Chapter Eleven - Spiritual Responses The list below identifies some spiritual reactions some people have. You may experience several of these when you return home. Check the ones you think you may experience or have already experienced.

___ Anger and a distancing from God ___ Stopped attending religious services ___ Empty or meaningless feeling at your place of worship or fellowship ___ Belief that God is powerless or does not care ___ Feeling that God has failed you ___ Questioning your basic beliefs ___ Anger or cynicism directed at clergy

Actions You Can Take That May Help Spiritual responses vary with each individual but can hold a great deal of meaning and can be a great source of comfort and help. Below is a list of things you can do that may help. Check the actions that might work for you.

___ Visit with a spiritual counselor, priest, minister, or rabbi. They are very willing to help you sort through much of the confusion. ___ Talk with parents, spouse, and good friends about your feelings and confusion. ___ Read books or articles on the experiences of others. ___ Reestablish a spiritual life and allow yourself gradually to find peace or resolution. ___ Contact a VA Chaplain through your military branch.

Action Plan on Spiritual Responses List things you would like to try, even if you haven’t already done some of these things or experienced any of these feelings. Then keep adding new ones and/or crossing out ones you decide aren’t right for you.