Celesta's Journey Out of the FLDS Polygamous Church

Part 1 • Life Inside the FLDS P...
Celesta's Channel / @lalasvlog1591
Welcome to Celesta's Journey from FLDS Polygamy to Freedom. In this captivating episode, we delve deep into the extraordinary life of Celesta, a courageous young woman who defied the confines of the FLDS polygamous church to reclaim her life and embrace true freedom.
Join us as we hear Celesta's powerful first-hand account of growing up in a world that demanded conformity, sacrifice, and blind obedience. From a childhood filled with rigid doctrines to the heart-wrenching decisions she had to make to break away from her family and the love she knew, every step of her journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
In this episode, we explore the emotional complexities of Celesta's transition from a life of suppression to one of self-discovery. We discuss the challenges she faced, the allies she found along the way, and the moments that gave her the determination to forge a new path. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for those who seek their own liberation and a greater understanding of the resilience of the human soul.
Tune in as we shed light on the untold stories of those who have emerged from the shadows of oppressive environments. Celesta's story is one of inspiration, courage, and the unyielding pursuit of a life worth living. Subscribe now to join us on this incredible journey of transformation, healing, and empowerment.
If you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.org
At Growing Up In Polygamy our mission is to "Create compassion for communities that have been marginalized and abused by their leaders, and to empower those who have left by giving them a platform to share their stories with the world."
If you would like to DONATE to this cause you can do so here: donorbox.org/g...
Insta: @growingupinpolygamy
New website is now up! www.growingupinpolygamy.com
Please feel free to reach out to us!
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[@ms.fancypants8548]

This video made my week. The fact that group of FLDS kids were jamming to Ludacris made my day 😀On a more serious note I am so grateful to you all for sharing this amazing story with us. ❤

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Haha it is a funny thought that someone dressed that way would be jamming to that.

[@arianacoleman7801]

I love her rebellious spirit! Thanks for sharing your story and thanks for facilitating it Melissa and Sam! 😊

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

You're welcome! It was our pleasure :)

[@China-Clay]

Rebellious? I like to think that Celesta was trying to be honest! Right?!!

[@LorraineinPNW]

Such a great story of a woman knowing her own mind! Thanks for sharing it with us Celesta!

[@kannakanina6552]

Celesta, your strength and resilience are inspiring. Best wishes to you and your family!

[@cannibalculture4499]

What a brave girl you were and what a beautiful, strong woman you've become. Congratulations on making your own way. There is no doubt in my mind that your father is watching over you and your new family, proud as proud can be. And I hope that your mom comes to see the light. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story.

[@windowgirl7300]

Her father is NOT watching over her - HE'S DEAD!! There's NO GOD, and if anything should prove it... it's HER STORY!!

[@michellez13]

Celesta, I wish you and your family nothing but happiness and all the good things! Thank you for sharing your story. You are truly an inspirational woman!

[@starri9103]

I'm so glad at your strength as a person. I'm forever appalled at the hypocrisy that goes on, but good on you for seeing through it all and taking your own path. You're a good example for others. Super glad you got your dad's house. 👍

[@ocdmom7889]

I have so much respect for the way you handled this interview. I am glad that you have found happiness and are still close to your family (those that will be close to you). So many today are throwing around the "cult" word when they do not agree with a religion they are leaving. I love that you presented the good, the bad, and the really ugly in a dignified way. Thank you

[@sof1675]

FLDS is a cult tho

[@ocdmom7889]

@@sof1675 🥲

[@genevievekelly4998]

I feel for the ones on the outside that have been deprived of family on the inside

[@baileymae5883]

Your channel is so appreciated. I am not from a religious background, but have always been fascinated by these types of stories. Sending so much love to every single person that comes from religious or cultic trauma

[@carriedream101]

I just watched part 1 last night and I’m so excited for part 2!

[@genevievekelly4998]

Celesta is so interesting because of her strong indomitable spirit

[@sarahhaakenson5330]

Wow Celesta you are a strong amazing survivor. Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you guys for sharing this with us.

[@DarkbutNotsinister]

I’ve been waiting all week for this!!

[@Siobhan146]

She is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing your story!

[@vjs4539]

Celesta's mom is one of the sweetest women I've ever met.

[@amyarthurs4966]

Were you also part of the flds?

