Ep. 218 What happens when your relationship with God is built on rules, guilt, and fear — not love, freedom, and connection? In this powerful episode, Maryann Rivera-Dannert opens up about growing up in a strict Pentecostal household where makeup, music, and curiosity were forbidden. With raw honesty and reflection, she shares how she began questioning what she was taught, explored different faith traditions, and ultimately found peace in redefining her relationship with the Divine — beyond religion, beyond judgment. ✨ You’ll hear about: The difference between religion and relationship Letting go of fear-based conditioning Reclaiming spirituality as a personal, evolving journey How to find God within — not just in a church If you’ve ever questioned your faith or struggled to reconcile your spirituality with your upbringing, this episode will help you find peace, purpose, and permission to evolve. 💫 🌐 Resources:👉 Maryann’s Website👉 Instagram👉 Facebook👉 TikTok📖 Book: From Limitation to Liberation 🎧 Listen now and let your spirit guide you home. Chapters; 0:00 Breaking the Silence: Religion, Family, and Freedom 0:44 This Episode Might Ruffle Feathers 1:22 Growing Up Pentecostal: Fear Over Faith 2:00 Legalistic Rules — No Pants, No Makeup, No Shaving 3:15 Childhood Curiosity: Questioning What Doesn’t Make Sense 4:47 When Faith Becomes Fear: The Weight of Legalism 6:14 No Room for Grace or Curiosity 7:26 The Contradictions of “Holiness” 8:33 Punished for Questioning: Faith Without Freedom 9:07 Exploring Other Faiths Begins 9:15 Catholicism: Why Do I Need a Middleman to Reach God? 11:07 Mormonism: Respecting Community, Questioning Belief 12:46 Jehovah’s Witnesses: Discipline Without Flexibility 15:05 Understanding Their Heaven and the 144,000 17:15 Religion Looks at the Outside — God Looks at the Heart 18:12 Finding God Beyond the Church Walls 19:55 From Religion to Relationship: A Spiritual Awakening 20:34 Discovering Peace in Presence and Prayer 21:10 I Wasn’t Losing My Faith — I Was Deepening It 21:46 You Are Not Lost — You Are Evolving 22:22 Loved, Seen, and Enough — Just As You Are 23:12 Embracing Spirituality: Connection Over Control 23:52 Journal Prompts: Reclaiming Your Faith and Freedom 24:32 Final Words & Disclaimer: Healing Through Awareness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices