In the sweltering summers of Oakridge, my journey began, wrapped tightly within the teachings of the Southern Baptist church. At the tender age of nine, I believed God spoke to me, and the concept of “Salvation” became my lifeline. Yet, with each passing year, the weight of inherent evil from birth haunted my self-worth, cultivating a darkness that fueled my mental health struggles.
Desperation led me to the doors of a rehab hospital, a sanctuary where the rigid constructs of my faith began to crumble. Surrounded by diverse individuals, the walls echoed with kindness and acceptance that transcended religious boundaries. Doctors and fellow patients challenged my belief that those outside my faith were irreversibly evil.
Exiting rehab, I carried scars but also a newfound sense of worth. Logical discrepancies in my faith gnawed at me, propelling me on a journey of deconstruction. Slowly, I embraced a more general spiritual approach—one that saw uncertainty as a source of growth rather than fear. The burden of never being good enough lifted, replaced by a profound acceptance of my humanity.
Three years into my deconstruction, I stand transformed. Once troubled, now resilient, my mental health thrives, and my life reflects the courage to challenge long-held beliefs. Embracing the uncertainty of my spiritual path, I’ve found a happiness that eluded me in the rigid confines of my former faith. My story stands as a testament to the power of self-discovery and the transformative journey of embracing one’s true self.
“In the tapestry of life, I’ve learned that the threads of uncertainty and self-discovery are the most vibrant. Embracing the unknown has allowed me to weave a story of resilience, acceptance, and growth. In the beauty of imperfection, I’ve found the true essence of my humanity”