My greatest fear in leaving the Laestadian Lutheran Church was what others would think and believe about me. I knew they would think I am going to hell and that I no longer believe in God. I was sure they would think I'd "gone off the deep-end" as I had heard of so many others who left before me. I was afraid I was actually leaving God, even though I knew He had led me to leaving and most of all, I was terrified hell. I felt like I would never overcome these fears. Now, I have friends both in and out of the church and have found a new community! I have good relationships with my parents, family, and friends still in the church and I consider myself very blessed because this is unfortunately not the case for most. And most important to me, I have a stronger relationship with God than I ever did in the church. Fear is just that, fear. It is typically not based in reality but on emotions and our subconsicous wiring. I would love to hear the thoughts of others on this topic and know how I/we can help you as a community!

I love to hear life stories, it has always been an honor when other's share their difficult moments and triumphs with me. If you have left a fundamental religion, what was your experience and why did you leave? What do you need support with now? How can we as a community lift you up?