I left a cult and found myself

Here's how I learned to be confident and have healthy self-esteem. It does not matter where you grew up, what your sexuality is or what your religious beliefs are. The only thing that matters is what you think of yourself.
New Zealand Broadcasting School student filmed a documentary on Lilia Tarawa about her life in the Gloriavale cult founded by her grandfather, Neville Cooper, aka Hopeful Christian.
❤‍ Welcome to my channel :) I'm a young woman learning how to love myself. ❤‍
I talk about what it was like as a young girl growing up in religion and struggling with low self esteem, plus my story of breaking free from the church to find myself through creativity, self love and healthy self esteem.
Creativity makes me happy, so I write, speak, sing and dance to learn more about myself.
It's exciting to express who I am because strong women in my culture were degraded and silenced.
Today, I draw self-worth, self-confidence and self-esteem from my individuality and personal power.
I hope you follow to watch weekly videos that help you love yourself first.
► Subscribe to my channel here: www.youtube.co...
❤‍ Watch more inspiration ❤‍
I grew up in a cult. It was heaven -- and hell: bit.ly/2KVElbG
Finding Lilia | SUNDAY | TVNZ: bit.ly/2KF2q7B
Fleeing Gloriavale: Life inside the religious community: bit.ly/2NApF0q
Gloriavale documentary by Cody Packer: bit.ly/2J4daGN
❤‍ Make friends with me here ❤‍
Facebook: / liliatarawa
Instagram: / liliatarawa
Blog: www.liliatarawa...
Twitter: / liliatarawa
Email: [e-mail]
❤‍ Please comment & share! Your love means the world to me xo ❤‍

[@2degucitas]

I hope Lilia found out more about her Maori heritage. She deserves that.

[@msnurse2003]

I have left a Savich cult. They are a small group in the Russian Christian community and very similar to the Gloriavale cult. It was very hard... but the Lord had brought many kind Christian and non-Christian people into my life who helped me stay out and learn to trust people. I’m grateful for each one of you. Now I’m enjoying healthy faith and healthy relationships. It was the best decision I ever made - to leave.

[@outlawJosieFox]

Well done mate !! Welcome back to the real world, which is beautiful and fulfilling without the need to mediate your experience of it through other people's warped ideas .

[@leoharker734]

Do you mean Russian orthodox?

[@SVETLANA_NICOLE]

Молодец!!!!!!! Никогда нельзя возвращается назад...

[@msnurse2003]

Leo Harker no, it’s a small group that was founded by one man,Savich, who called to serve God away from baptist/Pentecostal public church into a home group. As if the main public church gathering was fake and his group was genuine. That emotionally separated us from our friends and family. Plus there was a lot triangulation by him in the group. I’m very grateful that I made it out. It was one of the best decisions.

[@msnurse2003]

Princess N спасибо

[@JaneDoe-lt5zr]

It's scary to see all those children being brainwashed. That you're expected to become who they want you to be. I'm happy that your father saw it for what it was, and got all of you out. If only more would rescue themselves. You're thriving, and I hope the rest of your family is also

[@mikem5475]

Brainwashed? Or being instilled with good values?

[@paulagonzalez1721]

Leaving a cult involves so much grieving. You loose people you truly love. Those relationships are irretrievably lost most of the time. 😞

[@BabyLove1D]

I’ve become obsessed with your story since I watched your TED talk a week ago. You are so inspiring in your inward beauty, strength, and confidence. I love your Instagram and hope that some of your self esteem will rub off on me. Sending you lots of love from California.

[@LiliaTarawa]

Hello, I hope you keep following me here. Lining up videos to release regularly. I hope my channel is a place you can visit to feel safe, accepted and inspired. Did you read my book, Daughter of Gloriavale: My Life in a Religious Cult? Sending love to Cali from Aotearoa (New Zealand)

[@BRUCEOMALLAHAMENSIMPSONRHODES]

@@LiliaTarawa Lilla I Am Here to Know You With So Mystery Love In My Heart To Found Lilla Tarawa please watch my video called Memories thank You With LOVE M

[@jayfleming2425]

BabyLove1D my name is Jay Fleming said that Jehovah witnesses there are a cult following of the underworld

[@jayfleming2425]

Lilia Tarawa my name is Jay Fleming said that Jehovah witnesses there are a cult following of the underworld

[@BrookieLikesCars]

Thank you Lilia. I chose Jesus, and I'm freed from my past. Thank you for teaching us about the dark side of religion. Thank you for leaving Gloriavale and sharing this with us❤️❤️ peace, grace and love to you and yours❤️

[@ckmissghana]

Just thinking out loud but it would be nice if someone created a home/charity for people who wanted to leave the cult. There might be a lot of people who would like to leave the Gloriavale but don't know how.

