Growing up Amish I was taught that music is wrong. Any music with a beat is considered the devil's music. As a little amish girl I loved to listen to music every chance I got and it would stir emotions inside of me. I was told that these emotions were from the devil, but I didn't believe it because it made me feel alive and happy! I wanted more! I really couldn't understand what the big deal was. I would argue that the Bible talks about Angels blowing trumpets and making beautiful music, but I was told that was not really for me to understand and that I just needed to obey. The only musical instrument we were allowed to have was a harmonica, and that was only played when sitting around and relaxing with family and friends.  The Amish can play the harmonica very well. I remember listening to my Uncles play and I loved it.
 Here in the world I live in now, I get to do so many things I would never have been able to experience otherwise. I love and get to enjoy music but am way behind in recognizing bands and singers, because I never heard the names before. I am very proud when I can have the correct answer to the question: What band plays this? or who is this singer? Yay! I am learning.

Free from Amish Rules

Of course in starting my book a lot of memories start flooding back and everything is more clear and not as confusing as it is in the Amish world. The Amish say I am going to hell because I left the Amish faith. In their eyes I have lied to God and "the church".  That is their words not mine. "The church" to them means the "Amish church." In the past I have been told this many times. They (the Amish) used to send me letters and leave messages on my answering machine, telling me about the hell I was headed for. It got to the point where I no longer wanted to push the play button on my messages or open any mail. If they would see me somewhere they would either corner me, and proceed to tell me what an awful person I was, call me a whore, or they would turn their back.
I am here to clarify that I am not going to hell because I left the Amish, if I would go to hell it would be for some unforgivable sin, not for leaving the Amish. Please! That would mean that the Amish are God or equal to.
Today, that doesn't happen so much anymore. They gave up I suppose. I do however, still get cornered from time to time, but let me just say, not by the same person twice. I have gotten brave and well versed and am not so easily intimidated anymore. Having said that, I have no ill will towards the Amish. Just speaking truths.

Free from Amish Rules

Hi all!
I am an Amish woman who left the Amish almost 14 years ago. I would like to share my journey with others who are in this same journey or who have just left the Amish and are looking for someone to talk to. I know how hard it is and I am now at a place in my life where I believe I could reach out and help those who still feel lost and unsure or who just want to talk. My journey was often troubled and dark but I have found freedom in this once scary and intimidating world. I have also found success and happiness.
I am going to be writing a book about my journey and I want to take the opportunity to share true stories and tidbits from the Amish life.

I want to hear other Ex-Amish people's stories and memories as well. I thought I would create a blog to begin sharing my story and maybe get to know other Ex-Amish and share thoughts, ideas, and opinions.

I also hope to hear from people who have never been Amish who have an interest in learning about the culture.



Free from Amish Rules