Polygamous "God Squad" and Security

Find out what the "God Squad" really did in the FLDS communities and what kind of security they offered the leaders of the FLDS church.

[@tinatullin879]

Your videos/ stories from your time in the infamous FDLS, Warren Jeffs group, are so insightful and fascinating. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@teijaflink2226]

Totally FLDS as is one of the craziest cults I have heard of, so many weird stories.

[@beckyklepper315]

I've always wondered from an insider's point of view that left how things happened. The raid near San Angelo was a scary, scary situation to watch unfold. Thank you for being so open and for saying "from what I saw, from what I know/heard" because it makes me respect your discussion more.

[@christinelandreville1042]

I’d be interested in a video discussing similarities and differences in the theology of FLDS & LDS.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Great video idea! Thank you!

[@radtechg9]

I REALLY respect you putting yourselves out here in social media. Being so open with sharing your experiences is a wonderful thing. Thank you for braving this format and being willing to share such a huge part of your upbringing.

[@creativecheersoffashionlau7364]

I just want to add I think it is amazing that you react on almost every comment!! You are so good interacting with your audience! We really appreciate that ❤️. Love you both!!

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Aww thank you so much! We try! We appreciate all of you so much!

[@Jenniferalvarez19818]

Woo hoo! I absolutely love ❤️ when I see that you guys have posted a video. I have to watch right away lol. Seems to me everyone’s experience out there was so different. You truly are lucky that you came from such a good family. No violence in your household, no kind of abuse at all. Maybe because of the fact that your dad was the mayor for many years you guys weren’t messed with by Warren or security as much as others are?!

[@amecocoa3829]

The term "God Squad" was used in the Big Love series tat aired on HBO from 2006 to 2011. Thank you for answering about hosting other siblings of yours that left the community, giving them a safe landing spot. Thank you for another informative video.

[@abbigailgutierrez6880]

It was also used when Oprah did a bunch of stuff on the FLDS

[@angellarmynarzy5023]

Thank you for opening up to strangers about such personal information. I really appreciate it. I hope you and your family are always safe. One positive note both you and your wife seem to have such positive moral background teachings. Continue to read your bibles and the teachings to your children. May GOD always bless you.

[@bridgwll]

I have been watching & learning more about FLDS & the other polygamy groups. Did you hear of women who couldn’t have children & were blamed even though it was the husband who wasn’t fertile?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

I knew that the women were always blamed, but I don't know if they ever went to doctors to find out where the actual problem was coming from.

[@lindaraterink6451]

would that not be ovious when he doesn't conceive with his other wifes also?

[@selinamattocks]

I really appreciate you being so open about your experiences. What age did you start to think that the polygamous life wasnt for you and did the doubts creep up on you slowly? Thank you ❤

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Thank you so much. I didn't doubt the polygamous lifestyle or religion until AFTER I left. When I left I only did so to have more "freedom" but at the time I left, I thought I would end up going back eventually. Kinda crazy to think about now.

[@sassynana5201]

She asks such great questions.

[@megan9009]

I will always click away from any other video to watch yours

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Awwww thanks!

[@sleepycalico]

Leah Remini mentions the same thing about leaving Scientology, that it was a revelation to discover that people not in her religion were kind.

[@NancyB35]

Yesss!! I've been waiting for this one

[@rachelcastle8369]

I could listen to y’all all day. These stories are so fascinating. I’m so glad that y’all are finding your own truth, and living the life that y’all want. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Have a great day 😊

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@peacefulguitar38]

Your videos and stories are so interesting. I’m hooked!

[@bethfranks9794]

Yay a new video! Hello from Oklahoma:)

[@sleepycalico]

The show Leaving Polygamy misled us by having dialog such as, Hurry up, Hurry UP, They're COMING, when they were getting ready to drive someone out. One of the women who left explained that that dialog was added just for drama. I always wondered why the women who were leaving stayed calm and continued to hug family members and say these important goodbyes. Now I know.

