This really stayed with me — especially “Integrity felt like leaving.” That moment when the body rises before the mind can catch up feels so true. It’s astonishing how clearly our bodies know when something sacred is being crossed.
Your words about hermeneutical injustice struck deep too — the loss of language for what’s happening inside us. I recognise that silence, and how freeing it is when someone finally names it.
What you’re building here — a space where the body’s wisdom is trusted and language becomes a kind of healing — feels both brave and necessary. Thank you for writing this.
Thank you, Nat, for both taking the time to read and reply. I am thankful that the work and research is being done around religious trauma - and I'm also grieved that we need to do this type of work. I am thankful for you and for your voice in this space.
The box you were in was just too small for all that you are.”
Labeled sensitive and asking questions led to other labels- digging other people’s sin and having no ability to forgive and then the one causing disunity and disruption.
I still believe in the church. Just not the church I grew up in, and served as youth pastor for 13/14 years. All these labels were put on me when they terminated my service and safeguarding leaders who are still having affairs.
My body cannot sit well with all that happening. The feeling of isolation and rejection hurts, but to have internal peace is far more important than belonging in a community that is OK with all that.
I still don’t know what will happen with me and my family in the future. That is why Abraham’s story speak to me more than ever. The call to leave is clear, but to where is still in the process of discovery.
Thank you, Jonathan, for sharing your story here and with such vulnerability.
I want to take a moment to hold some space for you and your family.
I have often wondered about Abraham's story as well - to just get up and go, specifically, get up and go from all safety nets to some obscure land. May your body be part of signaling what safety looks like for you and yours.
Abraham’s story has been my constant reflection before my termination. I often thought how it felt for him to “abandon” his home and to somewhere but not sure where. So when i was terminated, what I studied in his life became real.
This really stayed with me — especially “Integrity felt like leaving.” That moment when the body rises before the mind can catch up feels so true. It’s astonishing how clearly our bodies know when something sacred is being crossed.
Your words about hermeneutical injustice struck deep too — the loss of language for what’s happening inside us. I recognise that silence, and how freeing it is when someone finally names it.
What you’re building here — a space where the body’s wisdom is trusted and language becomes a kind of healing — feels both brave and necessary. Thank you for writing this.
Thank you, Nat, for both taking the time to read and reply. I am thankful that the work and research is being done around religious trauma - and I'm also grieved that we need to do this type of work. I am thankful for you and for your voice in this space.
“You weren’t too sensitive.
You weren’t asking too many questions.
The box you were in was just too small for all that you are.”
Labeled sensitive and asking questions led to other labels- digging other people’s sin and having no ability to forgive and then the one causing disunity and disruption.
I still believe in the church. Just not the church I grew up in, and served as youth pastor for 13/14 years. All these labels were put on me when they terminated my service and safeguarding leaders who are still having affairs.
My body cannot sit well with all that happening. The feeling of isolation and rejection hurts, but to have internal peace is far more important than belonging in a community that is OK with all that.
I still don’t know what will happen with me and my family in the future. That is why Abraham’s story speak to me more than ever. The call to leave is clear, but to where is still in the process of discovery.
Thank you, Jonathan, for sharing your story here and with such vulnerability.
I want to take a moment to hold some space for you and your family.
I have often wondered about Abraham's story as well - to just get up and go, specifically, get up and go from all safety nets to some obscure land. May your body be part of signaling what safety looks like for you and yours.
Thank you.
Abraham’s story has been my constant reflection before my termination. I often thought how it felt for him to “abandon” his home and to somewhere but not sure where. So when i was terminated, what I studied in his life became real.
May you find moments of levity along the way ❤️❤️❤️