Those"talking heads" are a result of who owns the media. I witnessed many investigative journalists be silenced by the corp buyouts of our local and national broadcast and print media. So, you see, you must look deeper, you must investigate where the silencing comes from. I applaude ch5 for allowing and supporting Phil as the Investgative Journalist he has always been. Also, it is entirely possible to give a person a compliment without belittling others. Be the change you wish to see. ✌️
Michael exhibits great strength to have broken away from an overpowering cult led by his own mother. God bless him and may He give Michael continued strength and peace.
Every religion is a cult . Everyone thinks their religion is the right one , everyone thins their god is the real one . Your imaginary so called "god" is no more real than the Easter Bunny .
@@tatanayaalexandra6967that's different if you haven't ever called him and he's o.k. w/ it that cool. but what he's doing is a horse of a different color...I have friends that do the same...
Seems that way. No love there, even if he got financially rewarded. Sad. He was a nice looking guy and he could have left that cult, but he stayed....hmmmm.
When I first heard of her, we had a Bible study group through our church for helping with weight loss. In the beginning she seemed genuine. When we were going to start the second part of the study, our pastoral staff said her teachings would no longer be allowed in the church. I think we learned more from the supplemental teacher from our study leader.
A woman at my now-former church was set to start a Weigh Down Workshop at church. I shared an article with our pastor, exposing Shamblin. To his credit, he squashed the workshop. The huge woman with the small brain who was supposed to have lead it never spoke to me again--of course AFTER nastily defending Shamblin. The same happened when a couple on the "worship team" came in all starry-eyed from a Joyce Meyer weekend. Upon hearing the truth that her teachings are UNBIBLICAL, they never spoke to me again. Xtians sure hate it (and you) when you kick over their sacred cows. Especially when you use scripture to do it.
Excellent update. I feel extremely sorry for Gwen's children...they had no choice but to be caught up in a world that their own mother created and enforced. I do hope that he can finally find peace in his life now that he is removed from the clutches of the cult. I pray that his sister will be able to be free someday as well.
I'm sad and happy for him. Sad he didn't have his mother when he needed her and now never will. Happy that he's free to have his own thoughts and opinions. Thanks Phil and Michael.
I grew up in Jim Jones' church, The People's Temple. Even as a little boy I learned the power of manipulation and the shallow reward of church status bestowed on the followers that would do anything for a bit of the leader's recognition.
@@evelien135 No, I had no idea there was a pod cast on cults. I was a child and had some bizarre like spiritual or psychic events with him, and he knew it. He'd hold me close to him and project like a smoky round ball from his abdomen that went right threw me. I don't know what it was, but I never felt different afterwards. I don't know what it was, but I'd see it float out of him at times in church. I would ask others and my mom but they didn't see it.
From one religious abse victim to another, it brings peace to my heart to see this man healing from the hell he went through. It will probably take a lifetime, but he can make it. I sincerely hope and pray he doesn't give up in life on his life. My prayers are with him.
Michael, Joe Rogan once said that the most interesting people he has even met are people who have been through hell and somehow come out the other side. I concur. You are one of these people. I'm proud of you for exposing the cult of your mother. You are making this world a better place. ❤❤
I am a Christian and I will never understand how people get caught up in these motivational prosperity cults. I think it's possible the parishioners that are attracted to these groups have no prior biblical knowledge and they are just easy pickings.
Well they better be "slim pickins" if they want to fit her dieting cult perspective. That bee hive hair due reminds me of the hive mindset you have to have to belong to and fit into these groups. Almost looks like she's wearing a Mithra. The higher the hair the closer to God as they used to say in the south. Couldn't be much further from the truth. I had to seperate myself from a 17 year friendship because of my friend being sold out to one of these types. That was among one of many things that destroyed our friendship, but she was a hippocrit. Told me she wasn't into slandering and the type but when I had her visit me for a month we had an incident and she went into her room and totally badmouthed me to a Christian friend. That wasn't the bad thing about it. The worst came 2 weeks later when we worked out our differences and I asked her what she talked on the phone about and she said she was praying about the situation with her friend. I asked her what God had told her and she said "be still and know that I am God" except she wasn't aware that I had heard her entire conversation and none of it sounded like "praying "....so you're gonna bold faced lie on God no less like Him and I didn't hear you? Got it. I would have preferred for her to just tell me the truth that she was upset and bitching about me to her friend. 😅 acting like we ain't been friends for 17 years. After I called her out she blocked me. God had already kinda prepared me for that one, but it still hurt a bit, but it was necessary. She needs to walk her path wherever that is and I need to go my way. Sometimes there's no reconciliation but I've reconciled it in my heart and I have peace about it. I stay away from those people now. Better to be alone than to put on a fake show in Gods name. Like, who you're trying to fool???