[@bluescoobysnack9791]

It is. It’s ridiculous. Sooo over dramatized

[@jennslifeinhuntingtonwv2678]

Does anybody ever fall in love and leave with each other?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Yep. My younger brother actually left with his secret girlfriend so that they could get married and have a family. (Warren had stopped all marriages)

[@lorriplatt6864]

Are you ever concerned for your or your immediate family’s safety by telling us “outsiders” so much about what goes on in the FLDS community? It is fascinating to hear about, but sounds pretty scary or intimidating at times. Thank you for sharing!

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

I have thought about it and had people that have left warn me about being so open, but to be honest I'm not worried about my safety or the safety of my family.

[@333cherry]

haha that picture of you guys back-to-back on the thumbnail is too good. Since Warren Jeffs has been in prison for a long time now and several other leaders have gone to prison too, do people still in the FLDS still follow the rules as strictly as they used to, or are they more chill now that they don't really have anyone checking up on them?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

In some ways they are still holding to his teachings, but in others they are loosening up. For example, they used to not be allowed to have dogs as pets (Warren had made that rule) and now I know that some people do. It seems like a lot of the really silly rules are loosening up while the main doctrine remains the same.

[@absolutelynot1711]

Thanks for being so open and sharing this information!

[@5kydragon347]

I’ve never even thought about this so this is super interesting to learn about!

[@niteotter]

TOTALLY off the subject - I love your straight hair! Y’all are such a beautiful couple. Thank you for all of the interesting information. ❤️💋🙏🏻

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

(Melissa) Aww thank you!

[@gabriellerush]

Just finished all the videos yesterday. I was so happy to see the notification that you posted today!! You guys are amazing to watch!

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Thank you so much! =)

[@Doglover11-y8z]

How fast did you break the ''rules''/belifs in the religon when you left and which ones was the most ''fun'' to try first?

[@themedicdroidx10]

Great question I’d also love to know this!

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Wearing normal clothes, like a T shirt and shorts was probably my fastest rule breaking the very first day I left haha. The most "fun" was finally getting to date!

[@dominiquecatanzariti3631]

Enjoy your videos Thankyou for sharing

[@camillabluth1494]

I went to the park in that town to get water with my mom when she lived in St. George and we ended up having a picnic out there because it’s so pretty. I have a big family and idk if there was something intimidating about us but there were a couple of big trucks that would drive around the parking lot and honk their horns until we left.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

So sorry that you had that type of experience. They definitely liked to intimidate people that weren't from out there and make them feel unwelcome.

[@ms.anonymousinformer242]

@@GrowingUpinPolygamy That is so unchristian like, = hypocritical of them.

[@lovingmenow5633]

It’s amazing to me how some people who say they speak for God or try to tell people how to worship God, do the total opposite of God. God give us choices, and yet the “Leaders” try to take them away with fear! God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind! 🤔 In my opinion! By the way, you guys are beautiful on the outside and I believe inside….. Ever thought about being models?!😊 Thank you for revealing your truth!🙏

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Aww thank you so much!

[@pyenygren2299]

Thanks for sharing! 👍

[@KathYoder5256]

My Grandfather and my husband were both raised Amish and left the Amish church. They both enjoyed their newfound freedoms when they did. With the area we live in....they typically aren't shunned if they haven't yet "joined" church. (They are shunned if they are members and leave) It wasn't pretty when they left, but so thankful they weren't shunned. (His sister was shunned for a time as well as a couple of my Grandpa's siblings) My Grandpa as well as my husband both later had great relationships with their parents for that we are so thankful. Some of the areas around the country that would not be the case. My husband said he just knew he could still go to Heaven even if he did have a car and wear "English" clothes. LoL.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

That's so interesting! So glad to hear that they were able to continue to have family relationships after leaving!

[@janesmith9024]

It was reported that the local official police force at one stage out there were al FLDS and I think later outsiders had to be sent in to ensure the pro FLDS bias of police was less.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Yes that was the case. We were super upset when they sent in outsider officers. We thought it was the governments way to try and destroy our community.

[@oakeysmokey]

the security was there to make sure anyone who wanted to look into all the child abuse was harassed and threatened. the leaders had to make sure they could do whatever they wanted to those innocent kids

[@susanmoran692]

Thanks for the video!!

