Hard to share without dishonoring my dad but...
Basically, anyone in my family who stood up to my dad, had their own thoughts, etc. was "banned" from his life.
He expects his children to be like the Prodigal Son and abandon our families and go running back to him and his control. I've been told when he dies, he doesn't want any of us "traitors" at his funeral. That one really hurts because when I was growing up, he was everything to me.
I still have 2 younger brothers living at home. By younger, I mean like 21 and 23 years old. They've been given the same song and dance that all us older siblings went through and had to detox from, that all the older siblings are evil and can't be trusted.
Although my dad has always been adamant that men need to have jobs and support themselves, my brothers JUST got their first jobs and driver's licenses about a year-ish ago. I have a feeling, like your mom, that dad will never let them leave like he let us go. He probably knows if they get out and fellowship with believers and actually TALK to their siblings, that he'll lose control of them, too.
So, long story short, I know how you feel. I know my brothers are trapped but THEY don't seem to know it. They're happy living in their fear (my married brother once came over and both the younger "boys" fled into the woods so they wouldn't have to talk to evil big brother. sigh) and ignorant of the truth.
I think, for some of us, there is no justice in this world. The justice comes after, when Christ returns.
Until then, God uses these situations with our parents to mold and form us. To what purpose? Only He knows.
I expect, for my brothers, they won't ever be able to escape until God takes dad from this world.
Sometimes that's the only way people can escape.
I second requesting a well check. If the house is as bad off as you say, you might be able to have your mom taken to a nursing home or something.
Basically, anyone in my family who stood up to my dad, had their own thoughts, etc. was "banned" from his life.
He expects his children to be like the Prodigal Son and abandon our families and go running back to him and his control. I've been told when he dies, he doesn't want any of us "traitors" at his funeral. That one really hurts because when I was growing up, he was everything to me.
I still have 2 younger brothers living at home. By younger, I mean like 21 and 23 years old. They've been given the same song and dance that all us older siblings went through and had to detox from, that all the older siblings are evil and can't be trusted.
Although my dad has always been adamant that men need to have jobs and support themselves, my brothers JUST got their first jobs and driver's licenses about a year-ish ago. I have a feeling, like your mom, that dad will never let them leave like he let us go. He probably knows if they get out and fellowship with believers and actually TALK to their siblings, that he'll lose control of them, too.
So, long story short, I know how you feel. I know my brothers are trapped but THEY don't seem to know it. They're happy living in their fear (my married brother once came over and both the younger "boys" fled into the woods so they wouldn't have to talk to evil big brother. sigh) and ignorant of the truth.
I think, for some of us, there is no justice in this world. The justice comes after, when Christ returns.
Until then, God uses these situations with our parents to mold and form us. To what purpose? Only He knows.
I expect, for my brothers, they won't ever be able to escape until God takes dad from this world.
Sometimes that's the only way people can escape.
I second requesting a well check. If the house is as bad off as you say, you might be able to have your mom taken to a nursing home or something.
John
14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.