Going to church didn't help me because my secondary cause of PTSD was church-related. Abuse and misuse of authority is rampant in the churches. Those in recovery groups have horror stories to tell unfortunately. The mental illness group called NAMI has a faith practice within their organization for those recovering from the hurt and trauma they experienced while being ostracized as different by congregations too many.


However, that being said, living in an attitude of hope is what kick starts gratitude and in every spiritual practice that I've come across, HOPE is the core message irregardless of how it is sometimes re-interpreted to manipulate the masses through fear, guilt, shame and dollar grabbing by pulpit authority.


The good news is: No brick and mortar building can produce or stop this HOPE, and sometimes this HOPE may even be found there. That's why after ten years of nonattendance in a church, I am going to a candle light service tomorrow at a church on the corner. I will bring in and celebrate this HOPE as taught to me in the privacy of my own heart, where my sorrow was met and healed in the Light.