Comments on: Meeting Betty Jessop

By: glenn burdge

glenn burdge — Thu, 10 May 2012 16:45:46 +0000

Just finished the book “Escape”. Too many adjectives to mention, but it was eyeopening, and alarming. Carolyn mentioned something in the book that stuck with me and as a Christian I can relate to it. She said, ” We (meaning members of the FLDS) felt like we were better than others or people on the outside”. She talked extensively on how the members felt that if they endured the trials of life in the FLDS that they would be of a much higher standing in the afterlife than other people. I think that this is the main reason why Betty and all the others stay in the cult. They feel secure and believe that they will be rewarded in the future. On the outside Betty felt vulnerable and weak and didn’t have the kind of fighting spirit that her mom had. She had always been spoiled by her dad and wanted to return to that kind of pampering where she would feel like she was in control. One day she will wake up and find herself old, run down, undesireable, and powerless. Then she will know that she made a mistake.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 07:16:07 +0000

There are no words …when it comes to the brainwashing and abuse of the FLDS! Sadly the whole story illustrates how religion = doctrine. We see it in almost every faith known to our planet…… The true and good and holy kernel in all world faiths (as all faiths have a true and good epicentre) gets manipulated and changed to match into egotistical, power hungry individuals who want to control the masses……….and people become indoctrinated and brainwashed………..ego is man’s biggest downfall…..

By: Brenda

Brenda — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 19:26:21 +0000

I just read Escape. It was heart breaking that agency was replace with abuse.

My ex was looking into joining a polygamist group. It was not the FLDS. I was afraid for my teenage daughter. In this other group my daughters had their agency who to married. One daughter married an older man, after her first husband had died. He been a very good husband and son-in-law.

Just want to say there are other
polygamist group that respect agency, and true Love of God is found within the homes.

My prayers and thanks goes out to Carolyn and her family.

By: Teresa Bracken

Teresa Bracken — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 18:22:47 +0000

I have just finished the book and admire Carolyn Jessop and applaud her courage and strength. I know warren jeffs was arrested but what is puzzling to me is how Merril Jessop was never charged with anything? Or how Barbra got away with her abuse. Sickening that it is still happening to this day!! How can people be so gullible as to fall for all that rubbish that the FLDS believe in!!! I understand that they are born into it…but common sense would tell you after some time that is all geared up to suit the male and his needs!!! Even though Betty turned 18yrs old and was able to decide to return to that life I can not understand why!! Best of luck to Carolyn and her children and I hope Jeffs and Merril rot in hell!!!!!!

By: Sharon Bosworth

Sharon Bosworth — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 05:26:37 +0000

Maybe Carolyn Jessop kept her “married” name for the benefit of the children. Quite often there is a stigma attached to families with multiple names. After reading ‘Triumph’, I have been blown away by Carolyn’s bravery, honesty and desire to see justice done. I have just ordered a copy of ‘Escape’ and cant wait to read about the tribulations of living in a fundamentalist cult. For me, hero’s come in a different form.

By: Piper

Piper — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 02:43:30 +0000

Carolyn Jessop came to speak at a small book club gathering I attended last April in Salt Lake City. She came with her boyfriend. We had read her book “Escape”, and I was particularly interested by it. She is very thoughtful and well-spoken; her boyfriend also had a lot to say about the FLDS. Yes, other commenters above are right about her childhood seeming relatively happy – it was her arranged marriage that was toxic. The other wives of Merrill Jessop treated her horribly. I’m sure there’s all kinds of strange dynamics such as she experienced in the FLDS – how can there not be with arranged marriages and competing wives that may not like each other and don’t choose to enter a relationship with each other??

Carolyn seemed very heartbroken about Betty’s return to the FLDS. Last spring she had no idea where Betty was and had not heard from her or anything of her whereabouts for eight months. Tears came to her eyes as she spoke of Betty. She was suspicious and concerned of some type of arranged relationship – perhaps with Warren Jeffs (even though he is sitting in a jail cell). But if you think about it…what a trump card for Merrill Jessop and Warren Jeffs to take her daughter away from her completely?

I hope the best for Betty. But she is wrapped up in a situation where there is coercion and control, mind games and guilt. I hope she is smart and strong. I also hope she remembers how much her mother loves her – perhaps she will fully realize a mother’s love when she becomes one herself.

By: anne burke

anne burke — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 11:53:16 +0000

just finished escape hope betty finds clarity and leads a normal lifestyle

By: Nick

Nick — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 22:52:01 +0000

I attended the same high school Ms. Jessop back in 2005 and was amazed by her mothers story. She was actually in one of my classes called Adult Roles and sat behind me, I also knew her older brother who sat next to me in a Science class. I needed electives and I guess at the the time this class sounded interesting. Betty was very shy and reserved as I remember, but seemed liked she agreed what was being taught and the teacher was really impressed by her. In this class we were taught about maturity as we transitioned from teenagers to adults. For the majority of the time we were taught about relationships when dating, marriage, child bearing and raising. We were also taught our responsibilities on how we treated our future spouse. We also talked how to build strong marriages through equal partnership. I wonder how often she is affected by this class now.
I know high school was rough for her but she did have some friends from what I saw. I regret one day for not standing up for her in the hall. Some dumb kid yelled pretty cruel things trying to be funny about her hair and clothes, right in front of me. She didnt deserve that, and if you ever read this Betty I am sorry for being the big dumb jock I was, and not stepping up to that punk telling him where he could go. You never deserved that, in fact I thought you were very brave for always standing up for your beliefs in a high school like ours. Her brother was cool , I got along with him in fact he graduated in my class I think. Anyways I hope she is happy, same with her bro.

By: nina

nina — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:13:27 +0000

I have recently finished reading both Escape and Triumph. I believe that Carolyn Jessop truly is one of God’s angels. I just cannot understand why she has chosen to keep the surname of Jessop. ? has she not completely cut her ties with that evil ‘man’. As for her daughter Betty – I have much empathy for her.

By: lynda

lynda — Thu, 12 May 2011 13:48:18 +0000

buat carolyn,it is a very good job.saluuttttttt!!!