I am very proud of you for speaking your story, Michael. I know it doesn’t take away the pain your mother caused you, but I want you to know it takes great strength to tell your story though. Thank you for speaking the truth and thank you Phil for this interview.
I get this 100% i was so brainwashed by my narcissistic bi polar grandmother that raised me. She passed when I was 17. It has taken me 30 plus years to understand that was a blessing not a loss.
Thank you Phil for more amazing reporting, and thank you Michael for being brave enough to tell your story. I've lived in the Brentwood area for most of my life and I visited Remnant in 2017 (for a myriad reasons but mostly curiosity because of hearing so much about it from former members and from my mom who knew several current members); at the time I was suffering from a severe eating disorder and was very underweight. I was SWARMED by members who kept telling me how pretty I was and asking me to come back or attend some church function; I gave them a fake phone number because so many of them asked for my phone number and it felt off to me. I was visibly underweight. I know that was the cause for their "welcoming" nature. It was so, so weird. Fortunately I never went back because I was so creeped out. I'm just glad that at least one person deeply entrenched in it is willing to speak out and tell the truth.
Congratulations on having the good sense to give a fake number and never going back. When I was younger, back in the 1970’s, I came perilously close to getting sucked in to Scientology (I refuse to call that cult a church), and I didn’t even realize it until years later. I think Gwen Shamblin was an anorexic, among other things. She was twisted. It’s scary that so many people feel so lost and abandoned in their lives that they would freely chose to give their very “selves” away to that woman. My heart goes out to her son, and I hope he finds peace in his life.
That Gwen was a weird one. She probably started out meaning well. Fame and fortune went to her head. I just remember her saying, being fat was a sin. Then I checked out
I'm old. I remember when her book came out and even participated in the bible study on the book. (Not with her personally) Early on she taught that gluttony was a sin, which is in the bible. Gluttony includes more than just excess food, but excess of anything that can cause harm to a person. Shamblin's initial focus was on weight bc so many people struggled with it. I believe her intention was good initially. Obviously she grew proud and haughty and led others away with her increasingly bizarre teachings. The death of the young child leads me to believe the church was practicing the evil teachings of Growing Kids God's Way. That teaches the use of corporal punishment to train up their children from a very young age to be obedient to their parents. That was a new trend back then that I looked into and I was absolutely horrified by the practices being taught. Child abuse, straight up. To this very day, there are false teachers hiding under the guise of christianity. They twist the bible and teach ungodly heresies. Gwen Shamblin became one such person and yes her 'church' is indeed a cult.
@Peaceful-Sheep I don't think she ever had good intentions. She wanted to be famous and she wanted followers and obedience. My aunt was hospitalized because she wouldn't eat, because Gwen said that hunger pains weren't for food, but for "God's Word". So she said anytime you're hungry, just read the Bible instead.
Look into Gryder’s background. Someone else he spoke lies about just got a very size-able legal monetary judgement. Gryder also has an arrest record and his word is unreliable.
@@PrairieB Hmm. I’m familiar with the arrest issue, which he covered on his channel. I’ve dealt with people like the Karen that insisted the arrest, and the type of small-town leaders that took her side. None of those people should be allowed to make any rules. Would you like to try to con me in a different manner?
a lot of ppl especially EAT to cover their pain, and especially those with SA, they are trying to physically add a layer of protection between the world and them.
@@savannahsmiles1797Which is why it pisses me off so much when fatphobes try to derail what body positivity is actually about. It's not about being lazy and wanting to change nothing about yourself, but being allowed to love yourself at any shape and that you are enough as you are. You don't need studies for that as it is a no brainer, but studies *have* shown people who are in a better mental health state also take better care of themselves physically. I know I did once I was diagnosed with depression, knowing what was wrong, and received treatment. I lost weight and didn't even diet, it was a natural by product of my circumstances getting better and being kinder to myself. Nobody eats themselves sick or chubby, cause they love it and a lot of personal trainers reported their bigger clients went through comfort eating cause they were bullied, lost a child, were SAed, mentally ill, etc.
in the hbo documentary it doesn't look like he was always that heavy. he was actually scary skinny at one point. but i'm sure she hounded him about staying slim. very on brand it seems.