[@BaileyGroe]

Can we all take a moment to appreciate the new GUIP logo. Love the new look. ❤

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@user-gh2fo9pw2b]

Just starting this, but this girl is so freaking cool, I would totally hang out with her ✌ ❤ I am beyond proud of her, she is so corageous, brave and intellegent, also, she is so funny, I love her sense of humor!!!😂 I was literally laughing out loud😅 More comments later! ETA, spelling, auto correct you kind of suck😂

[@williampopper59]

A very heartwarming story , thank you!👍🙏🙏

[@hanxo7118]

Been around from the start these videos are my bedtime listen so calming ❤

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Thank you so much 😊

[@shirlzitting647]

Yup, Sam is so dreamy. Ask Melissa.

[@Peaceshiet812]

I’d love to know the plight of FLDS women who can’t have children, has this been addressed anywhere?

[@terryarmstrong8598]

A delightful and wise woman. Her spirit shines through the tragedy and losses in her life. I immediately recognized who her father was in the photograph of him shown early in part one. I knew some of his story and the cruelty of how he was treated by the truly wicked FLDS priesthood powers that were and sadly still be. I knew immediately that Celesta's story would be personal to me on a deep level.I had a treasured friendship with a former sister wife to her paternal grandmother. Celesta speaks of my friend in part one of this interview, although she doesn't reveal my friend's name. My friend would appreciate Celesta's thoughtfulness. Things Celesta reveals fills in a part of my friend's story she never fully talked about with our little group of friends. Celesta's revelations about the circumstances of my friend's marriage with Celesta's paternal grandfather has given me much to process about my beloved friend's story left unspoken to me. That part of my friend's life explains to me why we had such a strong bond. My process of learning more is with a joyful heart. But cancer sucks. My remembrances of my friend fill my heart with a deep and abiding love. I'm grateful for this KZbin channel and the guests. Celesta is special to me because of our connection to my "wicked" friend. As is the recent interview with one of Warren's young wives who left the FLDS. She and Celesta have warmed my heart with the love I have known. I thank you all for deepening my understanding and appreciation of my Ex-FLDS friend. The times shared with my beloved friend were an extraordinary period in my life. The love is forever with me. ❤

[@americathebeautiful9613]

Celesta is amazing ❤ very good and beautiful girl - I grew up in stg and always thought was is going on with these people when I would see them bc they would seem so blank stared at the store - never knew what absolute hell most of them experience

[@yvonnes8701]

I had the same rebellious spirit! I didn’t like socks growing up so I’d cut the tops and tuck them into my shoe to make it look like i was wearing them… so interesting how kids think of these creative ways to rebel only holy long johns sound so much worse!

[@Kristenm28]

Great story and teller!

[@Lovecoffe506]

You are wonderful ❤❤❤ Thank you for sharing

[@stephaniebohn9002]

Good story so glad she is happy now. Best thing she is in her family home.

[@williamdarger4335]

She is my cousin I remember a lot around this time being at grandpa rons house and seeing her there I knew something was going on but did not know what I was not allowed to ask questions or talk to her always wanted to know the story

[@christinecrowley7132]

Wonderfully positive video.

[@yvonnemoujalli6904]

you are born free and you should live free .God gave us brain to use not to be controlled .Have a happy life to you'll .

[@Goldie_F]

I’ve seen FLDS women in Pleasant Grove shopping. Wearing purple prairie dresses. Also, my husband and I were in Murray eating at a buffet, and we saw a bunch of FLDS women {also wearing purple prairie dresses} getting food to go. Seems like FLDS live all over the place now {in Utah anyway.}

[@MsFitz134]

Back when I grew up (90s) in Sandy we lived near Warren's school and would see FLDS mothers at the grocery store all the time. In the late 90s they were all called to leave the city and move out to Short Creek. Now that much of Short Creek has been reclaimed by former members, I see FLDS women spread out in various small towns (especially Beaver) but haven't seen them up in SLC. I've noticed they're usually in darker colors like black and purple instead of pastels. I've also heard that many of the faithful are being called to remote places so I wonder what the status of these women is - are they "repenting"? Are they recently out? Are they living the teachings but no longer loyal to Warren? Were they told to get jobs in the gentile world? Whatever the reason, I always wonder if this is the mother of an "apostate" that I've seen on this channel. I always want to ask if they have a child somewhere that I can reach out to to let them know their mom is okay, but I assume it wouldn't be well received.

[@Sunset-chaser777]

There’s a lot in Eagle Mtn.. most in Utah County are AUB based in Bluffdale!

[@MsFitz134]

@@Sunset-chaser777 yes but the AUB don't wear the distinctive dresses that the FLDS do.