[@LiliaTarawa]

Yup a lot of people have had a similar thought. :)

[@lidahall5928]

Yes, in fact I'd argue that it would be more than "nice"! I don't know if you've ever heard of _Scientology: The Aftermath_ with Leah Remini & Mike Rinder, for example - but there has been a group formed to help those who want to leave the group but, due to having been born into it and having either led an isolated life &/or lacking in any support afterward are scared to "make the leap". The link is here: theaftermathfoundation.org/ My point is that there are many disparate & small high control groups all over the world that probably have never even drawn the attention of any mainstream media, and their members will be in a similar predicament. They may live in countries with no "welfare" infrastructure whatsoever and as you'll know, even if that isn't the case - navigating bureaucracy altogether can be overwhelming in the best of circumstances. I'm a member of ICSA and it seems to me that perhaps steps toward a more comprehensive group to help those in similar circumstances needs to be made. I'm not from a high control group, so I don't quite know the best way to go about it myself...

[@5winder]

That's a great idea... but for all cult-escapees, including Roman Catholics, SDA's, JW's, etc.

[@lidahall5928]

*5winder* Well, obviously many people who want to make the transition from living in a High Control/Demand Group/Destructive Cult for much of their lives but have stayed due to the reasonable fear that they'll be shunned or ex-communicated in some way will require some form of assistance, be it "practical" &/or Therapeutic. I am pretty sure that the following are just two websites which specifically aid those among the ~70,000 Jehovah's Witnesses who experience shunning each year: www.exjwcriticalthinker.com/ & leavingjw.org/ for example. There are also support groups and therapists who specialise in helping those leaving other, more well-known sects/splinter groups from within other large organizations such as the Catholic Church (Palmarians etc.) to overcome mind control. There's plenty of information out there if you've left a large group, generally, which is why I feel that those who have spent most of their lives in more obscure groups should probably be encouraged to access information such as startingout.icsa.name/ - but perhaps in a more culturally appropriate and specific way. Likewise - a community-wide understanding of Undue Influence and its pervasiveness through the work of those like Jon Atack and Steven Hassan would not go astray either...

[@jacksongarratt55]

I loved every minute of it. You seem to act as though you never lived in Gloriavale, but you have. You left with nothing, but you have picked yourself up and made a bright future for yourself. Ka pai

[@LiliaTarawa]

Hey Jackson, nice to see you here on my KZbin channel. You're a familiar face on my other online platforms. Going to be releasing a tonne new content so I hope you keep watching, subscribe and hit the bell button so that KZbin notifies you when I post a new video. Keep commenting because I love hearing from you :)

[@sylviasmith105]

Thank God your parents left ,they Loved their children more and you have growned since this experience .💟

[@josephdennison4890]

Yes, you're very fortunate that you could leave with your family. Many times people leave without anyone or any emotional support. Other end up spend lots of money and time trying to get family and friends to leave.

[@KingdomChild]

This is the key, she says she wanted a "life that I choose for myself." You cannot force a person to love or worship God. It is a choice that a person makes from their heart. Forcing other human beings to wear long dresses and head scarves and following a long list of rules will never produce a loyal quality of the heart. Abuse and coersion may produce a kind of fearful obedience...but the quality of an all loyal loving heart is something a person only can ever choose for themselves. God Himself gave us free will to choose. It is so arrogant of humans to think they can take it away from others. You can steal a person's life and keep them on lockdown...but no one can ever take the choice of to whom or what a person's heart belongs. I personally believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the only way to salvation. I share my faith with anyone I can because of how fulfilled it makes me. But the thought of trying to force someone to follow Him too is repulsive to me. The only way the choice has any value at all it it is by free will and from the heart.

[@anaparada7219]

GREETINGS FROM TBE GREAR STATE OF TEXAS YOUR A NUT CASE THIS IS A CULT NOT CHRISTIAN CRAZY WEIRD FOLKS AND UGLY CLO P ITHES AND HEAD COVERING WHATBA JOKE

[@jamiemarie4894]

Very well said! I couldn’t agree more. Forcing your beliefs on a person is wrong and impossible if they feel different at heart.