Damn, Michael looks like he's been through hell and back. I'm so glad he got out. May he receive all the help he needs to recover. I wish him happiness and health. ❤
He was brainwashed and he never looked convinced of his mother’s theories back when she was alive. Glad he is finding out who he is, especially if he desires to know The Lord, who truly loves him so much. Great story!
I seriously hope my sons don't call me by my first name after I've died. That just gives us a really good idea of who she was as a mom. God bless Michael Black.
Michael I thank God you can speak the truth about your wounds, which makes you more beautiful. Our blessed Lord knows your story will help so many! Thank you for your courage, honesty and vulnerability! I know God will bless and protect you- I will keep you in my prayers!
I can really see that Michael doesn't make excuses. He seems at a place of honest acceptance and truth and I respect the journey and growth it took to get to this point today. Pretty solid human-ing, Michael. Big win, it's a huge level-up.
I’m glad Micheal realizes it was a cult. And how unhealthy it was. I wonder if his sister will also come forward or if she is still in the cult. She’s the leader now.
It's good to see that he broke away and has "seen the light". Hopefully, he is getting much needed therapy in order to process all the trauma he experienced. Gwen did so much damage to so many people, including her own son. My heart goes out to him. Good for him for speaking up.
Michael I hope you have the real Jesus now. I’m so sorry for how this all played out in your life. I loved your mom. Her program changed my life and my relationship with God in its infancy when I needed it most. It went off the rails for sure. When I saw you at Desert Oasis, you looked so unhappy and almost like in a trance when you played during worship. You were seriously detached. So thankful you are speaking out
I am so glad he can share his truth. It must have terrible to realize he had been misled and taken advantage of by those who were supposed to protect and love him for who he is.
She wrote very successful books. I have the first one, from back before, when she was reasonable and hadn't let her opinions become fanatical. The 'diet' works, though. You don't have to even be 'religious' to follow it. It basically just trains you to slow down and savor your food and allow your body to tell you when to stop eating, but you're allowed to eat M&Ms if you want them. Anything you want. I did, and I still lost weight. :)
Good for him! I used to go to that church and it wasn’t too long before I left because it wasn’t about our Lord, it was about Gwen I can honestly say that Micheal and his sister are very sweet people
Michael, I'm so sorry for what you've been through. Bravo to you for speaking out. I can't imagine what all you've been through 😢 Sending you big hugs and love on your healing journey.
That is a true definition of a cult. When people follow a person/teachings. I have learned through many horrible, and difficult trials, in various churches, that there is a great propensity of damage that Christians can perform against their children, and others, but, I have also learned that no matter what has transpired, never depart from Jesus! It may be a lonely road, but it’s the safest to travel on! No blame on Him!
I just realized that it's not hard to reached out to Jesus. I was struggling for 9 years, i would blame everyone surrounding me. My tools to find God?? Just my knees and simple prayer, no fasting, now rituals, no prayer over from pastors, no nothing. I just got down on my knees and seek God. "Lord, if you are real, reveal to me" And He did instantly. Like, i wasn't a believer in one second, then became a believer the next second, like instantly, God changes your heart. Jesus Christ rescued me from my unbelief. And that unbelief escalated into all forms of troubles, but he fixed all those troubles in 1 second. It was like, Jesus Christ gathered all the defects in me together, and throw it out into the garbage Himself for me because i couldn't do it myself. What a mighty God we serve.
Don't blame yourself Mike.....you were brought up in this and as a child, you knew nothing else. The fact that once you were a young adult, you saw clearly what was going on and chose not to be a part of it, is commendable.
Thanks for this story. And good for Michael for speaking out. What an unlikely friendship. I hope you'll continue to follow his story. I think he'll do great things in his future.
Phil, what is Michael’s relationship with his beautiful ex wife and children now ? I cannot speak to Remnant but Gwen’s Weigh Down program is helping me. I am so sad that the underlying message of idolatry and disobedience to God is being missed in this whole situation. That is the True focus! Replace all with God!
