big of a deal it was for them as boys. Can’t even imagine what you went through as a woman. Bless you. I hope you have found some peace. Looking forward to part 2. I’m pretty sure God will allow you into heaven without black socks 😘
Thank you for sharing your story. I really believe the Amish culture is very high integrity based. I do support the Amish and support this wonderful group of citizens. I wish that I was Amish.
I like what you say about God is love and not blame. I feel that too. In Africa there is a tribe that when someone does something wrong etc, they would sit in circle and and all would talk about the good thing, attributes of a person instead of blame.
When I pass Amish homes and I see the young children out working and being so quiet and obedient, I feel bad for them not allowed to be a little child. Your story is very intriguing and interesting to hear the other side.
@@EmilyAdams_ I’m certain you have a great deal of struggles with the old programming, but dang you sure are a survivor and it’s great to see. As a veteran Police Officer, I deal with so many battered woman and men, I’m going to recommend them to read your story and witness your transformation. You will be a great motivator for them. Keep up the amazing work and stay strong 💪
It's not like this for all Amish children. I have many Old Order Amish friends in PA and their children have lots of time to play and have fun every day.
@@RockinRavenVA Yes, I think for most younger children it is ok. The discipline is strict, but they have many siblings, outside to play, animals etc. And it sounds school is easy? 😅
It is hard to leave. They make it that way. I am still angry that some family members do not accept my choice to change the situation. Can you relate Emily ?
Wow! Thank you for sharing. We need a foundation of safe houses for people (usually young people or abused people☹️) leaving the Amish/cults. There’s got to be a way to help kids like you who want out.
I think it's interesting most just don't question, just follow as that is all they have ever known/been told. I'm with you, God doesn't care what color your socks are, your exact hairstyle or dress style/color. He cares about your heart. I'm sure the Amish as a whole are good people and mean well. All these rules are almost cult like IMO. Glad you are now living your best life!!
I am so blessed listening to your story. You started it and ended it with a smile on your face. I am thrilled by it. Send me the link for the second part of your story, please.
I just moved to an Amish community and my Amish neighbors are very accepting of me. I’m a Christian, dress modest, have strong values. I respect and understand Amish rules and restrictions but some are questionable and not realistic kinda a bit legalistic. But I love the culture and I love how modest they dress. I love how self sufficient they are in many ways. I got a clothes line pulley. I want to learn to sow, garden, and can! Obviously, Amish don’t believe in secured salvation. They believe it’s prideful to know you are saved but that is farther from the truth kjv Bible specifically talks about how you know you are saved and how.
I’m in Pennsylvania, actually in the heart of Amish around here (Lancaster county). I’m not trying to become Amish because like I said I respect certain choices they make that are actually biblical and us Christians should follow to be set apart from the world. I have made a modesty video, in the beginning of the video I talk about certain verses that align with why we should dress modest. I didn’t go much into detail but I think enough for now. If you’d like to check it out. For us Christians, we should be more like Christ Jesus than anyone else. 💜👍🏼
@@EmilyAdams_ I am 60 years old & have been living in Yokohama Japan for nearly 36 years. Japanese people are somewhat like the Amish: conformists over here. When one does not "do as the group" one is shunned. I dared to be "me" & ended up having it tough. I have never regretted coming here nor being myself. What an adventure life has turned out to be!
So cool to learn more about the Amish Community! Check out our interview with former Amish, Lizzie Ens, who pursued her dream of becoming a health coach! ❤
Wow Emily! Go you 💪💪 I really admire your determination to go with your gut instinct!!! I can't even imagine what it would be like to go up against all you've known ... But excellent choice on not giving away your energy on pointless verbal debates 💗 I really hope your family and friends could found a way to stay in touch 💗💗💗 Emily my parents are controlling but that's a whole other level of control ... Must be nice wearing any socks you like now 🌼🌸🌼
@@EmilyAdams_ ... I can't even imagine how freeing it was just to choose things for yourself 💗 I find the residue of the control can be hard to shift ... but not impossible 💗🌼💗
I just came across your video. You're incredibly articulate, by the way. I can't imagine the courage it took for you to break away from the Amish community. Your story was compelling and heartbreaking at the same time--especially what I'd call the betrayal by your parents, when they read and burned your journals. I am wondering about one thing. I thought that at age 16, Amish adolescents engaged in a rite of passage called Rumspringa, where they were encouraged to go out and explore the outside world. Did you not do this? Thanks for sharing your experience. It reminds me of the experience of the Jewish Orthodox woman depicted in the Netflix movie "Unorthodox."
You a tough lady ,fear of the unknown was never a problem with me ,I'm known as the Russian rebel from my growing up days ,I was wild as a mountain lion never feared anything still don't,so you are my little Amish rebel wear that badge with pride ,l do god bless you!
@@EmilyAdams_ Oh it absolutely should. I think a decent amount stay due to being intimated and threatened into doing so. I'm glad Cell Phones are becoming a big thing around their youth and that there supports groups for both ex amish and amish who want to leave whether it's one person or an entire family.
Thank you for your kind words. Part two is posted in a pinned comment under this video. I'm in the middle of writing a book and definitely want to do a movie.
