Breaking Free: How I Escaped Polygamy The FLDS Cult And My Father Warren Jeffs

In the depths of a secluded Utah desert, a sinister and secretive religious cult known as the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) held captive thousands of its members. Among them was a young girl named Elissa Wall, whose father, Warren Jeffs, was the enigmatic leader of the cult.

For years, Elissa endured the oppressive and abusive practices that characterized the FLDS. She was forced into an early marriage at the tender age of 14 to her much older cousin, who had been selected for her by Jeffs. Subjected to polygamy, child labor, and familial separation, Elissa's life was dominated by the whims of a man who claimed to be God's spokesman.

Unveiling the Cult's Shadows

Breaking Free: How I Escaped Polygamy, the FLDS Cult, and My Father, Warren Jeffs

by Rachel Jeffs

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	22503 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	297 pages

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Growing up in the FLDS, Elissa's world was confined to the isolated compounds where the cult controlled every aspect of life. Television, books, and any form of outside influence were strictly forbidden, leaving the members utterly isolated and disconnected from the broader society.

The cult's doctrine promoted absolute submission to Jeffs, who wielded his power with an iron fist. He exercised complete control over his followers' marriages, finances, and even their thoughts. Dissenters were excommunicated and banished to the fringes of the community, often abandoned and without means of support.

As Elissa matured, she began to question the teachings and practices of the FLDS. The harsh treatment of women, the forced marriages, and the rampant abuse within the community gnawed at her conscience. She realized that the cult's facade of righteousness masked a dark and sinister reality.

Breaking the Bonds of Fear

Escaping the FLDS was an incredibly dangerous undertaking. Jeffs had instilled a deep fear and loyalty in his followers, threatening eternal damnation to those who dared to leave. But Elissa's growing disillusionment and her longing for freedom drove her to defy his authority.

With the help of a sympathetic friend outside the community, Elissa meticulously planned her escape. She gathered small amounts of money and supplies, and carefully hid them in secret places. Night after night, she would sneak out of her compound, taking refuge in the remote desert surrounding her home.

As the weeks turned into months, Elissa faced countless challenges and near-captures. She relied on her wits, her courage, and the kindness of strangers who risked their own safety to help her. Finally, after almost a year of planning and preparation, her opportunity came.

Liberation and a New Life

One fateful night, Elissa slipped away from her compound for the last time. She made her way to a predetermined rendezvous point where she would meet her friend and be whisked away to a safe house. As she fled the FLDS, she felt a surge of adrenaline and trepidation mingled with a sense of liberation.

Elissa's escape sent shockwaves through the FLDS community. Jeffs was furious and denounced her as a traitor and a harlot. But Elissa refused to be silenced. She spoke out against the abuses she had endured, revealing the horrors that lay hidden within the cult.

Over the years, Elissa's story has inspired countless other victims of religious extremism to find the courage to escape their own oppressive environments. She has become a tireless advocate for victims of cults and has dedicated her life to exposing the dangers of these secretive organizations.

Warren Jeffs: A Manipulative and Corrupt Figure

Warren Jeffs, the enigmatic and manipulative leader of the FLDS, played a pivotal role in Elissa's life and in the experiences of thousands of other cult members. Jeffs, who claimed to be a prophet and the only true interpreter of God's will, exercised absolute control over his followers.

He used fear, intimidation, and religious dogma to maintain his authority. He justified child marriages, polygamy, and the separation of families as part of God's plan. Jeffs' teachings were deeply rooted in patriarchy and misogyny, and his followers were indoctrinated to believe that women were inferior and subservient to men.

In 2006, Jeffs was arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual assault against underage girls. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison plus 20 years. Despite his imprisonment, Jeffs remains a revered figure within the FLDS, and his teachings continue to influence the cult's practices and beliefs.

The Challenges of Rebuilding

Elissa's escape from the FLDS was just the beginning of her journey to rebuild her life. She had to adjust to a world that was completely foreign to her, learn basic life skills, and confront the trauma she had endured.

She faced discrimination and judgment from those who did not understand her upbringing. She struggled with financial instability and a lack of education. But through it all, she remained determined to forge a new path for herself.

With the support of therapists, mentors, and survivor groups, Elissa slowly began to heal and reclaim her identity. She went on to earn a college degree, find meaningful work, and build a loving and supportive family.

A Beacon of Hope

Elissa's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope in the face of adversity. Her escape from the FLDS and her subsequent healing journey have inspired countless others to find the courage to break free from cults and oppressive environments.

Elissa's work as an advocate and survivor has raised awareness about the dangers of religious extremism. She has testified before Congress, written books about her experiences, and founded the Safe Passage Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping survivors of cults and other forms of abuse.

Elissa Wall's story is a chilling reminder of the horrors that can occur within secretive and manipulative religious organizations. Her escape from the FLDS and her subsequent journey of healing and advocacy serve as a beacon of hope for others who have endured similar experiences.

Elissa's courage, resilience, and determination to speak out against the abuses she faced have made a significant impact on the world. Her story continues to inspire others to find their own paths to freedom and empowers survivors to break the chains of oppression.

Breaking Free: How I Escaped Polygamy, the FLDS Cult, and My Father, Warren Jeffs

by Rachel Jeffs

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	22503 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	297 pages

FREE