Flor Edwards: From Cult Survivor to Author and Healer
Honestly, when I really went deep into it, I began to realize I was escaping my potential and I was never taught that I could be anything growing up. I was never asked what I wanted to be growing up and to all of a sudden be faced with this entire life ahead of me as a teenager and regardless of how difficult or how weird my background was, I knew that I had inside of me a lot of potential, you know, because regardless of what your external circumstances are, I think deep inside, like we're all the same, and I just had a really vivid awareness of it and I was terrified of it.
Imagine spending your childhood constantly on the move, always preparing for an impending apocalypse. That's the reality Flor Edwards faced as a member of The Children of God, a controversial religious movement. In this episode of 'The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast', host Ashley Loeb Blassingame sits down with Flor to unpack her extraordinary journey from cult survivor to author and healer. Flor's early years were marked by fear, control, and an overwhelming sense of inadequacy.
Living in 24 different locations across three continents by the age of twelve, her life was anything but stable. The cult's strict beliefs and lifestyle left deep emotional scars, pushing her towards drugs and alcohol as a means of escape. However, Flor's story doesn't end in despair. Through writing her memoir, 'Apocalypse Child: A Life in End Times', Flor found a way to process her trauma and begin her healing journey.
She shares how self-reflection, mindfulness practices, and community support played crucial roles in her recovery. Flor emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and empathy, not just towards others but also towards oneself. Listeners will find Flor's story both harrowing and inspiring. Her path to recovery is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of storytelling. Whether you're struggling with your own past or supporting someone who is, this episode offers valuable insights and hope.
Join Ashley and Flor for a candid conversation that delves into the complexities of growing up in a cult and the long road to recovery. It's a powerful reminder that no matter where you start, healing and a fulfilling life are possible.