![Hunxho - Ball Forever [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nki9ZTF9Uls/mqdefault.jpg)
For a cult follower to break free is amazing, for the son of a cult leader... Beyond amazing. Strong silent talented hero that guy.
He talked about how he was so angry he would shoot his gun at the church. He had that much pent up anger.
It's similar to the thoughts expressed by Jim Jones Jr.
Lmao is this the son leaving comments on his own video?
@@paulbosco776 Nope.
This reporter is an actual old school journalist, not the talking heads that you see on television nowadays.
Those"talking heads" are a result of who owns the media. I witnessed many investigative journalists be silenced by the corp buyouts of our local and national broadcast and print media. So, you see, you must look deeper, you must investigate where the silencing comes from. I applaude ch5 for allowing and supporting Phil as the Investgative Journalist he has always been.
Also, it is entirely possible to give a person a compliment without belittling others. Be the change you wish to see. ✌️
Her hair alone tells you she’s toxic. Please people. Use wisdom.
I agree
I'll never understand a man's attraction to all that and women like her.
Yeah, so crazy and shallow.
Her hair got higher & wilder as time went by. If you haven't seen her wedding video to Joe Lara. It's a must watch. Unbelievable 😊
😂 @@beckyg8028
Michael exhibits great strength to have broken away from an overpowering cult led by his own mother. God bless him and may He give Michael continued strength and peace.
Every religion is a cult . Everyone thinks their religion is the right one , everyone thins their god is the real one . Your imaginary so called "god" is no more real than the Easter Bunny .
Religion is the problem, not the answer.
And healing. 🙏🏻❤️
The fact that Michael called his mother Gwen speaks volumes. Sad tragedy for what? Phil Williams excellent reporting as always . Thanks
What really speaks volumes is Michael's coiffure.😮
I've called my dad by the first name since I was three and I'm 41 now and he's still my best friend and my favorite person
Not entirely unusual. Some parents want it that way
@@tatanayaalexandra6967that's different if you haven't ever called him and he's o.k. w/ it that cool. but what he's doing is a horse of a different color...I have friends that do the same...
I support Michael 100% I'm happy to see that he's doing well and that he's come forward with courage and boldness in telling the truth!!
Gwen rejected her son because he couldn't stay thin. But he still pocketed the inheritance money with his sister. He got the last laugh in the end.
And good on him!
Gwen was a maniacal fanatic when it came to weight. She probably considered anybody that was of normal girth instead of distinctly skinny obese.
What does his sister think of their mother?
@@HH-kg4fq The Sister took up after Gwen died. She is in lock step with Gwen's craziness. She is leading the church now.
Seems that way. No love there, even if he got financially rewarded. Sad. He was a nice looking guy and he could have left that cult, but he stayed....hmmmm.
I'm glad he's gotten some clarity on the situation. His mom did her children no favors.
Phil, you've outdone yourself again. Excellent reporting. Michael is a brave man to tell his truth.
Truth is good. It looks like he's still suffering. God, pls bless him.
When I first heard of her, we had a Bible study group through our church for helping with weight loss. In the beginning she seemed genuine. When we were going to start the second part of the study, our pastoral staff said her teachings would no longer be allowed in the church. I think we learned more from the supplemental teacher from our study leader.
A woman at my now-former church was set to start a Weigh Down Workshop at church. I shared an article with our pastor, exposing Shamblin. To his credit, he squashed the workshop. The huge woman with the small brain who was supposed to have lead it never spoke to me again--of course AFTER nastily defending Shamblin.
The same happened when a couple on the "worship team" came in all starry-eyed from a Joyce Meyer weekend. Upon hearing the truth that her teachings are UNBIBLICAL, they never spoke to me again.
Xtians sure hate it (and you) when you kick over their sacred cows. Especially when you use scripture to do it.
same here
@ironlady6897 keep speaking truth. If people can't handle it, it's not your fault
Thank You Michael for speaking out.
I noticed immediately he doesn't say "my Mom". He says, "Gwen". That's how separated he is from her and her memory. I'm so glad he's free of her.
Excellent update. I feel extremely sorry for Gwen's children...they had no choice but to be caught up in a world that their own mother created and enforced. I do hope that he can finally find peace in his life now that he is removed from the clutches of the cult. I pray that his sister will be able to be free someday as well.
