Good luck to you on your journey, from another person who left not one but two Christian sects. ^_^;; (It took me a while to figure out I didn't have to "settle" for a religion that hated me, my gender, and my friends, even if some things seemed better than the other one at first...) Thanks for writing this from your experiences to help others.
(Tiny quibble: there's no "of course" about joining in praying when family are. I remain quiet and respectful but I'm not interested in bowing my head and joining hands with people who don't respect me. That's just me though! I'm still bitter lol.)
Many many +1s to finding friends and support while someone is processing their trauma, and taking time to breathe. Nice work!