Category Archives: RecoveringFundamentalist

Shunning, shaming & other unnecessary fundamentalist scare tactics

Posted on February 16, 2012 by elizabeth

My twins were baptized last Saturday, February 11th. It was a gloriously beautiful day in Southern California–clear, sunny skies. A light breeze. My girls were full of laughter and joy. The ceremony was lovely–there were readings and prayers, blessings, anointing … Continue reading →

Posted in Catholicism, RecoveringEvangelicalsAnonymous, RecoveringFundamentalist | Leave a comment

What TO say to someone struggling with their faith:

Posted on January 28, 2012 by elizabeth

“I love you. I’m here for you.” That is all. That is all you need to say.

Posted in RecoveringEvangelicalsAnonymous, RecoveringFundamentalist | 11 Comments

What NOT to say to someone struggling with their faith

Posted on January 27, 2012 by elizabeth

“Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater!” This nice little cliche manages to be both offensive and dismissive all at once. It assumes the listener has abandoned important aspects of their faith and belittles the honest struggle of re-examining … Continue reading →

Posted in Cults, RecoveringEvangelicalsAnonymous, RecoveringFundamentalist | 77 Comments

Jesus Saves @ Huntington Beach Pier

Posted on January 9, 2012 by elizabeth

I am about three, sitting in the open bed of a pickup truck. We’re barreling down the freeway to Huntington Beach. I’m not scared. I’m excited. With the wind in my hair and the summer Southern California sunset all pink-gold … Continue reading →

Posted in Faith, Life in The OC, RecoveringFundamentalist, Religion | 19 Comments

I am push. I am pull. (Or just allergic to ownership/co-dependency?)

Posted on January 2, 2012 by elizabeth

“Why don’t you wear your wedding ring?” she asks. “I have sensitive skin,” I say. “It itches.” The reason trips off my tongue so easily now. It’s the reason I use. It’s what I say. And it’s true–partially. But at … Continue reading →

Posted in ENFP, Faith, Grief&Loss, Her Royal Mommy-Ness, RecoveringFundamentalist, This Is My Story. | 28 Comments

How leaving church helped me become more human

Posted on January 1, 2012 by elizabeth

I left regular church attendance a year ago. At the time, it seemed like such a big decision. Regular church attendance was ingrained in me more deeply than any other habit. If it’s Sunday, I’m in church. It never even … Continue reading →

Posted in Catholicism, Faith, RecoveringFundamentalist, Religion | 63 Comments

I met the cast of “All-American Muslim,” enjoy their show AND (gasp!) I’m a Christian

Posted on December 13, 2011 by elizabeth

Just before appearing on Anderson Cooper’s daytime talk show, I ran into the cast of TLC’s new show, All-American Muslim. They had just finished taping their segment and were chatting with Anderson in the makeup room. Anderson surprised one of … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Affairs, Evil TV, Politics, RecoveringFundamentalist, Religion | 21 Comments

Tips For “Moving On” From An Abusive (Church) Experience

Posted on December 11, 2011 by elizabeth

Full disclosure: I think “moving on” is probably a happy-slappy lie we tell ourselves. Whenever someone tells me they’ve “moved on” or “found closure” after escaping an abusive situation, I think they’re in denial. Then again, that’s just my own … Continue reading →

Posted in RecoveringFundamentalist | 40 Comments

Tears of despair & tears of Thanksgiving

Posted on November 21, 2011 by elizabeth

“Get down on your knees and repent,” my grandmother said. Her voice was quiet, cold and fully controlled. Nobody defied her. And so, I knelt. “Say the prayer, admit that your life is a failure and a mess.” I said … Continue reading →

Posted in Friday Gratitude Lists, Fundie Hierarchies, RecoveringFundamentalist | 30 Comments

How to Cure a Severe Case of Not-Good-Enough-itis

Posted on November 15, 2011 by elizabeth

This feeling: second-guessing, self-doubt. And with it, a choking sensation: I’m Not Good Enough. It feels similar to regret. It feels like a missed opportunity, like waking up and realizing you just slept through an important event. People say hindsight … Continue reading →

Posted in Her Royal Mommy-Ness, RecoveringFundamentalist | 17 Comments