It’s 2017: Update from Morning Mercy

Four Years of Freedom

It is now the 4th Anniversary of my leaving the Message! If I were to compare the first days of leaving with how I am doing now – time has been wonderful! As I recall, I felt like it would be a never ending saga of questioning, inward fighting, trying to untangle the weave of indoctrination and mangled theology. I think the transition away is different for everyone, but with time behind us, my wife and I are now living a full and happy life of growth and adventure – message free.

I don’t believe it will ever entirely leave me; I was too invested and there are still many ties that bring us around the message culture – including family and friends. I continue to be friends with people from my former church and the greater message community. The common denominator with those people I’ve maintained a relationship with is simply this: care & respect.

With time and distance, the awkwardness has dissipated to a significant degree – although to this day, conversation about “the message” is off-limits. No one has wanted to know my thoughts or reasons – and the way to get along is to just leave it alone. If it means I’ll destroy an important relationship to talk about it – I prefer to ‘leave it alone’.

Do I Miss It, You Ask?

No. It was a phase in my life that, because I believed it so thoroughly, I embraced and enjoyed it for what it offered. I enjoyed the people, the feeling of security, the joy of doing my best to contribute and help others who were on the same journey. But the gift of distance and time away from the message gives me perspective – and not only do I not miss it, I am aghast and horrified that I believed it. It’s led me to spend an extraordinary amount of time studying the psychology of influence – because I could not understand how a person could be so fooled into setting aside rational thought to miss such obvious signs of deception and coercion.

I have struggled through phases of anger, regret and sadness, knowing that I gave so many years to the message. The loss is hard to swallow. But I realize that I have learned some deep lessons, have experienced some good times, and have a wonderful future yet to live. And my children will be spared from the trapping of the message, for which I am so grateful.

Moving Forward with Joy

I have a fresh view of life and I am excited for every day. I am pouring myself into life experiences, learning, relationships, family and still mindful of the people who I’ve left behind. Although I have not kept up with Morning Mercy, I still endeavor to spend more time sharing here. There have been reminders along the way of people suffering due to the message, and I don’t want to forget how important it is to keep a lifeline of hope for them.

Wishing all who read this blessings and well wishes for your journey!

James Rozak,
Creator of Morning Mercy