Comment from BLACKTITANIUM86

Excellent

Yeah...if your not careful, you could end up, imprisoned by those who don't care anything about worshipping God. But on the other side of the same token, they want you to serve and worship them, and their decisions. Nice job with this. Keep Writing. And don't forget to stop by to talk to me. Stay Connected

 Comment Written 11-Feb-2022

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reply by the author on 11-Feb-2022

Thanks so much for the fine review and thoughtful comments. I think for the most part their hearts were in the right place, but any time people are put in a position of power, there is an opportunity for abuse. There were a lot of physical hardships to endure on top of the religious aspect, so it made for a tough place to be, especially the first five years.

Comment from victor 66

Excellent

You are right, words can be used against us and be our worst enemy. Your story sounds like it took place in a cult setting. I have never had an experience with a cult and I don't believe my Inter-being would allow me to join such an organization. I hate clubs let alone cults. Good luck in the contest

 Comment Written 11-Feb-2022

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reply by the author on 11-Feb-2022

Thanks for the kind review and comments. It wasn't until I made the move and there was interaction with groups from different parts of the country that it became apparent that it wasn't what I had been accustomed to.

reply by victor 66 on 12-Feb-2022

You are most welcome, TB Botts.

Comment from robyn corum

Excellent

Dear Mystery Writer,

Yeah. Certainly. Gifted speakers have captured individuals since time began. I think of Hitler and of course, Jim Jones. When you mentioned being away from everyone - he's who my mind went to immediately. You know many of those people wanted to leave but couldn't speak up because of fear. It's tragic.

Your post shares those feelings well. The image you chose is a perfect match. Thanks and good luck!

 Comment Written 11-Feb-2022

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reply by the author on 11-Feb-2022

Thanks for your kind and thoughtful review. While I was at the farm the Jim Jones tragedy occurred. I remember reading about it in a news magazine. I was determined that whatever happened, I wasn't going to allow myself to become unarmed and defenseless.

Comment from Bill Schott

Excellent

This one-hundred-word short story, Spiritual Prisoner, has the required word limitations and creates a scene of wilful self-imprisonment when following misguided people. Scary.

 Comment Written 11-Feb-2022

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reply by the author on 11-Feb-2022

Thanks for reading and commenting on this story. It wasn't willful self-abuse as you mention, but rather approaching a situation without my eyes wide open. I was naive, as were a number of other people, and discovered too late that the bill of goods we bought wasn't what it appeared to be.

Comment from Thatguypk

Excellent

There are echoes of Waco, Texas in your story of entrapment, which kind of sends shivers down my spine. I'm sure I'm not the only one who fears cults, playing, as you commented, on people's fear or ignorance. Good piece of writing from you, to evoke such memories of horrible incidents.
PK

 Comment Written 11-Feb-2022

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reply by the author on 11-Feb-2022

Thanks for your kind review. We weren't quite as far out as Waco or Jim Jones, but there was still an element of control that was kind of scary. Of course they couldn't keep us from leaving, and many did, but the fear of losing one's soul is a powerful tool to use against a person.

Comment from Rosemary Everson1

Excellent

what an awful ordeal. The power of words definitely were frightening for you. So sorry you are held in a religious belief that you don't like or want...can you get help so you can leave?

 Comment Written 11-Feb-2022

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reply by the author on 11-Feb-2022

Thanks for your wonderful comments and review, and especially for your concern. My time on the farm lasted from 1976 to 1987. It wasn't all for naught. I learned things that I put to use later, and I did write a book about my time. I suppose I became a little more cynical when it came to believing what people say. As the word says, "all things work together for good for those who love the Lord." When you're going through tough times though, you really, really wonder if that's true. Nonetheless, in God's economy, nothing goes to waste.

Comment from Heather Burroughs

Excellent

Such a powerful story and so true. I just think of the cults that ended in tragedy and it hurts my heart. It all started by those believing one mans words.
Good luck with your entry in the upcoming contest. Many blessings to you

 Comment Written 10-Feb-2022

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reply by the author on 10-Feb-2022

Thanks so much for the fine review and comments. One needs to examine who they're getting involved with.

Comment from Carol Hillebrenner

Excellent

This is an interesting and scary story, a la Jim Jones. I think if you replaced both times you said mentioned (which kind of seems rather wimpy) with "said" or "warned", your story would be even more powerful.

 Comment Written 10-Feb-2022

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reply by the author on 10-Feb-2022

Thanks so much for the interview and comments. I'll look into that.

Comment from Tom Horonzy

Excellent

Religion. Take it or leave. Real or fiction. Agency may have been a gift yet if abused it can be pure misery. What shall I do. Pray. Seek guidance. Weigh the options. Make a choice and hope... or pray it is right.

 Comment Written 10-Feb-2022

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reply by the author on 10-Feb-2022

Thanks for your review and comments. It's easy to be led astray, but there is a responsibility to check things out thoroughly before making a commitment.

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

That is a scary thing when pulled into a remote place by a cultic group. The "prison" is not only physical but the mental state of believing that there is no other choice. Best wishes in the contest!

 Comment Written 10-Feb-2022

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reply by the author on 10-Feb-2022

Thanks for the fine review and comments. Perhaps the worst prison is the one of the mind.