[@sassynana5201]

What was it like for older women who could no longer bear children?

[@elissacroft6618]

This would be interesting to know!

[@kirstyl1372]

I’d also be interested in what it was like for older women/widows.

[@auntlynnie]

Sam’s 4th mother married his father after she was widowed and her kids were all grown (he did a couple of videos about her). Not sure if that’s what you’re asking.

[@gs-xx8uv]

And the F.B.I. didn't think that there might be a back door to the church??

[@mariannezoric395]

I remember that ABC 20/20 and Oprah did interviews with members and former members of the FLDS could you review some of these videos.

[@maymayrays]

That would be awesome 👏🏼

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Great idea! I will put it on the list!

[@janetsides1796]

Warren Jeff's crazy ass Didn't allow church. If people get together, they talk and come to the conclusion that whoever the leader is,is crazy or just not doing what's best. Or what good wants. And then they decide to leave. I'm so happy for you and your family members that left. You seem to be so well grounded.

[@janetsides1796]

I grew up LDS and thought they were a bunch of wackadoodles, the FLDS is really wacky!!

[@heatherscarfo5920]

Could you do a video on you guys bring people in and help them adjust?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Great idea!

[@carolw569]

I wouldn't mind if you talked longer. It seems like you just got started and it ends! (Which reminds me of Carol Burnett's show ending song from the 6o's and 70's. I'm hold! LOL)

[@katlizski]

Interesting stories

[@creativecheersoffashionlau7364]

And you both in the thumbnail: the best!!! 😂😂

[@azureeyes1955]

Another thing that is much different for me, is that I was never told I would be raped or terrible things would happen to me if I left. I was told that I had a birthright, and if I left I would be sacrificing that. But it was more about encouraging me to value what I had, rather than fear what was on the other side.

[@brooklynncrowder1998]

I’m very curious what they think as far as God and forgiveness. Like what does God forgive, what does it take to get his forgiveness, etc.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

That sounds like a great video topic! I just put it on the list! =)

[@maryanne.sanders]

Were there usually weapons involved? For example, when the FBI busted in, did the guards at the doors have guns? When the big trucks followed around outsiders, did they always have guns in the vehicle? I’m not against responsible gun use, I’m just wondering if that was part of the intimidation-factor?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

I don't believe that the trucks had guns, but I know that the security guards for the leaders did. A lot of the people in the community owned their own firearms as well.

[@raisingwings6951]

What do you miss from your life in the FLDS community?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

I miss my family the most.

[@trtarts4814]

If no one was prevented physically from leaving, explain all the stories about houses of hiding. About women being moved far away and a man assigned to watch them? Warren Jeffs own daughter has talked about this.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

I am not trying to say that it has never happened (especially to Warren's inner circle). I am just saying that in my experience, no one that I know personally or anyone in my family has experienced that. It has all been guilt and mental manipulation to keep people there.

[@annielemaster]

What are courtships/dating like? How quick are people married from arrangement to wedding day? What are weddings like? Do the spouses wear wedding rings? Do they have a honeymoon? Do they celebrate anniversaries?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

No dating is allowed at all. The marriages are all arranged through their prophet's "revelation". They will get a call saying that they are to be married and will normally be married within a week. They just go to church offices to be married and there aren't really any celebrations or honeymoons or anything as often times the men already have wives and families at home.

[@annielemaster]

@@GrowingUpinPolygamy Thank you, do they wear wedding rings? Does the man just wear one or does it not matter if people know they are taken since the prophet arranges the marriages?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

@@annielemaster Some of the men wore wedding rings but it was not common. It is much more common for the women to wear a ring.

[@paigekirsch5826]

Here's a (possibly complex/video worthy) question: did you struggle with anger when you realized how much you were lied to after leaving FLDS? Is there something you would like to say to your parents or the leaders of the church now that you're more mature? If I try to put myself in your position, I could imagine it seeming irrational to hold anger against someone who was also been lied to themselves...but I'd still be mad. That's got to be tough. (And what about you Melissa? How have you processed some of the stories that he's shared?) How high do you think the lies went? To the best of your knowledge, do you think the leaders of the church knew they were being corrupt, or was the wool pulled over their eyes too? #toomanyquestions? I've loved watching your videos--y'all are so relatable, honest, and funny. I really appreciate that when you don't know something, you don't grandstand or make crazy assumptions. Shout out to Melissa for always being a great "interviewer" too!

