Embracing Your Truth: Mike Maeshiro's Courageous Journey from Religious Conflict to LGBTQ+ Affirmation

Leaving the Church to Find God

Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads between the identity you were raised to believe in and the one that resonates with who you truly are? Mike Maeshiro knows that tension all too well, and in our latest episode, he invites us into his courageous journey of self-discovery and the reclamation of his faith. As a guiding light for the LGBTQ+ community and those healing from the wounds of religious toxicity, Mike's story is not just one of struggle, but of profound liberation and authenticity.
Navigating the waters of evangelical beliefs while embracing one's true self can be treacherous, but Mike has charted that course with grace. We discuss the emotional upheaval of leaving behind a community that feels like home, the complexity of family dynamics when worldviews clash, and the ultimate quest for self-acceptance. Mike's candid reflections offer solace and understanding for anyone facing the isolation that often accompanies such a transformative journey.
Our conversation culminates with a reminder that even in the face of loss, there's a community and a spiritual home for everyone. Mike shares his experiences with Grace Point Church in Nashville, where inclusivity isn't just preached—it's practiced. His role in fostering a safe space for all, especially within the online campus, echoes a powerful call to action for embracing one's identity with pride. Tune in and be inspired by the resilience and hope that shine through Mike’s story—a beacon for anyone seeking to align their truth with their life.
Find Mike and His work at www.mikemaeshiro.com
and on Instagram at @mikemaeshiro

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.

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1. Embracing Your Truth: Mike Maeshiro's Courageous Journey from Religious Conflict to LGBTQ+ Affirmation (00:00:00)

2. Navigating Religious Toxicity as Gay Man (00:01:15)

3. Navigating Evangelicalism and Authenticity (00:12:15)

4. Spiritual Journey and Church Affirmation (00:19:52)

5. Navigating Publicly Coming Out Online (00:25:15)

6. Navigating Shame, Guilt, and Identity (00:33:01)

7. Embrace Authenticity and Find Liberation (00:42:18)