[@ashm2338]

Your comment warmed my atheist ex mormon heart. Honestly, kinda want to look into just... normal people Christianity. Seems a lot safer than cults.

[@hindugoat2302]

thats not true the cult would never exist if that was true but in reality people can be coerced and brainwashed and manipulated in many ways we are manipulated every time we watch an advertisement, we are slaves to the input going into our brain and the environment we are in personal choice is based on feelings which are emotions, guided by hormones and chemicals in the brain, we choose to do things that feel right we do not get to choose what feels right, and therefore we do not get to choose anything

[@billw.3749]

Raising children biblically to obey biblical rules while growing up is love, not a cult or forcing of the heart. Your trying to equate the two and condemning the bible while claiming to be Christian is sickening. A land without law is a land for the lawless. Two wrongs will never make a right.

[@Jane-ex7bn]

Oh my gosh, thank you so much for sharing your story Lilia. You are such a strong, amazing woman. You give me so much hope. I left a very strict Christian sect called The Plymouth Brethren. I left when I was 16 and lost almost my entire family. I struggled for years, trying to find a place to fit in. Hearing your story gave me hope that I can make it in the world. If I can survive that, I can survive anything. O hope you're doing well xoxo. :)

[@josephdennison4890]

Jane you're not alone. I was in a shepherding cult . Knowing we are all out there ,we can be strong in knowing we're not alone. I wish you the best in your journey. A lot of people won't understand but a lot more will understand you and will love you with out the condition of the cult.

[@xd.3997]

It’s so horrible to hear about these places where they misrepresent God so badly, i’m so sorry you guys had to go through that, even though I don’t know you i really love you so much, please listen to what I have to say, Jesus still loves you How to get to heaven: (You can look up these verses ❤️) 1- Believe that Jesus is God (John 1:1), (John 1:14) who died on the cross for our sins (2 Corin 5:18), (2 Corin 5:21) and rose again (Acts 3:15), (John 3:18) 2- know that you are a sinner in need of a saviour and can’t get to heaven by doing good (Ephesians 2:8), (Rom 3:23) 3- Be sorry for your sins and be willing to stop sinning (1 Corin 6:9-10), (Mat 7:22) 4- Live for God (John 3:3), (2 Corin 5:17) God wants to have a relationship with you as your Father, and He doesn’t want for you to live life trying to be religious ‘Choices’ by Billy Graham and the channel ‘Living waters’ on KZbin explain salvation really well. God bless ❤️ We don’t know when we’re going to die so please think about this urgently, God wants to give you the peace and happiness we all search for in everything we do, i love you so much

[@adrianspets5967]

This story is so touching, I'm so happy that you left.

[@ckblackwoodmusic]

You're the strongest, most beautiful lady, Lilia! All the respect and love

[@viah1207]

Thats ma aunty

[@kathyt3959]

You are a beautiful person inside and out ,and you were clearly born to be a leader ,it shines through.

[@kenyettaready]

I'm so happy for you. we don't know each other and we may have different religions and beliefs but I'm proud of you. you have inspired and motivated me. thank you. love from the United States.

[@clarateixeira7932]

I love this story. Somewhat similar to my own only I spent a little time in a different offshoot sect of Mennonite that was called Charity. When you are a little girl sometimes you see things from a different perspective that the adults don't. Children were abused from infancy in many families. I saw things done to babies that should never have happened. Thankfully my parents did not agree with the bishops advice to beat me and prayed over me instead. In some states the sect was not as extreme and in one it was very loving and where I found much of my inner healing. Still, leaving was very hard with nightmares every night for several months and losing the communal support that came with being in it. It is a very lonely world without a community invested in your everyday decisions. But certainly a much more free one.

[@autumnacker5310]

Wow...what incredible strength and bravery you have! I am so glad you are free from that controlling group and hope you have a life of joy.

[@teeceedee]

who would dislike this 70 people from the cults using phones that they are not supposed to be using .

[@LiliaTarawa]

Haha oh my word. SO funny!!!!!! ..and so true

[@AWlpsSHOW36]

What an incredible story and adventure! I'm really sorry you had to grow up in such a sick cult and not live the childhood you wanted. I'm glad you left and are now free. And it's amazing that you found who you truly are and what you true dreams are! You are a true hero, Lilia! An inspiration for many people! Thanks for sharing your story and exposing Gloriavale for what it really is. And thanks for the sweet and motivational advice that you missed when growing up. I must read your book!