I'm sad and happy for him. Sad he didn't have his mother when he needed her and now never will. Happy that he's free to have his own thoughts and opinions. Thanks Phil and Michael.
I grew up in Jim Jones' church, The People's Temple. Even as a little boy I learned the power of manipulation and the shallow reward of church status bestowed on the followers that would do anything for a bit of the leader's recognition.
Thank God you made it out alive!!
Were you the guest on a cult podcast? Unbelievable to make it out of a place like that. Hope you are doing well
@@evelien135 No, I had no idea there was a pod cast on cults. I was a child and had some bizarre like spiritual or psychic events with him, and he knew it. He'd hold me close to him and project like a smoky round ball from his abdomen that went right threw me. I don't know what it was, but I never felt different afterwards. I don't know what it was, but I'd see it float out of him at times in church. I would ask others and my mom but they didn't see it.
What a beautiful young man he turned out to be. So proud of him. He's so gifted in worship. I pray he keeps at it. ❤❤❤
I am glad he’s speaking out. His mother really was a monster and I’m glad that he’s able to separate himself from that ever since she’s passed away.
Michael has been to hell and back. Spiritual abuse is the worst kind. He's been gaslighted his whole life. Stay strong, Michael.
He talked about feeling like he woke from a dream. There is a book about Narcissist called
Out of the Fog.
From one religious abse victim to another, it brings peace to my heart to see this man healing from the hell he went through. It will probably take a lifetime, but he can make it. I sincerely hope and pray he doesn't give up in life on his life. My prayers are with him.
Blessings for all who have suffered. ❤
@@mariantreber8055 Thank you, Love. Air-Hugs!!!
Jesus can break those chains immediately! All you have to do is call his name and believe!
I truly wish the best for Micheal. I respect his honesty.
Takes courage to speak up and be transparent. Also takes courage to heal. Good for you.
My God I never thought Michael would see the light. So happy and pleased to see you free at last Michael.
A documentary is definitely needed with his perspective
I wish him well in life
Michael, Joe Rogan once said that the most interesting people he has even met are people who have been through hell and somehow come out the other side. I concur. You are one of these people. I'm proud of you for exposing the cult of your mother. You are making this world a better place. ❤❤
I am a Christian and I will never understand how people get caught up in these motivational prosperity cults. I think it's possible the parishioners that are attracted to these groups have no prior biblical knowledge and they are just easy pickings.
No prior knowledge of the Bible and unfortunately not alot of current knowledge...especially in the area of false teachers.
Be well and be at peace.
Well they better be "slim pickins" if they want to fit her dieting cult perspective.
That bee hive hair due reminds me of the hive mindset you have to have to belong to and fit into these groups. Almost looks like she's wearing a Mithra. The higher the hair the closer to God as they used to say in the south. Couldn't be much further from the truth.
I had to seperate myself from a 17 year friendship because of my friend being sold out to one of these types.
That was among one of many things that destroyed our friendship, but she was a hippocrit.
Told me she wasn't into slandering and the type but when I had her visit me for a month we had an incident and she went into her room and totally badmouthed me to a Christian friend. That wasn't the bad thing about it. The worst came 2 weeks later when we worked out our differences and I asked her what she talked on the phone about and she said she was praying about the situation with her friend. I asked her what God had told her and she said "be still and know that I am God" except she wasn't aware that I had heard her entire conversation and none of it sounded like "praying "....so you're gonna bold faced lie on God no less like Him and I didn't hear you? Got it. I would have preferred for her to just tell me the truth that she was upset and bitching about me to her friend. 😅 acting like we ain't been friends for 17 years.
After I called her out she blocked me.
God had already kinda prepared me for that one, but it still hurt a bit, but it was necessary.
She needs to walk her path wherever that is and I need to go my way. Sometimes there's no reconciliation but I've reconciled it in my heart and I have peace about it.
I stay away from those people now. Better to be alone than to put on a fake show in Gods name.
Like, who you're trying to fool???
You sound like tye typical judgemental, I'm so much better than other people type of Christian.
@@dz7a756
It takes time in ways to start hearing the Spirits guidance, it's so very important.
greed replaces faith quite readily
I am very proud of you for speaking your story, Michael. I know it doesn’t take away the pain your mother caused you, but I want you to know it takes great strength to tell your story though. Thank you for speaking the truth and thank you Phil for this interview.
