When the chains of a toxic faith fall away, what truths emerge from the shadows? This is the question at the heart of our latest episode, featuring the courageous and insightful Janai Oman. Her odyssey from a church staff member to a staunch advocate for a faith that heals and liberates is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Together, we navigate the treacherous waters of spiritual abuse and gender discrimination she faced within the church, shining a light on the often unseen disparity between public teaching and private practice. Janai's resolve to speak truth to power, despite personal cost, offers a powerful narrative about the intricate dynamics of church leadership and the profound emotional journey of leaving one's faith community.

The path to loving oneself can be as intricate and fraught as untangling a knotted necklace, a metaphor we explore in depth through personal stories of healing and self-discovery. Janai and I dissect the pervasive issue of 'othering'—be it within the Filipino-American community or a church setting—and its profound impact on one's sense of belonging and identity. As we peel back the layers of her story, Janai's experience forcefully reminds us of the high price of authenticity, and yet, her transformation into a writer provides a beacon for those seeking liberation from the shackles of oppressive environments.

Concluding our deep and heartfelt discussions, we share how retreat and spiritual renewal are not signs of weakness but acts of profound self-care. Janai's journey is not just about the struggle; it's about the reclamation of joy, love, and personal faith, outside the rigid expectations of religious conformity. Her story, interwoven with wisdom and a call for compassionate belief systems, serves as a guide for anyone grappling with their place within a potentially toxic church environment. Join us as we celebrate the resilience and transformative power of embracing one's truth and the quiet strength found in moments of retreat.

You can follow Janai's journey on Instagram @janaiauman or at Janaiauman.com

Support the Show.

If you would like to be a guest on this podcast or would like to support this work, visit www.leavingthechurchtofindgod.com where you can contact Melissa and or make a donation. Follow along my journey on IG at @authenticallymeli and find more in depth content on YouTube at Diary of an Authentic Life.