[@benburns5995]

If the leaders of the church are being pursued by the FBI it should have been a red flag to the adult members that something must not be right within the ways and rules of the church.

[@auntlynnie]

When you’re super-religious, you view the FBI as agents of Satan who are persecuting the church.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

You would like to think that, but from the early history of their church the law had been considered the "bad guys" that have persecuted their people. They believe that all the conspiracies against them are test for them to prove their faithfulness. It's super sad.

[@glucks-kita597]

I wissen to ask how the Churchill explained that there are born as man boys as girls. How could all the man become gods in eternity, when there are not enough wives for every man. What did they tell to unmarried men?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Great question. They would just keep pushing off the subject and tell the unmarried men to not worry and that someday they would get married. Pretty much just avoidance of the subject.

[@bevycrocker2095]

Yay! Another video. Question for you Sam, did you go to therapy after leaving the FLDS? Or have you been to any counseling to help you cope or relearn things in life?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

No, I have not gone to any professional counseling. I did, however, meet a lot of great people that helped me through the difficult times after leaving.

[@anrach579]

I'm not sure if you've ever mentioned this or not, but I'm just curious if you ever saw the 1981 movie "Child Bride of Short Creek." I would love to get your reaction on it.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

I have never heard of that, but that would make for a great reaction video! I just put it on the list!

[@jordankatti9206]

Did older adults ever choose to leave the community? Or was it mostly young adults, when they turned 18?

[@justinteaford9094]

Talk about how you two stumbled across the Latter Day Saints church. And how you guys joined.

[@kirstyl1372]

How were disabled children treated and were many children born with disabilities?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

I'd say there were the same amount of children born with disabilities out there as in the regular world. They were treated with kindness and my first mother even created a school for children with special needs.

[@elisemarie4894]

I feel like Warren took his own upbringing and then read the Handmaids Tale to create his perfect place with no one else’s feelings in mind. I’d love to see you guys do a video on the similarities between that book/show and some of the stuff in the FLDS, from procreation, isolation, food restrictions, etc. I’d also like to see videos of Sam’s sisters and the comparisons of how they viewed certain situations. I imagine the girls went through things he didn’t have to endure and has fonder memories of living there just because he was lucky enough to born a boy. Another video idea (spamming ya’ll! 😅) how was it for him shock wise when he saw certain things, what didn’t he understand, what was most difficult to get used to? He went from a more restrictive life than my Amish friends to VEGAS?!? I feel like I’d die of shock there and was brought up exposed to everything.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

We haven't seen the Handmaid's Tale, but that would be a great idea for a video! We have done a video with one of my sisters and a culture shock video, so I would go check it out and see if those answer some of your questions. =) It was definitely different for the girls and was a huge culture shock to leave the community!

[@Lizzzz90]

I wouldn't say males were luckier, everyone was abused in many different ways and has a collection of different fears. Look up "lost boys flds" for an example

[@TheMagdalenaBB]

I am enjoying the videos. I am curious what jobs do women have when they leave? Child care? Cleaning?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

You nailed it. House cleaning and child care are most commonly what they'll do. There are some that get jobs at restaurants or grocery stores as well.

[@bluescoobysnack9791]

@@GrowingUpinPolygamypretty sure healthcare is the biggest

[@jimlane2961]

TELL THE TRUTH !!! THEY WHERE CALLED THE POD SQUAD !!!!

[@frannielogue]

Question? Did you help anyone that left and if so how? Thank you for sharing your story

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

I've helped siblings leave. We will do a video about that! =)

[@sarahkwast1250]

With girls and boys being raised to become completely different people, one to submit and the other to lead, how were relationships between siblings of the opposite sex? Did sisters have to respect and submit to brothers?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Yes, the sisters were definitely treated differently than the brothers and they had to respect us.