[@aliciahupprich187]

I recently went on a Roadtrip in the four corners areas and I saw several FLDS in Kanab.

[@meomy29]

It's great that her Ex let her leave the state she was in.

[@katwitanruna]

Break the silence. Break the cycle.

[@barbwestover1275]

What is the name of her KZbin blog?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Her KZbin channel is called Lala's Vlog.

[@deecawford]

These stories or innocent lives is so intense. I mean I sit here cheering for her, no don’t marry him just leave lol. I know in my heart it’s not that easy

[@katwitanruna]

Liked, shared and commented

[@candykane4271]

Difficult to imagine her in her FLDS dresses and smoking pot …in rebellion.

[@windowgirl7300]

ADVICE - Stay away from organized RELIGION."

[@SnoopyDoofie]

At the end you said that all those originally from The Crick are no longer there. So where did the former FLDS move to?

[@vjs4539]

Most of the people living in Colorado city and hildale are former FLDS. The people who are still in the church are scattered throughout the US

[@SnoopyDoofie]

@@vjs4539 So correct me if I'm wrong. The members live all over the place, are controlled by Warren Jeffs from prison and no longer marry? Isn't that the same thing as just saying the FLDS no longer really exists?

[@asiapersonalable]

It’s so sick to control someone’s underwear. 😮

[@redbarnhomestead7384]

It seems that in the Flds that young women were tradable commodities and young men were slave labor more than they were people.

[@kristenkaz3080]

It says A LOT about a religion if the description used is “ESCAPE”. Think about that. A religion that’s so “cloak & dagger” with secret ceremonies & secret handshakes, not to mention underage brides & secret underwear, is pretty darn scary. I pray for these people. Routinely. I had a best friend who was raised Mormon (her brother is the gay brother who got proposed to in Home Depot), & the stuff I saw & heard scared me. Especially the baptism ceremony with the church elders baptizing her teenage body in the baptismal pool. I pray for these people.

[@shirlzitting647]

Great soul... Happily ever after.

[@pernilladomander7648]

Your grandfather had children your age. Very weird fact to us outside of the cult :) Was that kind of situation normalized early on?

[@pernilladomander7648]

11:06 what was flying by?

[@noelcaro9182]

Poor girl ❤️ I hope she knows the real Jesus now!! 🙏🏻

[@greatislife435]

I still wonder why it was ok for your grandpa Ron to let his pregnant daughter live at home. It was hush hush even in his own family? And you were rushed off because of sleeping with a boy.! It’s all different when it’s your own kid messing up

[@Robindigsit]

❤

[@teemarie5478]

She seems like a really cool, down to earth chick. I like her 😩

[@jeremyleforce7926]

And Melissa calls Sam a rebel. 😂😂

[@janineshideler4051]

It's funny, you could tell they are from a tight cult just by hearing her say, "we formicated", people would never say that outside a cult, they just say "we had sex."

[@katwitanruna]

The pants thing always makes me think they just want the women accessible. It’s easier to assault someone who isn’t wearing pants. Just saying.

[@MsFitz134]

They do wear long underwear (and sometimes leggings or tights to cover the long underwear) under the dresses though. So I don't think it's about accessibility but rather subservience and teaching women to fear or be ashamed of their bodies.

[@marys.currie9026]

I don't get it🤔 She was able to go out to parties, have a mobile phone, wear make up , drink alcohol, take drugs, drive a car and go to town to buy clothes, music cd's etc. Why didn't she just leave like Sam did. Why did she keep going back. It sounds like to me that she had her freedom for years but wanted to live a double life. She wanted to have her cake and eat it. The church can't be that strict if you are able to work and go out and about as much as you want 🤔

[@CarolynandherClothes]

She was female (they are needed for marrying off ) and a minor.

[@powderandpaint14]

Legally her parents could have her brought back until she was 18.

[@lantanarh]

She did at the 16 and they brought her back

[@emrysaki]

You’re criticizing a child in a cult for not running away effectively enough?

[@americathebeautiful9613]

she was not living a double life - she had zero support outside of that isolated community - it’s just not that easy - Sam at least got to go out and work and see the outside world in a work setting she never had that just contact with young ex plyg kids that are completely lost and traumatized . Hope that makes sense it’s good to ask questions I can see how it’s sounded a bit confusing

[@karlakh]

I don't agree with many viewers. This story came out awkward and disjointed. I think she did it only for a shoutout for her YTchannel.