[@silvasinaloa7943]

Thank you very much for sharing your story with the world, your courage and love would help others to not stay where they are being oppressed and humiliated. Is my first time listening to your story and I can tell you are a wonderful young woman who would continue with this mission that is to live your life as a free human been and being a woman who has all the right in the world to live her life as she pleases. Keep going and don’t stop, you are beautiful, smart and free.

[@sel9644]

Hi Lilia, I just wanted to say that you are incredibly strong. You have overcome such horrific experiences and have come out beautiful and strong. Thank you for breaking free, your generosity and courage. Thank you. Hugs.

[@nr1785]

It’s one thing to leave a cult. Its an entirely other thing to totally give yourself over to a worldly life of sin and wickedness. This woman thinks she is now free, but she’s still in bondage, bondage to sin and pride.

[@milomilo55]

It's one thing to leave a cult and it's a better thing to leave religion altogether. The real world is hard enough without adding man-made "sins" to the mix.

[@RoselineJerryA]

you're all going to "hell" sTfU

[@tanushreejain5725]

Hey Lilia, I recently watched your TED talk video and it really intrigued me to know more about the Gloriavale community. I,ve been researching on it since a week now, reading articles and watching videos, and it really disturbed me when I learned that a girl named Prayer Ready died because of the harsh cruelty of her father and leaders there. I just really hope and pray that one day people over there can understand the truest sense of faith in God. I just wish one day I,m in a position to really investigate the reality of the circumstances posted online and hopefully wishing that all of to be false because if it,s true then it is so wrong in so many ways. It really breaks my heart to know that the world still has places that are kept in isolation and people have no clue of the opportunities they are missing on. Prayers and regards for all the people in Gloriavale and I hope you are able to meet and hug your loved ones once again.

[@danithefiend6167]

You rock. Your story is powerful and inspiring. Never stop sharing it, love.

[@aliciagarland1]

What a strong beautiful woman you are .... I’m so proud of you that you realised you are worth so much more!!! I watched the 1st interview and and you seemed so brainwashed.

[@LiliaTarawa]

alicia garland aw thank you. I was so brainwashed huh!

[@aliciagarland1]

Lilia Tarawa I didn’t mean it in a bad way .... It was all you knew. I am so happy how far you have come and I am so delighted how much you have grown into such an independent beautiful woman... please keep sharing your story Much love xx

[@aliciagarland1]

Thanks so much for the reply... I really appreciate it ❤️

[@AWlpsSHOW36]

Hi Lilia! I just finished reading your book. My mum got it for me as a Christmas present so I won't have to keep on getting it from the library! It was such a roller coaster and such a beautiful and moving story! I always wanted to learn about Gloriavale after hearing of it's existence. I've learnt so much! You're so right about it being heaven and hell. The heaven sounds like your dream childhood and a Utopia, and the hell sounds absolutely disgusting and flat out wrong. I hope the cult will eventually demolish and the innocent people can break out of their brainwashing and find their true selves. You are such an inspiration, Lilia. I'm glad you left it and have found your true self. I would love to meet you some day, you could sign my copy of your book! Keep up the amazing work!

[@LiliaTarawa]

Kia ora, I'm so glad to hear you loved my story. Thank you for reading it. Can you please leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads. It would mean a lot to me. Hope to meet you and sign your book someday :)

[@AWlpsSHOW36]

@@LiliaTarawa Sure thing! Would love too!

[@davidhughes6]

Congratulations on such wonderful personal and spiritual growth

[@andrewhillhousekelly3583]

Bless you for your fortitude, stay strong 💙✌🏼🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@lifeisimportantkate]

Dearest, you are loved by GOD no matter what. People who take christianity to other level are not of sane mind. It is like hostage. My case was different. With more mothers than i wanted. I have to find faith myself. I ran away several times until i found myself. I am happy for you. Well done. Your grandads protection from the world is against the bible. God bless you as it appears you have plenty of love.

[@magnifiquemee7069]

'spare the rod, spoil the child' they lacked understanding. it referred to the rod shepherds used to "guide" their flocks..you never saw the shepherd 'beat' their sheep. if they were going the 'wrong' way, they used the rod as a director of warning that they could get lost or be heading toward danger. Love doesn't injure or cause harm. 💗

[@hellolater4181]

Thank you. I suffer. A widow in an area not allowing my safety. Ty for speaking up.