[@creativecheersoffashionlau7364]

Very interesting. Also strange that they needed security when you supposedly are a peacefull community. Was wondering: did children get to see their grandparents or were there not such family relations? Thanks for another very informative video! ❤️

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Yes, we got to have relationships with our grandparents. There were so many of us that we didn't necessarily have super close relationships, but we got to see them.

[@creativecheersoffashionlau7364]

@@GrowingUpinPolygamy aaw that’s so nice yo😆to hear! Thought it might be too complicated Thanks so much for your reply !😄

[@okiemom]

I am a new subscriber… I am binge watching your videos. I am so glad I found your channel!! So my question is… How old were you when you were “caught” with a girl… what did y’all sneak off to do.(hold hands, smooch). and how long were y’all gone?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Hahaha We will have to wait and see! =)

[@okiemom]

@@GrowingUpinPolygamy -- Will that be in an upcoming video, or has it already been disclosed and I haven't made it to that one yet?? Do tell... LOL -- THANK YOU for responding!!

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

(Melissa) O my gosh, I totally responded to the wrong comment! hahaha I'm sorry! I put the wrong comment under your question! We sound so mysterious! haha =) So Sam was about 14 or 15, they only snuck out for about two hours to hold hands and kiss, and they totally got caught! haha =)

[@okiemom]

@@GrowingUpinPolygamy -- I figured it was innocent... LOL (Bless their hearts)- LOL

[@elofamily7241]

Is the only way to acquire a new prophet to have the old one die? Is there some sort of board of elders that could decide that Warren Jeffs was just done or would that never happen?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Normally the prophet has to die to have a successor, but there are already groups of people that have broken off and are following new leaders with Warren in prison. There are, however, those that will continue to remain faithful to Warren until he dies.

[@2h4]

React to Yolanda and Rosie's episode please

[@carlasuannelockett1694]

Melissa do you paint your nails?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Sometimes!

[@marymcewen3610]

I've seen some videos from other purported members of the FLDS where the community would make allegations of mental instability and have them (women, mostly, I think) committed or conserved so that they had no legal agency over themselves. Do you have any knowledge of that?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Not that I am aware of, but that doesn't mean that it didn't happen.

[@DarkbutNotsinister]

Everything must STOP, Sam & Melissa have something to say. The girls from Leaving Polygamy are from The Order. I’ve looked into them. I would be afraid of everyone & everything, too!

[@Jenniferalvarez19818]

Exactly! Lol 😂 I always stop and watch their videos.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

You guys are the BEST! haha

[@mfcook1]

That the FBI came in and the “leaders” had security and were gone speaks volumes! I keep going back to the crucifixion of Jesus and the Scripture in John 10:11 where Jesus says that “the good Shepherd lays down His life for His sheep.” Seems like they didn’t follow that example of leadership but were cowards and left the “sheep” to fend for themselves.

[@bhuxtable]

How does he stay in contact with siblings or know their whereabouts?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

I am only allowed to stay in contact with most of those that have left, so we try to stay connected.

[@ElizaEbbyOlsen1313]

Could you do a react video to “Big Love” on HBO? Any similarities? Differences?

[@Familylawgroup]

Different question: were you aware of other fundamentalist religious groups like IBLP, the Duggars, the Amish and Mennonites (I am not sure if they would be fundamentalist). Were the kids homeschooled or mass schooled as part of the church?

[@irishcowgirl21]

I know of the duggars, their kids were homeschooled growing up. Now one of the daughters is sending a child to school

[@bluescoobysnack9791]

A lot of us would watch the duggars lol

[@Familylawgroup]

How did you decide to create a YT channel? Also, does Warren Jeffs still have the pull over his minions as he did when he was first sentenced? Have any of his wives married or left the church since he left? What percentage of his wives do you think are still loyal to Warren?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

I would get asked a lot of questions any time someone found out about where I was from, and I enjoyed answering those questions. So after years of thinking about it my wife and I just decided to start a YT channel so that when people asked, we could say, "go check out our KZbin!" hahaha. Warren is still in charge, but I honestly have no idea about what's going on with his wives at this point. I've been out too long, sorry!

