A local church pastor congratulated an upcoming church split and poured salt on the wounds of a previous split, in of all ways, he expressed it in a letter to the editor. I know of the pain caused by previous church splits and I personally oppose this pastor’s celebratory tone.

For all of those hurting from your own personal church split or for those of us who are hurting for those we love and for our Christian faith, I pray for peace, love and a depth of spiritual growth. I pray that we all can find a way to be uplifted during these painful journeys.

These splits can lead to a sense of despair, spiritual numbness, loneliness, mistrust, alienation and an experience similar to that of a divorce or death.

Please know that you are not alone, as many grieve by your side. God, Jesus, the mystery, angels, nature, the spirit of the universe, are surrounding you, embracing you, during this time of loss.

Here are a few things you may consider doing; take time to grieve, be still, continue to pray, journal, don’t rush into joining a new church, nurture yourself and those around you, volunteer to help an individual or non-profit to make a difference for others.

If things get too overwhelming, seek counseling, breathe, get support from others experiencing this same loss or one similar to your own, hug, create your own sacred place and spend time in nature.

Know that God’s spirit and love have not abandoned you and never will.