48 Hours: Fall from Grace

For those of you who remember, I was asked to participate in a 48 Hours episode about my Kindred Spirit, Bethany. I’ve written a lot about her over the last two years, but have only gradually become comfortable with sharing her real name because I just didn’t want to be involved in media.

However, I’m very glad I could speak up and talk about Bethany in this episode. I was extremely impressed with the 48 Hours team, and I’m grateful for their respectful investigation into this complicated story. What happened to Bethany was a tragedy, and I hope that by speaking out about this, her story can help others in some way to recognize abusive situations in their own lives or in people they love.

Watch the 48 Hours episode here: 

Other Videos: 
You can watch an extra video of me talking about Bethany and how great she was here.
You can watch my friend Boze talk about what it was like to be shunned during his time in the cult here.

Article: 
I was also able to write an article for CBS Crimesider about how Beth and I met, who she was, and the signs of abuse I saw in her as she became more and more involved in an unhealthy/abusive relationship and spiritual community/cult.

48 Hours: Watching a friend succumb to abuse

Bethany and I met in high school. We bonded over our love of literature, writing, and our desire to live unconventional, adventurous lives. We were poets at heart. We danced in fairy rings, shared good stories, and exulted in the beauty of life. Beth truly radiated a generous, feisty light from within, and you can see it in old pictures…

Read the rest here.

I still miss Bethany every day, and the grief of her loss and the ways she was lied to and manipulated will follow me the rest of my life. I will always love you, Beth.

Photo by Adobe Stock/kichigini19