I get this 100% i was so brainwashed by my narcissistic bi polar grandmother that raised me. She passed when I was 17. It has taken me 30 plus years to understand that was a blessing not a loss.
Michael is a hero to me. His strength while being attacked by a cult, so admirable. Thank you Michael.
He could have a music career. That song is wonderful.
This interview was a cleansing for many. Thank you, Mike.
I would be interested to know about his relationship with his father.
Thank you Phil for more amazing reporting, and thank you Michael for being brave enough to tell your story. I've lived in the Brentwood area for most of my life and I visited Remnant in 2017 (for a myriad reasons but mostly curiosity because of hearing so much about it from former members and from my mom who knew several current members); at the time I was suffering from a severe eating disorder and was very underweight. I was SWARMED by members who kept telling me how pretty I was and asking me to come back or attend some church function; I gave them a fake phone number because so many of them asked for my phone number and it felt off to me. I was visibly underweight. I know that was the cause for their "welcoming" nature. It was so, so weird. Fortunately I never went back because I was so creeped out. I'm just glad that at least one person deeply entrenched in it is willing to speak out and tell the truth.
Praise God you didn't go back! I'm proud of you for giving a fake phone number too. It must have truly been bizarre😳
Congratulations on having the good sense to give a fake number and never going back. When I was younger, back in the 1970’s, I came perilously close to getting sucked in to Scientology (I refuse to call that cult a church), and I didn’t even realize it until years later. I think Gwen Shamblin was an anorexic, among other things. She was twisted. It’s scary that so many people feel so lost and abandoned in their lives that they would freely chose to give their very “selves” away to that woman. My heart goes out to her son, and I hope he finds peace in his life.
Micheal keep up your singing. You’re very talented.
That Gwen was a weird one. She probably started out meaning well. Fame and fortune went to her head. I just remember her saying, being fat was a sin. Then I checked out
I'm old. I remember when her book came out and even participated in the bible study on the book. (Not with her personally) Early on she taught that gluttony was a sin, which is in the bible. Gluttony includes more than just excess food, but excess of anything that can cause harm to a person. Shamblin's initial focus was on weight bc so many people struggled with it. I believe her intention was good initially.
Obviously she grew proud and haughty and led others away with her increasingly bizarre teachings. The death of the young child leads me to believe the church was practicing the evil teachings of Growing Kids God's Way. That teaches the use of corporal punishment to train up their children from a very young age to be obedient to their parents. That was a new trend back then that I looked into and I was absolutely horrified by the practices being taught. Child abuse, straight up. To this very day, there are false teachers hiding under the guise of christianity. They twist the bible and teach ungodly heresies. Gwen Shamblin became one such person and yes her 'church' is indeed a cult.
@Peaceful-Sheep I don't think she ever had good intentions. She wanted to be famous and she wanted followers and obedience.
My aunt was hospitalized because she wouldn't eat, because Gwen said that hunger pains weren't for food, but for "God's Word". So she said anytime you're hungry, just read the Bible instead.
No, money was always the reason, then came greed!😮
Came here from Dan Gryder’s channel, because of the jet crash.
My neighbor's mother knows them. She had nothing good to say about them.
Did you see the video in which Dan talked about his wife's death? Heartbreaking and so frustrating.
@@sjb3460not a lot of people know about dans wife. Or have gotten a chance to know Dan outside of RUclips. He’s a really great guy.
Look into Gryder’s background. Someone else he spoke lies about just got a very size-able legal monetary judgement. Gryder also has an arrest record and his word is unreliable.
@@PrairieB Hmm. I’m familiar with the arrest issue, which he covered on his channel. I’ve dealt with people like the Karen that insisted the arrest, and the type of small-town leaders that took her side. None of those people should be allowed to make any rules. Would you like to try to con me in a different manner?
She probably made his life hell for being heavy.
a lot of ppl especially EAT to cover their pain, and especially those with SA, they are trying to physically add a layer of protection between the world and them.
@@savannahsmiles1797Which is why it pisses me off so much when fatphobes try to derail what body positivity is actually about. It's not about being lazy and wanting to change nothing about yourself, but being allowed to love yourself at any shape and that you are enough as you are. You don't need studies for that as it is a no brainer, but studies *have* shown people who are in a better mental health state also take better care of themselves physically. I know I did once I was diagnosed with depression, knowing what was wrong, and received treatment. I lost weight and didn't even diet, it was a natural by product of my circumstances getting better and being kinder to myself. Nobody eats themselves sick or chubby, cause they love it and a lot of personal trainers reported their bigger clients went through comfort eating cause they were bullied, lost a child, were SAed, mentally ill, etc.
