The Willow Tree - Audio Stories

I’m on task. It feels like home. But home broke me. He’s here—my comrade. A different place, yet in so many ways, the same. Safer, yes— but still, the same. The same people. Back to “normal.” I drag my camera gear through the double doors— The best equipment, hardly touched in years. I want it to breathe again. He needs it for his new role. Same post, same position— different leader, different cur...

Verse 1 Her art adorns the wall, the owl in the tree. Chosen by the Master, so wise was he. The owl to him meant wisdom, but to scripture desolation But Bible was not his major, rather music was his passion For the prophets had spoken, in voices of old, “The owl marks the wasteland, the ruin, the cold. It dwells in desolation, in places undone, It sings not of wisdom, but judgment begun.” Chorus O...

Repost: In "Exclusive Interview (Part 2): Leaving the House of Larry Sebastian - Casey City Church," host Jake Elliott interviews Karen Alsop , a former elder at Casey City Church. Alsop recounts her nearly two-decade-long involvement with the church , beginning with her and her husband's initial partnership with Pastor Larry Sebastian to establish a local youth program. She details the church's g...

I had to take a walk and scream a little after revisiting a prophecy from December 2010. A prophet, closely connected to our church, spoke over the staff, and Austin, reinforcing our pressure to remain in The Mansion and sustain the church building. At the time, my husband and I were contemplating a major decision—whether he should leave his school job to take on a church role. We had only shared...

 I am now sitting in the very seat that crushed my spirit two years prior. Leather, black and modern. The vast boardroom table, overkill for our small meeting, with two hired investigators in 2023. Today, as I approached my new therapist's office, a familiar unease crept over me. It was the very building where a couple of years ago we faced two men from interstate seeking to unravel our stories of...

It’s been a while since I last shared an update, and I thought it was time to reflect on some progress. Though the Master still reigns and there’s little to be seen on the surface, we remain confident that whatever is happening quietly behind the scenes will ultimately bring closure, and perhaps justice. On a more personal note, I’ve been rediscovering creativity and gradually returning to my work...

There really is no way to adequately appreciate The Naked Armor Bearer . In our story, and in yours, he has gone to the ends of the earth for ‘not one more’. From his post ‘If Christ Can’t Save Them…’ I created a song to honour (eek can we use that word without an eye twitch) the sacrifice of The Naked Armor Bearer and to tell his story, from his position in the narrative. This song includes some...

Created from my poetry using suno.com. Music is powerful. I’ve left it alone for a long time, largely because of HIM, but I’m thankful for technological advances that help put my words to music. Listen to more here: The Willow Tree Music God, why did You choose me for this fight, To be their confidant, The Truth-Teller Reverse: wrongs to right? I adopt this assignment, I own my failures, I rise to...

This video, complete with captions, is now available on The Naked Armor Bearer ‘s Substack. I’ve never heard another pastor within a church address someone above them with such authentic command. With this authority arrived both truth and love. His intent for those in the room—who later voted for his removal—was to offer freedom from captivity. #notonemore Exposing the Truth: A Call for Accountabi...

For those who were there, you will understand. For those outside our world, this poem may be confusing and chaotic. I wrote this as part of a therapeutic process. For Little Red - I write, I create. For those still there. I pray. For those recovering. Be gentle. This video has triggered me every time I’ve watched it. It hurts. It hurts so much. Poem below: You protect your kingdom To protect yours...

Some of you may read these writings now but may not be ready for them. Or maybe you are.  I love you, friends whom I haven't seen for a long time.  Those of you who turned your back on us when we spoke out,  We still love you, and we care for you and hope that at some point you'll see the light and I know that you'll probably start to read some of this and get really mad because it's our world. It...

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A dramatised audio version of the poem 'Shut Down Sequence' by The Willow Tree This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewillowtree.substack.com/subscribe

I sense HIS fury As I pause outside the office door Hand on the entrance Frozen So young Unduly blinded Excessively loyal HE can do no wrong There must be a rationale As to why HE is reprimanding you You form no response to HIS anger HE doesn't stop HIS tirade I back away from the door as I hear him roar one last time HE grimaces at me as HE storms away I hesitantly enter your office You are strai...

Its been 7 months. We feel it. The new year beckons. The flickering light at the end of the tunnel wanes. Truth was shared. Validation felt. The exiled, exhale. Intertwined fingers release, ever so slightly. Breathe in, breathe out. The scales have been weighed. HE has been left wanting. HE will not be dethroned easily. Defiance marches on. Wagons circle. HE will make a stand. Pastors speak wisdom...

We journeyed through the swarthy woods, searching for an abode to call home. Unexpectedly, we stumbled upon a hidden village at the edge of the forest. The sign, hanging proudly from the entrance posts, proclaimed this was a city within a city. Nonetheless there were only a handful dwelling within. The inhabitants appeared friendly… genuine. Many of them with analogous features, as though they har...