[@lisagraff4797]

I’m curious how close was your community to Bountiful, Centennial Park, or the Lebaron community?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

We were right over the hill from Centennial Park.

[@shirlzitting647]

Never was called God Squad, except by outsiders.

[@nerdygirl1984]

Great video! Question: is Sam's father taking on more wives? Or do the men stop at a certain age?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Warren Jeffs has actually stopped all marriages shortly after he was thrown in prison.

[@nerdygirl1984]

Oh, that's interesting. Thank you for answering my question.

[@sharam8318]

Do you guys have a lot of photos or videos of Sam as a child or was that not allowed

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Unfortunately we don't. I have less than ten pictures from my childhood. We were allowed to take pictures, but at some point Warren Jeffs told everyone to get rid of any pictures of family members that had left. I still don't know if there are pictures of me in my Mother's possession or if she threw them all out...

[@midwestbadger2503]

@@GrowingUpinPolygamy aww, I'm so sorry 😞

[@tettivestberg2989]

I think it’s easier for men to leave, women is needed for having more children and men have several wives, it could be a relief if men are leaving more wives for the men whose left

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

It is definitely easier for men to leave. Men also have skill sets and work experience to feel confident that they will be able to find jobs when they leave, the women don't.

[@lindaraterink6451]

@@GrowingUpinPolygamy That is so odd to me. They know demestic stuff. Cook, clean, wait tables, sow, do lawndry, take care of children. Lots of jobs in the world out there that need these skills and they will be paid for it.

[@carlasuannelockett1694]

When will you be live next Central time please?

[@catlinboy]

You say that it was all normal for you, growing up in that situation, because it was all you knew. How old were you when you realised that most families in the USA only practice monogamous marriage? How old were you when you realised that under 18s getting married is child marriage, and considered immoral or criminal in a lot of the world?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

We were taught from a young age that the rest of the world wasn't like us and that we were the lucky ones to be able to be living the higher law. I didn't realize that polygamy and child marriage was a problem or considered immoral until after I left the community altogether when I was 18.

[@juliemcgugan1244]

Do you think it is a lot more difficult, making the decision to leave the FLDS as a woman, since women have never been encouraged to work outside the home? I can't imagine the mental hurdle, not knowing how you are going to support yourself, in this huge strange world you know nothing about. At least the young men have experience working outside of the FLDS community.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Absolutely! It is much harder for women to leave than for the men.

[@bluescoobysnack9791]

My mom and sisters literally worked in Saint George and zions park. What are you on about 😂

[@brandidouglas5340]

I'm 40 and just divorced one year ago (I know they probably didn't divorce) I didn't never have a child but didn't push the issue(try HARD) ?Let God? I was wondering what if a woman just don't have a child and might not be on birth control Did they get blamed it's sad if they did I hope I wrote that the way you understand

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

They weren't allowed to have birth control. They believed that having children was the primary purpose of a woman and looked down upon the women who weren't able to conceive. It was super sad.

[@annmoniz5721]

We were wondering if Warren Jeffs really had 65 wives?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Yep. I don't even know the exact number but it is easily that high.

[@carlasuannelockett1694]

HI guys from Oklahoma and preop went well as did the surgery

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

So glad to hear it! =)

[@carlasuannelockett1694]

@@GrowingUpinPolygamy AND I got a surprise 🎁 from the staff! A teddy bear wearing a shirt with their logo on the front

[@bluescoobysnack9791]

Nah that’s bs about the leaving. You would explain your thoughts and if you were sure you wanted to leave then you were encouraged too because they wouldn’t want you there anyway if you didn’t believe the same thing.

[@harlic8501]

Why do you refer to it as a religious group rather than a cult? I feel like I’ve never actually heard people refer to it as a “religious cult” after Warren Jeff’s went to prison? Do you think it was a cult? Or do you really feel like it was a religious group that wasn’t a cult but just misunderstood? Genuinely curious!

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

While growing up I definitely felt that it was a religion. Now since leaving I see it as a cult, but I see a lot of religions that are similar and still considered a religion. We had a viewer say that a cult is when "the messenger becomes more important than the message" and I really like that description. That was definitely the case in the FLDS. I usually refer to it as a religion out of respect but "religious cult" would probably be the best description. There are a lot of similarities between other religions and the FLDS, but their blind obedience to their prophet has become dangerous like in a cult.

