Raquel H. and I grew up together since we were in third grade. We both clung onto Christianity as a core part of our identity. As we gotten older, we talk about the shift from a black and white mentality to seeing the nuances and humanness. We talk about the crucial role church has played by being a source of healing and shelter but also its role in perpetuating toxic messages like elitism, patriarchy, and fear-driven guilt and shame.