So today I did a hard thing...and I realized that after it was over, it wasn’t so bad.
I’m currently in Bridgeport, CA visiting my friend and facilitating a Spiritual Gifts Workshop. And today, I went to chapel with her and her husband. This is the first time that I have been in a service is a very long time.
If you have followed me for any length of time then you know we walked away from the church in November of 2018. Spiritual abuse is a real thing and it like any other form of trauma it takes time to heal. In the few times that I tried to attend or visit a church it’s been so triggering or their message or beliefs didn’t align with mine that it was just better not to go.
So I have stayed away because you can’t heal in the same environment that broke you. I will say that I do miss the community and I really miss the music. What I don’t miss is all the harmful stuff that we endured over the years. The message from the Chaplin today was short and sweet. There was only one song that was familiar and it was a hymn, It Is Well With My Soul, how appropriate. Now, this doesn’t mean that I am ready to jump back in, but creating new history is definitely a step in the right direction.
What hard thing have you been avoiding? What small (healthy) step can you take in that direction?
Much love,
Alice
While I have your attention, let me share with you some of the beautiful sites that I have seen since being here. Bridgeport is the home the Mountain Warfare Training Center for the United States Marine Corps. They also host other branches and countries for this mountain training. It’s June and they still have snow on the mountains. It’s so beautiful here! We got to feed the mules at the base stables carrots. We went to Twin Lakes and sat by the water for a bit just taking in the view. I toured a small museum the base has on the history of Bridgeport. That was fascinating. And then there’s the view from the Chapel that was really something! If you ever have a chance to visit this part of the country, please do! Tomorrow we are going to Lake Tahoe and I hope to do a little shopping.
Commentaires