[@DorothySbornak]

I'm sorry. What do you mean?

[@sharonsharon9540]

How can we help you?

[@BluntAnims]

I'm a Christian and Im nowhere close to perfect, and the bible itself says that noone is worthy of the glory of God. I'm really sorry for what you went through, and those cult leaders are no Christians I'm telling you, they are power hungry fear mongerers who prey on people... I hope you still beleive in the Lord, but can understand if you don't, considering you grew up in such an isolated cruel environment, which will ofcourse taint your perception of what Christians are like. :(.

[@godisgood5054]

Amen brother

[@sineadbeel1917]

I'm sorry buddy but the Bible is very clear that women are not allowed positions of authority over men. Its very clear they need to cover their heads. Its very clear that the order of authority is God-man-women-children, a disobedient child in the old testiment should be put to death. These people haven't taken the Bible out of context you have.

[@shirleydaughteroftheking5332]

@@sineadbeel1917 No you are wrong. Not completely. Your twisting the Scriptures. 1.The Bible says that a womans hair is Her covering. 2. Women in the Bible preached. Check out Acts 1& 2 . Mary, the mother of Jesus, and other women were in the upper room (Acts 1:14)... And all those there were given the fire of the Holy Ghost. (2:1-4) And they went out and preached, and Peter said " This IS that which was spoken by the prophet Joel. "And it shall come to pass in the last days, said God, I will pour out MY Spirit upon ALL flesh: and your sons and your Daughters shall prophesy...and upon MY Handmaidens I will pour out MY Spirit..." (Acts 2:16-18) We are Still in the Last Days. 3. Paul also thanked Louis(the mother of Timothy for Laboring with him in the Gospel. 4. God used a woman and her husband to correct a man about baptism. 5. And Paul said it was better NOT to marry! However with all that said, the Bible is clear, 1. a woman should not be over her husband. 2. The husband is to treat his wife as if she were Christ, and the woman to her husband likewise. 3 .A woman should not pastor a church.

[@lounic0216]

BluntAnims amen!

[@eveharris30]

No true scottsman ! Those are real christians.

[@misscindy1596]

You are such a inspiration a ray of sunshine in a world with so much darkness, good luck in your beautiful life and thank you for sharing this video.

[@brodybrock7259]

This is so very inspiring. Thank you so much, you are such a brave and powerful woman

[@LiliaTarawa]

Thank you

[@Kneißle]

I'm impressed by the simple beauty of the people in your pictures. There's definitely an attractiveness there which cannot be compared to the heavily painted up, or wierd and slovenly styles common in our day and age. "Humility is the most beautiful virtue". I'm not supporting abuses that may be done in the name of religion. I have heard of this group, and would have some serious reservations about them. I'm just recognizing the tendency to throw that word "cult" around too freely as a weapon, to seek to justify ones choices contrary to Biblical principles, and to destroy the reputation of those we dislike.

[@arghirrellle]

Good for you, honey! You're so brave and open-minded. Have a wonderful life and live how you see fit!

[@LiliaTarawa]

Thank you. This encouragement was very uplifting the morning. Thanks for taking the time. I appreciate you :)

[@arghirrellle]

@@LiliaTarawa 🤗 life is tough, we have to support each other.

[@belindanaish5413]

I Think You Are Such A Beautiful Strong Person Who Has Done Quite Well Do Yourself Since You And Your Family Members Have Left Gloriavale

[@LoftBits]

Beautiful. Although I'm an atheist, I feel the need to say "God bless you!" - you are an inspiration for people not to be afraid to look inside and find their true selves.

[@pth6060]

You're only an atheist when things are going well. I will promise you that the day will come that you will cry out to God for help .

[@LoftBits]

@@pth6060 Absolutely, will do - to any god that happens to be listening (which one would this turn out to be, I wonder?...) And god WILL help - for he/she loves all the mankind.

[@ed7do]

Ive never heard about you until I saw your video on TED talk & read your book. You inspire me so much lilia ♡ thanks for sharing your story. Sending you Lots of love from the United states.

[@ItsAshley08]

I love what she says at the very end. I pray I can keep that mindset every day!

[@trouserbottomdog6120]

Powerful woman heart of a lion and strength of a mountain, respect

[@jaynrocky13]

God gave u the world to explore not just one place with people who tell u what to be like. Enjoy ur freedom. A place that would segregate you for making a choice is not a place someone should be.

