Why This Book?

Escape is a reflective memoir that traces the spiritual and psychological journey of Dawn Smith Jordan as she navigates a lifetime surrounded by controlling religious systems. Though not born into a singular cult, her story speaks to the more subtle — and sometimes more insidious — forms of spiritual control that can exist across churches, ministries, and religious communities. Her story offers insight, hope, and a deep reminder that liberation is often a process of awakening that unfolds slowly and bravely.

Who It’s For

• Survivors of controlling or dogmatic faith environments
• Those who may not relate to "cult" labels, but still feel the ache of spiritual trauma
• Readers seeking a faith-affirming, survivor-centered narrative of resilience

Big Takeaways

• Cults don't always come with names or walls — sometimes they are built through fear, guilt, and manipulation.
• Leaving is often not a single moment, but a long journey of reclaiming your own relationship to truth and faith.
• Healing involves learning to hear your own voice again — beneath the noise of what others told you to believe.

How It Can Help

Escape gently supports those who’ve lived in the in-between — unsure if what they experienced “counts” as trauma, but still feeling the weight of it. For those with spiritual roots, it can also be a path to healing without shame — honoring faith without erasing harm.

Additional Notes or Warnings

• This book includes reflections on spiritual control, manipulation, and emotional pain caused by religious leaders.
• It is written with a tone of grace and faith, though some references may lean toward Christian framing.