After coming out of a fully blown heroin addiction I found God through doing the 12 Steps at NA. I was super duperly religious for about 6 years, did my first holy communion, worked as a volunteer in the church, became completely celibate (and I don't mean sell a bit here, or sell a bit there either) and devoted myself to God and motherhood. By the end of the 5th year I sort of felt it wasn't God making great things happen to me, it was me being pro active to change my life. I then started to believe and trust in myself more, sought educational opportunities to help with better career choices, my self esteem soared, and with that better jobs, happiness, love, better choices and self contentment came.
I think religion is a great thing. It gave me something to believe in when I was completely lost and it helped shape me to be the person (or cunt depending on who you talk to) I am today. I have nothing but respect for people of faith, I just don't happen to have one. I believe in me.