Experiencing hurt from the church feels like a personal betrayal of trust. What helps? Here’s a quick-guide:

1. Acknowledging Pain: Recognize and validate your feelings. It's okay to feel hurt, disappointed, or even angry about your experiences within the church. Allow yourself the space to process these emotions without judgment.

2. Separating Institution from Faith: We are not making excuses - the actions of individuals or the institution itself might have caused the hurt, but they don't define your relationship with spirituality or faith. You define your beliefs. We are here to help.

3. Seeking Healing: Engage in practices that promote healing. This could involve seeking counseling or therapy, spiritual direction, life coaching, journaling, meditation, or other spiritual practices that bring you peace and comfort. Connecting with supportive communities or individuals who understand your experiences can also be immensely helpful. At Sacred Narratives, we believe in your inner wisdom and affirm your autonomy in defining what YOU believe.

4. Reevaluating Beliefs: Take the time to reevaluate your beliefs and spiritual practices. Reflect on what aspects of your faith are meaningful to you and how you want to incorporate them into your life moving forward. We all grow and change with our experiences, it is only natural that our beliefs can change as well.

5. Forgiveness and Letting Go: Consider exploring the concept of forgiveness, not necessarily for the benefit of those who hurt you but for your own peace of mind. Forgiveness doesn't mean condoning actions but releasing the emotional hold they have on you. You are not defined by what they believe.

6. Exploring Alternatives: Explore alternative ways to connect with your spirituality outside of traditional church structures. This could involve joining smaller groups, engaging in online communities, or practicing spirituality in nature. Coaching groups are a great option for trying new ways to connect with your spirituality. If this makes you uncomfortable, we are here to help.

7. Rebuilding Trust: As you feel ready, consider the possibility of reconnecting with a spiritual community or church that aligns more closely with your beliefs and values. Approach this step cautiously, taking time to build trust and ensuring the environment feels safe and supportive.

Remember, your spiritual journey is personal, and it's okay if it takes time to heal and find a new path that resonates with you. It's also okay if that path looks different from what you experienced before. Prioritize your well-being and seek guidance or support from trusted individuals or sources along the way. Sacred Narratives can help.