My Christian fundamentalist upbringing in Auckland

Content warning: This video mentions mental health, sexual themes, and Christian fundamentalism. Subscribe to Re: bit.ly/subscrib.... Growing up, Rhesa Simmons was taught girls do not make decisions for themselves. Once they leave the care of their fathers, they would be under the care of their husbands.
“I’ve never been to school,” she says.
“I was told it would be a waste of everyone’s time if I did further education because the plan was for me to have as many children as possible and stay at home. Basically, you don’t need an education to breastfeed so why bother?”
Rhesa’s Christian fundamentalist upbringing might remind you of those documentaries about extreme religious groups in the United States. But Rhesa grew up in Auckland.
She says her extremely conservative childhood restricted her healthcare, education, and even what she could or couldn’t wear.
Reflecting on her childhood, she says cutting herself off from the religion and most of her family felt terrifying and vulnerable.
But it means she now has choices she never thought she could have as a young girl.
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[@maureenseel118]

I remember my German teacher hauling me into a bathroom and hosing me down with anti-static spray because my floral, ankle-length skirt was clinging to my ass. We weren't supposed to "tempt the boys". I also thought that a career was just until I got married. My real job was to be a wife and mother. So messed up.

[@allgood6760]

Be yourself and be a human being... I saw the light and left church.. cheers from Wgtn 👍

[@percubit10]

I saw the light and I knew that church was a scam.

[@smplfi9859]

Your parents did well, It's a shame you didn't live up to them. One day when your egg carton are close to empty and your rebellious phase is over. You will find the place they always wanted to create for you was right at home, in a family worth continuing. Deviating from the structure they cultivated for you may bring temporary pleasure, but it is fleeting and temporal in nature. They gave you a strong home to carry forth. Live for them as much as they've lived for you! (birth, feeding, housing) Gratitude should be your attitude :D

[@Jwet1100]

Oppression is not love. There is a boundary line that is overbearing and overreaching. My mom tried to set me up with a woman who only manipulated me. When i expressed my doubts she screamed in anger. Eventually the wedding was called off. Im still healing from the toxic relationship. Boys and girls suffer at the hands of parents who only wish to control.

[@ConcernedAmerican13]

You and your sister have shown great courage by escaping that lifestyle. Everyone should be able to choose the best life for themselves. No one should be controlled or manipulated in such a way. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@watitduful]

You sound bugged out of your mind. It could be that perhaps you wish you had this upbringing or similar to it and you’re projecting your own limited life experience to this lady’s experience.

[@maureenseel118]

That's effing insane. You're still trapped.