Gwen's ex husband was also very overweight.
in the hbo documentary it doesn't look like he was always that heavy. he was actually scary skinny at one point. but i'm sure she hounded him about staying slim. very on brand it seems.
Michael your music is genuine and non apologetic. Keep writing to save others!
I’m looking forward to the rest of this series. Thank you.
Just drop the full interview already.
Who knows what she put him through…. 😢 I pray he fully heals.
If churches paid taxes a lot of those con artists would find something else to do.
I wish I could like this comment more than once.
IDK. The donations probably offset the taxes enough so that it's still very profitable to be a false preacher.
@FundieFridays You might want to do a video concerning this exclusive interview featuring Gwen Shamblin's son, Michael Shamblin.
Seems like a great guy, good for him for coming forward. Can not be easy.
Damn, Michael looks like he's been through hell and back. I'm so glad he got out. May he receive all the help he needs to recover. I wish him happiness and health. ❤
I was wondering if he’d ever speak about any of this.
I wish him well.
He was brainwashed and he never looked convinced of his mother’s theories back when she was alive. Glad he is finding out who he is, especially if he desires to know The Lord, who truly loves him so much. Great story!
I’ve been waiting for this. I knew this moment would come. From Michael, maybe from others.
Phil Williams is a classic reporter - he gets great interviews and doesn’t miss a chance to dig a little deeper.
I seriously hope my sons don't call me by my first name after I've died. That just gives us a really good idea of who she was as a mom. God bless Michael Black.
I hope Michael writes a book. I'd be the first one to buy it.
I’m proud of him for breaking away and starting on his own journey ❤
Most Religious leaders ARE Narcissists! 😊❤
Michael I thank God you can speak the truth about your wounds, which makes you more beautiful. Our blessed Lord knows your story will help so many! Thank you for your courage, honesty and vulnerability!
I know God will bless and protect you- I will keep you in my prayers!
Thank you Michael for being “genuine!!!!”
Thank you Jesus!!!
I can really see that Michael doesn't make excuses. He seems at a place of honest acceptance and truth and I respect the journey and growth it took to get to this point today. Pretty solid human-ing, Michael. Big win, it's a huge level-up.
I’m glad Micheal realizes it was a cult. And how unhealthy it was. I wonder if his sister will also come forward or if she is still in the cult. She’s the leader now.
Thought we were headed up but it was a decline. Glad he has opened his eyes
narcisstic parents, so hard to break from...God Bless!
What an incredible voice that young man has!
It's good to see that he broke away and has "seen the light". Hopefully, he is getting much needed therapy in order to process all the trauma he experienced. Gwen did so much damage to so many people, including her own son. My heart goes out to him. Good for him for speaking up.
Michael I hope you have the real Jesus now. I’m so sorry for how this all played out in your life. I loved your mom. Her program changed my life and my relationship with God in its infancy when I needed it most. It went off the rails for sure. When I saw you at Desert Oasis, you looked so unhappy and almost like in a trance when you played during worship. You were seriously detached. So thankful you are speaking out
Excellent journalism by Phil Williams, thank you for this very important interview!
You see the light when you are ready ✨ I pray your life is yours to create and yours alone ❤
Going full circle is 360, it means to turn in a circle, to face the other direction and face back to the original direction.
180 is half a circle.
I noticed that as well. But I think he was referring to a reversal of belief and/or direction. Repentance is a 180.
@@jamesessert8175 Doesn't change the fact, going full circle puts you back exactly where you started.
I believe he was speaking in hyperbole. Don't take his words so literally.
@@KelseyDunlevy It doesn't math and it doesn't logic. Hyperbole at least makes some kind of sense.
Yeah, he meant full circle to speaking with the journalist, but this time with a renewed perspective.
I am so glad he can share his truth. It must have terrible to realize he had been misled and taken advantage of by those who were supposed to protect and love him for who he is.
BLESS MiCHAEL.
my best to Michael and others who've changed direction. good reporting.
It is very brave of him to speak out. Leaving a cult is hard. I wish him the best and know he will enjoy his new found freedom.
