Ripples

Comment now » // June 18th, 2010

I was reminded the other day of the sad fact that the number of people effected by any cult leader is exponentially larger than just the number of people in the cult itself.

The negative effect that a cult leader has ripples out past her disciples to the entire family of each disciple and then further, to their friends and loved ones. And even more sadly, the effect can last for years, even decades. Children, spouses, parents, brothers and sisters are abandoned and left wondering what the hell happened to their beautiful, loving spouse/parent/sibling/child. I’m certain that so many are left wondering what they’ve done wrong to elicit this abandonment. (Answer: nothing).

For this reason, I can say that cult leaders practice a particularly sinister brand of evil.

And, frankly, the only answer I can come up with in response to this problem is love. Love is the fabric of the universe and the thing that binds us together. There is always more than enough love for everyone. And all I can think of to do in response to my cult leader’s effect on my life and the lives of those I love, is to love as much as possible, and never, ever stop. Love my family. Love my friends. Love those I left behind in the cult. And love those who have been brave enough to leave it.

That’s it. Omnia vincit amor. Love conquers all.