Where the Willow Weeps: The inside story of growing up in a cult, and how I found freedom in Christ

by C.R. Wottrich

I grew up in a homeschooled family in rural Pennsylvania, the 8th out of 13 children. From my earliest years I was raised in The Message, a legalistic, fundamentalist sect of Christianity. I followed a man who was dead long before I was born; William Branham, who I was taught and believed was the prophet for the end times. I’ll share with you how my sin, and the lies I believed from The Message affected my everyday life from my childhood and on into my teenage years. I’ll illustrate for you, in words and artwork, how Jesus came into my life and changed the plot of my story. By God's grace I was able to pick up the broken pieces and dissociate the lies about God I heard in the Message, from the reality of who He is. By God’s grace, I am free from The Message, and from my sin. I invite you to join me on my story, to laugh with me, and cry with me. My prayer for these pages is two-fold; that you can see how God wove my broken story for His glory, and that you can find hope and gratitude for your own.

210 pages, Paperback

Published July 7, 2019

About the author

Charity Wottrich (formerly Charity Rissler) was raised in Eastern Pennsylvania, the 8th out of 13 children. She was homeschooled until she started her formal education at a community college. After a cumulative 2 years of school she transferred to Lebanon Valley College to get her bachelors in Visual Culture. Upon the end of one semester however, she moved to Washington D.C. for an internship at a tech startup. Finally she moved to Austin Texas to pursue her career as a writer and artist. She published her first book in 2019, and continues to pursue writing along with being involved in her local church. Charity makes her home in central Texas with her husband, daughter, and their dog.

Reviews

[Matthew Wottrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where the Willow Weeps is an engaging memoir, walking the reader through the inner workings of a modern day cult in rural America. The Author accounts her experience growing up in this environment, how she learned about the manipulative practices of the sect she was a part of, and how she found freedom in authentic Christianity and healthy community. This book is an excellent read for anyone who is seeking Christian community, but has had past negative experiences.

[Mary-Grace Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in two days. Where the Willow Weeps is a beautiful book about forgiveness, finding the strength to do what’s right, and most importantly, finding Christ. I would suggest this book to anyone who has experienced abuse or manipulation in any religion because I think this book will bring people understanding, comfort, and peace. Not only does this book have a beautiful message, but it’s very well written. I particularly enjoyed reading about the author’s travels in Europe while visiting family and friends, her time living in D.C., and making the move to Texas.

This book has a beautiful message and I hope people take the time to read it! The author also has a blog and I highly encourage checking that out as well. 5 out of 5 stars!

[S Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charity does an exceptional job at retelling her story of growing up in a cult. I found my heart racing, dropping, sighing and finding so much joy in her path to freeing herself from the fundamentalist church and finding a stable and secure anchor in Jesus. Such a good read for current members in a cult/sect/fundamentalist group who are battling their fear of “staying faithful” while also having a desire to dig deeper in their questions and doubts as well. Freedom is not always a grand epiphany that strikes all at once, but sometimes the small and brave steps of standing up to your fears and daring to seek truth one day at a time .

[Megan Remschel]

Read this book in one sitting- beautiful account of life in a cult and what the authors life and faith has looked like since leaving. Thank you Charity for sharing your story!

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very good book for as far as it goes. So much is glossed over or skipped. She does not go into any detail of how she left the cult, how her parents reacted to it, or even if her parents are still a part of the cult.
This book needs another 100 pages to fill in the many gaps left behind.

[Melina Lobo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning: Do not spread religious hate. 🦄🦄🦄
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (ESV)
🦄🦄🦄
Where the Willows Weep by Charity Rissler is the author's account of what it was like to grow up in a cult.
Born in a religious family of 13 children, Rissler gives her views and struggles of what it was like to follow the teachings of a man who was dead before she was born.
They were made to feel like they were the chosen ones and everyone else was bound to damnation for not being a part of their community and listening to the teachings of William Branham.
Rissler finds God who showed her the errors of her ways and changed her life.
I have read a lot of novels based on true stories and I really love this one.
The author's tell all attitude and the way she pours her emotions into this book makes it worth a read.
If you do not know who William Branham is (like me) Rissler gives a brief introduction so that you don't have to go hunting online for answers which I just realised not many authors do when it comes to introducing a non-fictional person that the reader may not know.
Overall, love this book and it's a great read if you find yourself in doubt wondering where you belong. 🦄🦄🦄🦄
Rated: 100/100
Melina L.