I grew up New Order Order Amish. I find it interesting that you say Amish is not a religion. I would definitely say it's a religion. Even though it is also a culture.
I believe it is more of a cult versus a religion but that's my personal belief. Religion or cult it doesn't matter it's still unhealthy and not a good way to live life.
Trauma bonding. We find narcissistic mates that do the same thing to us through trauma bonding which feels familiar to our experiences as children. Our childhoods always reflect as adults
I've never experienced an Amish culture that had church every Sunday and didn't allow Rumspringa. That sounds intense. Sadly though, I've never experienced any community, whether through church, homeschooling, just living in a small town, etc... that didn't have that same interfering/gossiping atmosphere though. It certainly isn't specific to the Amish. It makes me sad.
Having lived next to and interacted with an Amish community, I have noticed that their rules and regulations seem to mirror the Scribes and Pharisees of Jesus day. Jesus said that they had religion but they had no relationship with God. Another thing that I noticed was that there are some really smart Amish people despite their seemingly limited education. How many Amish people had God given gifts that could have benefited society but were stifled by the rules and regulations that were often based on envy and jealousy.
What an interesting and courageous story that is. As a german I always find it kinda odd that so many amish and mennonite communities still speak german in an effort to stay true to their cultural identity and yet Germany nowadays is one of the most unreligious countries on earth. Sprichst du heute noch deutsch? Konsumierst du deutsche Medien? 😃
Genau das denke ich auch immer. Aber aus anderen Videos habe ich gelernt dass Deutsch anscheinend nicht mehr gelehrt wird, die Bibel aber immer nur auf Deutsch "gelesen" wird und dass viele wohl Angst davor haben die Bibel zu lesen da es ihre Denkweise ändern könnte. Alles total verrückt!
Wow I watch other leaving Amish videos and they are so much different. "Going outside for groceries, vacations, public libraries" that's awesome. But some other Amish that would never happen at all. It's interesting to see the differences
I always wondered if there were buggy accidents so sorry you lost a friend. I don’t know if there is a perfect culture.Life is difficult. My husband parents took him out of his favorite school and moved also. They didn’t care about his opinion. Things can happen in any culture.It was very difficult for me without family when I was young. So it’s hard no matter what your background is. Love your podcast!
Thank you for your story. I also was raised Amish. The ppl on here who "wish they were Amish"- go join them. (There was a (non-Amish) girl who actually joined an Amish church in the community I grew up in.) Find out what it's really like for yourself.
Emily , to make any attempt to be accepted by a group is the bondage of groupism . no matter the group . existence is in the category of being an individual . that is the goal . the ultimate leap is what Kierkegaard calls the leap of faith toward Christ . true faith is not made up fantasy but rather a response to a divine call between you and God . nobody has the right to judge you . the Good Shephard will take care of you . count on it ! All the best , Rocket
I remember back in the 70s in MO when my friend and I were like 15-ish. My friend had me come with him to help some Amish people milk their cows. It was fun and I really liked the Amish folks, they were very kind, and I admired the way they lived and worked hard. My friend did this because he lived close by and he had a MASSIVE crush on one of the daughters. And she WAS very pretty.....
I'm Devora and I'm a jew from Israel. (mentioning it because it's interesting, isn't it?) WOW Emily, such a JOURNEY, u r so brave at such a young age to leave home and culture, it sounds too scary, especially with all of these rules and heaven and everything... It broke my heart when your parents read your diaries and BURNT them... Amish sounds so strick, my mom once read my diary and I felt so betrayed. Thank you for sharing your story, u r so determined. may i ask do you speak to your family? are you in touch?
no amish person will ever see this but pls anyone dont get offended i try to understand most religions and cultures and leave them be and it’s pretty easy except for a few religions i simply can’t understand and amish is one of em
It seems that these cultures start out with good intentions but eventually the tradition and rituals and societal norms eventually supersede the word of God. The Bible never forces anyone to do anything it does however inform you of the consequences if you choose to stray but you still have the freedom to do so.
May God bless you, I've been there w 5 children. Because I left, his punishment was to abduct his 3 & flee the state. U must get temporary custody quickly. Do not allow unsupervised visits, until you have it. I never got my children back; but chased them through 3 states before my health failed. They were told that I didn't want them (which was never true) & don't know what to believe & they're all in their 40's!
I had just visited the Amish country in Pennsylvania and saw your video. Other than your parents not wanting you to leave and spiritual reasons, they had to be scared for your safety. Talking to a guy about twenty years older. He is like a pedophile or could have killed you or kidnapped you and locked you away. He could have done something terrible to you.
@@EmilyAdams_ I forgot to ask. Are you still a Christian or not religious at all now? Is there a video of you explaining how you came to have a relationship with your family again? I can understand about the sort of perfectionism and rules of the Amish. I am a Christian and became a member of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The culture out west seems to be you need to do this and that and things are expected of you, as well as perfectionism. It’s the culture and not faith in Jesus. That isn’t my experience on the east coast by me though.
@@EmilyAdams_ don’t let bad experience push you away from Jesus. There are many other Christian denominations out there, with people who are living and kind and not so judgemental.
@@MTB214 I still believe in God but I am not going to be part of any religion groups as I believe that is what causes so much division in the world today. Just like politic groups. I choose love.
