In this gripping and emotional episode of Persistence U with Lizbeth, Elishaba Doerksen joins from Alaska to share her extraordinary journey from unimaginable trauma to fierce independence. Born into a secluded, abusive family cult with 14 siblings and a father who claimed spiritual authority to justify horrific abuse, Elishaba was raised without education, freedom, or safety.
At 29, she found the courage to escape, risking everything to save her life—and eventually, her siblings’. Elishaba shares the pivotal moment that gave her the strength to flee: a Bible verse, a glimmer of hope, and the belief that she was not forsaken. She recounts the challenges of adjusting to the outside world with no formal education, no job experience, and no understanding of basic life skills.
Now a speaker, survivor, mother, and author of Out of the Wilderness, Elishaba talks about the emotional cost of leaving an abusive marriage, co-parenting with courage, and raising her children with the tools and freedom she never had. Even while undergoing treatment for stage 4 brain cancer, she continues to share her story to light the way for others.
If you’ve ever felt silenced by shame, isolated by abuse, or unsure how to start over—this episode will remind you that your past does not define your future.
You Will Learn:
- How Elishaba found the strength to escape a dangerous family cult and start a new life
- Why coercive control can happen inside families—not just intimate partnerships
- How reclaiming your voice is possible, even after trauma, poverty, and illness
🔗 Relevant Links:
- 📘 Order Elishaba's book: OutoftheWildernessBook.com
- 🌐 Learn more: Elishaba.com
- 🎤 Invite Elishaba to speak: Contact Page on Elishaba.com
Lizbeth’s links
Want to comment on the show? Connect at Lizbeth's author/podcast Facebook page
Lizbeth's memoir Pieces of Me: Rescuing My Kidnapped Daughters can be ordered where books are sold, and is now a TV movie, #Stolen By Their Father on Lifetime.
Lizbeth's second book, Grounded in Grit: Turn Your Challenges Into Superpowers is available to order wherever books are sold!
Tilka Faces the Odds, One Man at a Time, new release novel https://books2read.com/u/4j760X
Sign up to stay in the know on Lizbeth's latest podcast episodes, books, and appearances at https://lameredith.com
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