Cody Clendenen

Nov 18, 2024 | twloha.com | Cody Clendenen |Aabye-Gayle D. Francis-Favilla |Aaron Baccash |Aaron Moore

Earlier this year, in a piece titled “Deconstructing Me: Healing From Religious Trauma,” I touched on the topic of identity and deconstruction. But more specifically, I asked: Who am I when parts of my identity no longer belong to me? Who am I when I stray from my religion? Who am I when I am no longer in contact with a friend who held my hand through every major life event? Who am I when I no longer have the job that had such a profound impact on my life?

Jun 17, 2024 | twloha.com | Aabye-Gayle D. Francis-Favilla |Aaron Baccash |Aaron Moore |Cody Clendenen

Growing up, I was taught that everything in the universe, and the universe itself, existed because of God. I was taught to believe that everything I have and everything I am, was because of him. That didn’t leave a lot of space for me to explore the world or myself when that faith that I had held for my entire life was suddenly flipped on its head. For as long as I can remember, the church and the community that came with it were my safe haven.