I know what it’s like when a place that used to feel safe, no longer feels safe. I know what it's like when you aren't sure who or what to believe anymore.

I know what it’s like when it all falls apart.

vickiswritingnook.blogspot.com

So, a lot has changed in my life. I have many stories to tell - maybe on another day. But, I know what it’s like to be hurt by the church...by the people you trust.

It’s been 30 years since I walked out of that church. Since then, I've had the opportunity to deconstruct my faith and spend many hours in therapy. I've even found a healthy church to attend. Yes, they do exist!

It went from being a place that felt like a loving family to a being a place where people yelled and screamed and hurt each other.

Yes, I was raised in church, but in my mid-twenties, I left.

My home church went from being a second home to being a place that no longer seemed safe. It went from being a place which I thought taught the truth to being a place which I felt had lied to me.

Plus, there were lots of fun activities: youth group, church camp, mission trips…you name it! It was a great church!

Until it wasn’t.

When I was 15, my family started attending a charismatic church which had a focus on *prosperity theology. It was definitely a different type of church (when people started dancing in the service, it scared me), but everybody was very nice.