Reflections on Religion & Spirituality

Reflections on Religion & Spirituality

Three groups that stood out to me were immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as foster youth. I think these communities are the ones I feel a stronger sense of understanding and I know the challenges that all three groups face having worked with kids before, knowing immigrant families and the struggles they have been through as well as having many friends who are part of the LGTBQ+ community myself included. 

These three groups are constantly faced with instability, exploring their identities, discrimination, trauma, and displacement but I have seen people from these groups come out stronger than they were before and working through all their problems to better their lives. Gaining an understating of a person and their spiritual and religious background is important so that I can offer support appropriately. 

Spirituality and religion are things that people resonate with on a deep personal level. For the youth group it can me a form of comfort during hard times as well as keep a way to stay connected to their families by expressing their spiritual or religious beliefs. Immigrants also rely on their faith to represent their culture. 

One thing I do want to mention and not ignore is that even though people do see spirituality and religion as a source of comfort that can be the complete opposite for others. I know some LGBTQ+ individuals who have been treated poorly by people who have the same religion as them simply for being who they are or loving who they want to love. Although these two things are helpful for some people it is actually something that makes others feel rejected and excluded. Sometimes you will experience it or be there to see someone experience the discrimination based on spirituality and religion. Not all people but a lot of  people with strong religious beliefs are the ones who are causing the issues within these three communities. I think it is crucial to be prepared for any circumstances that people will face. 

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