[@bluescoobysnack9791]

Warren made it that way

[@azureeyes1955]

The "godsquad" was not a thing. Although I do find the idea of following people in dark trucks amusing, it reminds of the story of "whittling and whistling" in Nauvoo. Security was a thing, but it wasn't about watching church members, it was about protecting the leaders, and keeping church properties secure. (Somehow I think that has to be normal for most organizations, religious or otherwise.) It was never about making sure people were following the rules. Free agency was a big thing. We were taught about it and told how important it is etc.

[@Lemonade_Stand_]

With so many kids sharing the same father, do incestuous relationships ever happen in polygamy? Maybe not even a direct relative but a cousin or half sibling or something. Edit: i forgot that marriages are arranged... i wonder if that has something to do with it.

[@femalefunkopopfinder2210]

Sam and Melissa; are y’all open to your child(Ren) about Sam growing up in the flds? Do they know/seen/and hope to meet their family in his side?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Absolutely. They have relationships with all the family that has left and we are always open about where I came from.

[@Amarilysz90]

Maybe you could do a video about the history of the church, for exampel Joseph Smith and the pioneeers. I would love to see that.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

I will put it on the video list!

[@irishcowgirl21]

A suggestion will be to explain the difference between the two churches

[@marceyself9606]

I was wondering if you can actually name all of your brother's and sister's from beginning to end?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Yes I can haha. I've met them all and spent time with them all as well. =)

[@brandysteiger8819]

Have you read rachelle Jeffs book?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

I have not.

[@brandysteiger8819]

I think the generation before you was strictly monitored

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

They might have been, and after I left I know everyone was more closely watched as well.

[@carlasuannelockett1694]

Random question time for the both of u guys what color are your eyes?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

We both have blue eyes. =)

[@carlasuannelockett1694]

@@GrowingUpinPolygamy 😎 me too! Ty for the reply!

[@carlasuannelockett1694]

@@GrowingUpinPolygamy by the way surgery Thursday went well but it was a very very long day at the 🏥 and I got a surprise(a stuffed bear with the logo of the 🏥 on it's shirt and named him Cal in memory of my dad who's angelverasary is tomorrow

[@tootsla1252]

You were gone when the real craziness started . You don’t really know the half of it.

[@karanj931]

sam hasnt pretended to know. he's made it clear in every video when he was stating his thoughts or opinion but didnt know 100% what really happened. he talks from his experience and perspective, not from what has been broadcast for the sheeple by the media

[@tootsla1252]

@@karanj931 I wouldn’t characterize first-hand accounts of that mess - by the victims themselves who lived through it and got out - as media for them”sheeple.” It’s well documented by Warren Jeff’s own daughter, Rachel, and others. Jeffs started sexually abusing Rachel when she was six - for 10 years. He also molested two of her baby sisters, add numerous little boys. Not to mention the 12 yr old he married and raped - which is why he’s in jail for life. The tragic crimes Jeffs committed should not be minimized and glossed over.

[@karanj931]

@@tootsla1252 again, sam speaks only about what he KNOWS for sure. you said he doesnt know the half of it and youre right, but sam has never pretended that he did know. how hard is that for you to understand?

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

You are right, I don't know the half of it. All I can do is share what I do know and experienced. I acknowledge that my experiences are very lucky compared to the lives of so many others, but their stories are not mine to tell.

[@karanj931]

@@GrowingUpinPolygamy very well said sam x

[@nightowl8548]

Were birthdays celebrated?

[@NikkiSchumacherOfficial]

If you’re comfortable answering, I am curious as to what your religious beliefs are now? I know that you both were lds and are no longer.

[@kevintaylorwynn2279]

Why do all the flds wear watches?

[@carlasuannelockett1694]

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@dianelove8147]

Sounds like 1860s slavery to me only in America there was no Civil Mormons Movement. I imagine women been trying to escape from there since the invention of the radio.

[@bluescoobysnack9791]

Lmao wut. This dude