Eirene Eicher, the author of the book “Leaving My Amish World: My True Story” was interviewed by Benji Cole from CBS Radio. Eirene’s decision to pen her memoir was driven by a desire to share her journey of faith, resilience, and transformation. Her experiences within the Amish community, coupled with the trials she faced upon leaving, provided a compelling narrative that she felt compelled to share.
People of Distinction is one of the most wide-ranging radio shows in the United States, hosted by Benji Cole and Al Cole from CBS Radio. People of Distinction is the right fit for authors and readers to discover newly published books, mostly written by passionate and independent authors.
I am first and foremost a child of the most high God! I have forsaken all to follow Him. I am a sinner saved by His Amazing Grace!! When I was miserable and alone, He picked me up. When my sins were crimson red, on the cross for me He bled. How can I ever repay Him? I can’t!! But I can tell the world how Amazing He is. And that is my ultimate goal. – Eirene Eicher
She was born and raised in the Old Order Amish community. After marrying an Amish man, they had five boys together before being excommunicated from the Amish church. She dedicated herself to being a stay-at-home mother until her sons were grown and had left home. Since then, she has ventured into the broader world and now finds great fulfillment in serving through a ladies’ jail ministry.
Currently, she embraces life as a full-time grandmother, an insurance broker, and a source of encouragement to those in need. She feels incredibly blessed—beyond anything she could have imagined—and finds joy in her life, her friendships, and her family. Her hope is that her story serves as an inspiration to all who read it.
“Leaving My Amish World: My True Story” is a poignant memoir by Eirene Eicher, offering an intimate glimpse into her life within the Old Order Amish community and her courageous journey beyond it. Born and raised in a traditional Amish setting in Geneva, Indiana, Eirene’s early years were marked by simplicity, hard work, and a strong sense of community. However, as she matured, Eirene began to question the constraints of her upbringing, leading her to make the life-altering decision to leave the only world she had ever known.
In her memoir, Eirene recounts her childhood experiences, highlighting the joys and challenges of growing up in a large Amish family. Her narrative delves into the cultural and religious norms that governed her community, shedding light on the expectations placed upon Amish women. The turning point in Eirene’s life came when she became pregnant at seventeen, leading to a marriage that exposed her to emotional and spiritual turmoil.
Struggling with the dichotomy between the Ordnung (Amish rules) and her personal faith, Eirene embarked on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. Her departure from the Amish community was fraught with challenges, including shunning and the loss of familial ties, but it ultimately led her to a life of purpose and fulfillment.
Through her writing, Eirene aims to inspire others who may be grappling with similar struggles, offering hope and guidance rooted in her personal experiences. Her story serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of faith to overcome adversity.
To delve deeper into Eirene’s inspiration behind her book and her story, you can watch the full interview below: