For me, the religious umbrella over my life hindered the light of recovery.

It kept away the healing rain of diversity.

It kept out the light that would warm my lonely skin.

It kept my face hidden from the world around me.

For others, a religious umbrella over their lives has the opposite result.

It insulates their sense of safety.

It protects them from their greatest fears.

It provides shelter from the elements that do not align with their beliefs.

I understand because for the longest time, that was how I felt underneath religious oppression - I believed it kept me "safe," when in truth...

The emotional abuse that went on, underneath that umbrella led to the deterioration of my mental health, sexual health, and ultimately, spiritual health.