How do these marginal preachers get their poor to send them money?
They have mansions, jets...
Sending out requests for more money? And they get it.
Because they are not attached to a local assembly of Believers and give their money there.
She wrote very successful books. I have the first one, from back before, when she was reasonable and hadn't let her opinions become fanatical. The 'diet' works, though. You don't have to even be 'religious' to follow it. It basically just trains you to slow down and savor your food and allow your body to tell you when to stop eating, but you're allowed to eat M&Ms if you want them. Anything you want. I did, and I still lost weight. :)
I remember her saying that about the M&M's. Some of us at the junior college I worked at did her program. Weigh Down Workshop.
What an excellent interview.Thank you Michael for sharing your story
Excellent journalism! I’m watching this from Europe and I’ve seen the documentary.
Michael is set free in truth.
Wow. Good for Michael for speaking out about the toxic abuse he endured in Gwen's religious cult
Good for him! I used to go to that church and it wasn’t too long before I left because it wasn’t about our Lord, it was about Gwen
I can honestly say that Micheal and his sister are very sweet people
Michael, I'm so sorry for what you've been through. Bravo to you for speaking out. I can't imagine what all you've been through 😢
Sending you big hugs and love on your healing journey.
That is a true definition of a cult. When people follow a person/teachings. I have learned through many horrible, and difficult trials, in various churches, that there is a great propensity of damage that Christians can perform against their children, and others, but, I have also learned that no matter what has transpired, never depart from Jesus! It may be a lonely road, but it’s the safest to travel on! No blame on Him!
I just realized that it's not hard to reached out to Jesus. I was struggling for 9 years, i would blame everyone surrounding me.
My tools to find God?? Just my knees and simple prayer, no fasting, now rituals, no prayer over from pastors, no nothing.
I just got down on my knees and seek God. "Lord, if you are real, reveal to me"
And He did instantly. Like, i wasn't a believer in one second, then became a believer the next second, like instantly, God changes your heart. Jesus Christ rescued me from my unbelief. And that unbelief escalated into all forms of troubles, but he fixed all those troubles in 1 second. It was like, Jesus Christ gathered all the defects in me together, and throw it out into the garbage Himself for me because i couldn't do it myself. What a mighty God we serve.
@@Jesus-The-Everlasting-Father what a glorious, God honoring testimony!
It was all about her. She used her son; the very person God called her to protect. For him taking some accountability is true wisdom.
We need a 3-part, season 2 of the weigh down documentary featuring Michael
Poor guy... Hopefully, he finds the healing he needs.
Michael, so sorry for your ending up in that horrible situation with such a damaging mother.
I love how protective you are over your sister. Keep being you
Praise the Lord! He is good and his mercy endures forever!
He has a wonderful voice and right, good music he should go in that direction. To be very profitable for him as well as cathartic.
Glad you are moving forward and wish you well Michael!
Who would ever think someone with hair like that would be a nut job.
I hope that he read Jeanette McCurdy's book. It was very healing for me.
Thank you
Don't blame yourself Mike.....you were brought up in this and as a child, you knew nothing else. The fact that once you were a young adult, you saw clearly what was going on and chose not to be a part of it, is commendable.
Thanks for this story. And good for Michael for speaking out. What an unlikely friendship. I hope you'll continue to follow his story. I think he'll do great things in his future.
Excellent interview by both parties!
As a Christian I become very suspicious when the messenger becomes more important than the message especially in Christianity.
Phil is always on top of it!
Wow, I just want to give him a hug for all he’s been through ❤
Good for him to speak out.
Wow brilliant interview, well done. Michael living truth which is a hard journey his mother left him, something children shouldn’t be gifted.
My parents and I were stuck in it back in 04 for 10 months
Wow, wd love to hear your story! The movie was a cautionary tale.
He sounds like a gifted musician. I hope he keeps it up.
Good on him. I hope he is at peace. Great song.
What’s Jen? We need a fundie Fridays deep dive!!
She's already done two on GSL and her appalling husband. They're brilliant, too.
Phil, what is Michael’s relationship with his beautiful ex wife and children now ? I cannot speak to Remnant but Gwen’s Weigh Down program is helping me. I am so sad that the underlying message of idolatry and disobedience to God is being missed in this whole situation. That is the True focus! Replace all with God!