[@sarah3796]

Beautiful story. Such strength

[@asiapersonalable]

thanks, it was so difficult to go through this horror.

[@Tim_Shu]

What a beautiful person 💖

[@MelinWisconsin]

I just started watching “in God’s name” videos today and I didn’t think YOU woulda been one who left. But I’m sure glad you did. You’re a beautiful lady and God loves you inside and/or outside of the cult. Thank you for your story. God Bless you❤️

[@nonname_4558]

Only you know if you are really happy or if you have joy in you heart. We don't know. I hope you are doing good.

[@gillianbates477]

just want to tell you that God loves you the way you are and if you believe in God and Jesus you belong to him always your dad is awesome for taking you out he done what God wanted so do not worry God Is At Hand he is your Judge know one esle but God

[@sharonsheehy3128]

Thank goodness you found your way to freedom 💚

[@pixieanna2058]

Lilia, I’m reading your book and I cannot put it down. You are an inspiration!

[@LiliaTarawa]

Glad to hear. It would mean a lot to me if you could leaving a rating on Amazon and Goodreads. Thank you for reading my story.

[@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom]

I am so happy I watched this video. You are such a lovely person. I know you will bless many people.

[@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom]

I hope you will consider posting more videos.

[@JacquiQ]

Woo hoo Lillia !!❤🤎❤ U got out and now you can have freedom to be YOU 🥳🥳🥳

[@orozma52]

Hi Lilia! This morning for some reason I saw a documentary about Gloriavale. Then your interview. Pretty amazing life you have after leaving that place. I subscribed to your Chanel just know. Wishing you the best. ❤️

[@lakeerie5857]

Pure girl power Believe and Bless you. Spread the word

[@Stolyfornia]

If you don't mind, how old are you now and how old were you when you left?

[@LiliaTarawa]

I am 27 years old now, and I was eighteen when I left.

[@kennykidd777]

I needed to hear your story. You are important inspiration to people and the world! I love you lilia for who you are and your courage to live in your heart and live out the freedom Christ give his life for us to have!

[@SusseBo]

You are beautiful. Doesn't matter that you left. What matters is that you find your authentic self. Your authentic self may not even be what you've already have found, but so much more than that. Only a fragment yet revealed. I'm sure you will be surprised, as you grow and walk in your authentic self. Take care of your self. Above all stay safe. May I ask? Are you part Maori?

[@LiliaTarawa]

Hello, thanks for your beautiful comment. Yes, I am Maori. My iwi is Ngai Tahu :)

[@SusseBo]

I hope you can imbrace your Maori culture. Your people are so beautiful. You can be proud of them and their history. And what a history, such survivors. ❤️

[@nautilusmd]

I once believed in myself left my church years later I found myself on the knees begging for forgiveness before God. I was in the church never new God ....it's only when I changed a Christian lifestyle to a Coca Cola lifestyle I realised all I was doing is to satisfy my animal instincts and my soul was never satisfied. You see to follow Christ is a very narrow road and few find it!

[@slimdusty6328]

Hi Lilia . Enjoying your videos. Great to see the massive progress you are making. Its an inspiration to see. I was wondering about whether your parents have remained supportive of choices you make. Do you manage to remain in close contact with your family

[@apoemandapicture2145]

I've been watching anything and everything about you here on KZbin today! I think you have a great personality and I think you must be a very cool person to know! I wish to meet you some day! Lots of love Lilia! Keep being cool :D

[@atoninasue9530]

Beautifully said! Hope ur cousins n relatives are well. Tc n all the best in ur life's journey ✌💐

[@monkeydad16]

Thank you so much for sharing your story.

[@gsev38]

Please upload more videos Lilia! You’re amazing

[@LiliaTarawa]

I will :)

[@RaccoonNation]

Inspirational Sis 🤓💃🤸💪💓

[@jcaz9864]

I would applaud this woman had she still retained her devotion to God and His commands. That is the only thing that will matter in the long run. You don't really need to live in an isolated community in order to worship God. But she desired something different other that God. The sad part is that she turned her back on God and is now proud to pursue all of the fine things that Satan offers. The lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life bring so many to their demise. "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." Proverbs 14:12

[@dominicd2063]

Now trying to scare her with Satan. I’m happy to be free of the negativity of your type.

