Tonight, I will breathe.
After a year of focused work—and a lifetime of preparation—our story is being released into the wild. This is the book I was destined to write. I still remember the moment I dialled his number to share “our vision,” only to have him share “his.”
“With God’s Help, I will do my best to serve God, my church…” — The Royal Ranger Pledge
It felt like it started there, twenty years ago. But in truth, the roots go much deeper. It began with the Royal Ranger code I recited as a child: 5. Loyal - Faithful to church, family, outpost and friends. 6. Obedient - Obeys parents, leaders, and those in authority.
I want to be clear: I had incredible leaders back then. I loved them, and I still do. They poured into my life with genuine care, and I am forever thankful. But there is a hidden danger in being raised to be perfectly “Ready, Ready to Work, Play, Serve, Obey.” When your leaders are safe and good, all is well. But what happens when they are not?
That early training in devotion is exactly what made me so susceptible to a charismatic leader with a grand vision and a desire to have the world at his feet.
Tomorrow is the soft release of Unmasking Wonderland. It is now available to the world—to him, and to everyone involved.
My hope is simple: That my story prevents someone else’s. I want the passionate, loyal, and hopeful young leaders currently rising through the ranks—whether in conservative circles, Pentecostal churches, or high-control groups—to witness our journey and learn from our mistakes. I want them to see that another trail is available.
We lived our path, and we don’t regret it. We were meant to be here, in this moment, to tell the truth.
I’ll share more when the print copies arrive. For now, breathe slowly with me. This is it.
Is there a printed version comeing?