In this episode of "Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories," we sit down with Barb Wedel, who takes us on a journey through her life growing up in the Fairview congregation of Church of God in Christ Mennonite. Barb, a self-proclaimed wild child, shares how she always felt like a bit of a rebel in a community that prized conformity.

Barb talks about her family's deep ties to the church, with both her parents raised within its strict confines. She recounts a touching story about her maternal grandfather, who, fearing for his soul, joined the church at the age of 90. This act underscores the intense pressure and indoctrination prevalent in their beliefs.

Throughout the episode, Barb reflects on her spirited nature and the challenges it brought her in a high-control religious environment. She candidly discusses the moments that made her question her faith and ultimately led her to leave the church. A significant part of her story is discovering that being a wild child was not just okay but something to be celebrated.

Barb shares how she saw herself in her daughter, who inherited her free spirit and zest for life. This realization helped Barb embrace her own nature, recognizing that her daughter's wonderful qualities were a reflection of her own.

Tune in to hear Barb Wedel's honest and heartfelt tale of growing up, rebelling, and finding freedom outside the Holdeman Mennonite Church. Her journey is a testament to the strength it takes to forge your own path and the joy that comes with living authentically.

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