Why Your Voice Matters After Leaving Religion | Finding Hope Together

👉 If you’d rather watch the video version, you can find it here.

You matter. Truly. Open-hearted, kind, compassionate people of goodwill — you matter. And your voice means so much, especially right now.

I’ve been hearing from so many who are struggling. It feels like everything around us is just awful. And for those of us who’ve left religion or walked through deconstruction, we can see clearly how toxic religiosity is adding to the harm. Yes, that’s real. Things are hard.

But here’s what else is true: people of good heart are here. You are here. And it is so important that you show up as your authentic self. The world needs your voice, your experiences, your kindness, your compassion, your creativity, and your care.

Your voice matters because when you share it, you shine light for the next person. You help us carry each other forward. When you show up as yourself, you give someone else permission to do the same — and that is how hope grows.

Writer Arlan Hamilton puts it beautifully: “Be yourself so others can find you.” When you shine your own light of compassion and care, you make space for others to step forward with their light too. And that ripple effect is exactly what we need right now.

I know it feels heavy, but heaviness isn’t the whole story. The other truth is that we are here for one another. Not a single one of us is alone. Together, we can carry each other forward.

💬 Share in the comments how you’re doing. If you need a bit of light or encouragement today, we’ll hold that for each other.

💛 Ashley

Your secular chaplain

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👉 Watch the full video on YouTube

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