I was raised a Catholic, became an athiest after having had religion shoved down my throat for years, returned to church on Sundays once I was pregnant and getting abused by my AH, went to Al-Anon and came to believe in a higher power that was not 'up there' somewhere but had a direct interest in ME. Journalling about Step 2 and 3 helped me a great deal with my self esteem. I see my HP as a parent who gives me unconditional love even when my choices are poor, or I make mistakes.