[@jcaz9864]

@@dominicd2063 hello sir, I don't really blame you for thinking this way. The truth has been twisted so badly that it's almost impossible to understand it. However, God has set a simple rule by which we can be saved from the judgement that is coming upon the entire world. And that is to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. This means to love even our enemies and to do good to them. Most of the time we get sucked into bad things. Then, we are able to escape only to get trapped again and this time is something worse.

[@dominicd2063]

@@jcaz9864 do you spread the fear of the Lord into your enemies and friends? Does fear make them good believers?

[@jcaz9864]

@@dominicd2063 Sir, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. If a man does not instruct his son and show by example to be a good man and obey the law of the land, that child will soon find himself in prison or dead. It is also good for men to know God's commands so that they may choose which path to follow. God's laws are not burdensome and they have to do with something that is already inside each one of us because He made us this way.

[@user-gi2mn5yf5j]

My gratitude for you speaking out on the beatings. I was interested if a Bruderhof would be a fit for me but having grown up beaten violently by my christian father I probably would not last a week at one of these, thank you. I am really interested in intentional community and will be looking to find some place that works with me.

[@creativechik]

Am really proud of what you've done with your life.

[@LiliaTarawa]

Thank you :)

[@raisarainha6767]

What a beautiful woman, inside and out!

[@elizavetadolgova]

Amazing story!

[@elyb4097]

What a lovely young lady.

[@kundansarkar6465]

Live your life full on

[@tupoupaulonikautupou3434]

You are the light.

[@douglasmcclure6549]

Hmm. I came across the Gloriavale documentary and-being a fundamentalist Christian-found it quite fascinating. While I am suspect of any group that cordons themselves off from the world (Jesus prayed for us to be “in” the world, but not “of” the world) I WAS impressed with the level of commitment the residents have to holiness, a concept mocked and scorned by the world at large. My fear, Lilia, from viewing your video and comments, is your apparent intense interest in yourself and your personal fulfillment in this life. That is not necessarily meant as criticism as I struggle mightily with my own pride and self interest when I really want to serve Jesus. I find myself loving the world when I should probably retreat from it some. The extreme position taken at Gloriavale may be beyond the pale, but it also seems a virtuous attempt to live life with biblical priorities squarely in place.

[@karenyounger2314]

its not so much who you are but who God created you to be...when the Holy Spirit enters our spirit we are born anew. now our lives are about glorifying the Lord

[@mosesherdez1531]

You are gorgeous, congratulations for your freedom, dear.

[@allgood6760]

It's mind control.. I stopped going to church and think for myself... I am not an atheist and there is truth in other religions.. we are human beings and should treat others how we like to be treated 👍🇳🇿

[@leahkelley8254]

I'm so happy you got out.

[@pillsburydewboy8238]

I love you your an inspiration!

[@LiliaTarawa]

Thanks so much. It means a lot to me that you take the time to watch and comment. It would mean a tonne to me if you subscribe to my channel and hit the bell button (if you haven't already). I just bought a Panasonic G85 camera so that I can create more videos to inspire and help people. Love staying in touch with you and sharing my life here. :)

[@pillsburydewboy8238]

Lilia Tarawa Yep. Already did!!😉😉😉

[@ghelhead]

Hi Lilia. I grew up a Jehovah's Witness until the age of 12. At the time I felt cheated, hating towards it, wanting to see the outside world etc. However now I am older and understand more about how the world works I must admit I miss the sense of community and simple living which I have not been able to find elsewhere. Do you miss anything from Gloriavale?

[@traceycushing7183]

Good girl...More power to you :)

[@nicolarollinson4381]

Me and my family and friends were in a cult for 30 years. The women and girls were told that we should give everything to God, including have sex with the leader. We were told that we should hit our kids or they would go to hell. Its a form of brain washing. I had a brain disease for 20 of those years but when i started to get stronger, I saw him grooming my grandaughter. That woke me up and I talked to everyone and said i was leaving and that they could follow me, if they wanted. Then I went to see the leader and his demeanor changed from kind and loving to pure anger and hate. It was chaos and i lost my husband in the process and my eldest son took his own life. I ran away, with the help of other members. Eventually, to cut a long story short, me and my adopted daughter went to the police. I've been a homeless traveller for 8 years. I no longer do religion but have woken up to my true spirit, my true self and so has my daughter. Everyone else has found their own path. "Not a Complete Shambles" (from Amazon books) is a book I was inspired to write in the aftermath. My understanding of what real life is about has grown a lot since then but the promises it contains stand true and explains how books like the christian Bible can be manipulated and misinterpreted. Love is the only thing of real value in this life. So happy for Lilia and others like us, who have been set free

