Dr. Paul R. Martin, Wellspring

Comment now » // August 18th, 2009

I received an email yesterday from the International Cultic Studies Association that Dr. Paul R. Martin of Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center has passed away after a long battle with leukemia. (You can read his obituary here.)

I never did meet Dr. Martin, but would have loved to have spent some time at Wellspring after my cult experience. I know a cult survivor who did spend some time in recovery at Wellspring and he speaks very highly about that experience. Wellspring treats people who have been victims of psychological, emotional or spiritual abuse from religious cults, toxic relationships or other manipulative groups.

I am in awe of those in the world, like Dr. Martin, who dedicate themselves to helping others. Dr. Martin himself was a cult survivor, and in turn used his experience and his life to help those who needed his expertise the most.

I believe very deeply that we can use the negative experiences we’ve had and turn them into something positive by helping others or by getting the word out. Rather than becoming bitter or regretting the negative experience we’ve had, we can ask ourselves, “What can I take away from this to help others?” or “What lesson did I learn that I can help others learn?”

My favorite example of this is the woman who started Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD), Candy Lightner. Ms. Lightner’s 13-year-old daughter was killed by a drunk driver in 1980. The leniency of the sentance given to the driver, who was a repeat driving while intoxicated offender, enraged Lightner and catalyzed her into starting MADD. Ms. Lightner could have allowed her grief and rage to ruin her life, but instead she channeled that energy into educating teens about the dangers of drinking and driving.

That’s the kind of spirit Dr. Paul Martin had as well, and although I never met the man I will admire him always.