[@anneelder4621]

You are such an inspiration. 😍😍

[@LiliaTarawa]

Thanks for supporting me. Please subscribe if you haven't because it would mean so much to me. I just bought a new camera, and I'm going to start vlogging regularly so that you can have an inside look into my life after Gloriavale. I feel like I'm only just getting started x

[@deltasweetashoney8880]

Hi there Lilia, my mother escaped from a New Zealand cult as long with some of my aunties and uncles, however she never wanted to tell me much details about where she came from, I’ve always wanted to know what happened to my other relatives that were left behind and if I have a whole other family out there that I might never get to see. Im just commenting to see if this might fit my mother’s story, or if you might remember a family of 10 children that got split. Thanks.

[@LiliaTarawa]

Hey hey, there were many families with that many children that got split up. Without know your mother's name I can't really help, but you are welcome to private message me. I am @liliatarawa on Instagram and Facebook. I can totally understand that you want to know more about your family

[@deltasweetashoney8880]

@@LiliaTarawa hi lilia after recent events, I’ve discovered many new things about my family. The cult was in fact Gloria vale, a portion of my mothers family had left Gloria vale after my grandpa had a ‘disagreement’ with there ideas.

[@andrewortiz9226]

Religion produces cults, but spirituality makes you free

[@lyndim100]

Andrew Ortiz , yes.

[@arghirrellle]

Thank you!

[@donnaharrison7947]

Lilia you are such a beautiful woman inside and out .you have really very much inspired me . Thank you so so much for making this video. I have a big problem with my confidence insecurity I let people just walk all over me . I feel taken for granted lonely weak .I no our father didn't put me on this earth to feel this way to be walked over time and time again .I pray and cry out to my father please help me to become more stronger confident assertive .please lilia would you pray for me to . I admire your strength courage and confidence. Xx

[@outlawJosieFox]

Good brave girl !! You rock!!

[@laurabora9750]

You're beautiful lilia

[@judykairys4911]

The Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, guided the sheep with the shepherds staff of gentleness, love and care. Spare the rod and spoil the child does not mean to hit, or harm anyone, but to guide with love, and gentleness. God is love, not abuse.

[@sage9836]

What an inspiration.!

[@isabelleevremont2377]

Honey im sorry for what you went through by people pretending to be Christian never forget one thing that where you were it was people with no wisdom and what you believe is Jesus who loves you the way YOU ARE with all of our imperfection and trust him and him alone cause the devil uses everybody even those "Christian" to make you turn your back to God. But keep in mind that there are so many people real Christian that loves you

[@sylviekell]

The Bible doesn't say "Spare the rod, spoil the child," that phrase was coined by Samuel Butler, in Hudibras, the satirical poem on the factions involved in the English Civil War, published in 1662: Love is a Boy, by Poets styl'd, Then Spare the Rod, and spill the Child.

[@menacinghat]

I wish we had meaning and identity without harmful side effects mixed in In the West, we have been withdrawing from our tradition-, religion- and even nation-centred cultures, partly to decrease the danger of group conflict. But we are increasingly falling prey to the desperation of meaninglessness, and that is no improvement at all. Jordan B. Peterson

[@traviss6564]

In another video it showed her mom for a few, she's blonde with blue eyes...very Anglo/NZ/Australian. I wonder if her dad is Maori or Indigenous (apologies if I have the terms wrong, I'm from Arizona in the US, trying my best). She certainly looks like she's got some of that blood... absolutely beautiful lady!

[@MarinaAndTheDevil]

What a queen

[@thomas.bobby.g2918]

From bad to worse.

[@elsagerber5874]

Thanks and well done to you you did fantastic XOXO

[@methylbenzodiazepine]

If you leave and therefore can't come back, then you're denying the lesson in The Prodigal Son. That's an easy way to tell the difference between a cult and someone genuinely trying to follow Jesus' teachings.

[@AnaGomez-ce1nd]

Seek self respect instead of self-esteem that conduces to narcissism. Cling in God's word for purity of heart, so, your own choices will build up happiness or unhappiness. Jesus said "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free'.

[@melodyst.claire5389]

❣❣❣Yes!

[@MrRichymil]

There is no scripture in the Bible that says 'spare the rod spoil the child.' It is from an 17th century poem titled Hudibras by Samuel Butler.