I have heard more and more people make comments lately when anyone is real on social media. I read the comments that say social media isnt the place, and that no one needs to know your "ugly stuff"... or, "that's the stuff we choose not to show, because it isn't something other people need to know." The more I think about the reality that social media has made a world full of imperfect people focus on perfection that is completely unattainable, the more my heart breaks. The more I fall into anxiousness. Not because I expect anyone to be sympathetic or even acknowledge my own struggles, but because we were made to love, not hide from one another. We typically have hundreds of 'friends' that we really know nothing about and that's not something that I am proud to be a part of.
I have been struggling with fear and anxiety more than usual lately. It tends to creep up on me when I feel good, and in control of myself again. As I get older I realize that anxiety is nothing more than a thief. It steals joy. It steals hope. It steals moments. I've grown more and more bitter toward it, because those moments it takes are mine. I didn't offer them, or neglect them....they are just taken, without warning, but certainly not without notice. Fear and anxiety are often paralyzing. Sometimes it takes going against what every single muscle in your body is screaming at you- just to take a leap, and that leap can be something as seemingly small as answering a phone call or leaving the house some days. I know I say it often, but I am so thankful for these girls. I am thankful that between them and God's word there is always hope for me to be pulled back to reality and rescued from the darkness that comes with fear. I am putting more of my "ugly" out there, because it is what we face daily that makes us who we are, the good and the bad. I'm saying all of this to say, we shouldn't be afraid to share our struggles and hurt. The story of your climb could very well fill the missing rung on the ladder for someone else.
We have a tool at our finger tips to help us reach people that are lonely or hurting, but we have told those people that sharing isn't the thing to do. I refuse to believe that the compassionate people that I admire would prefer to have people hide their hurt.
You don't have to cry in the shower. It is OK to cry with a friend. It doesn't mean you are weak. You don't have to sit alone and convince yourself that you can't tell anyone how you feel. There are people out here that want to listen to and pray for you. Even Elsa learned, "dont let them in don't let them see" just leds to more hurt. (#girlmom)😊
We have such an amazing opportunity to build a loving community around each other, if we just take the first step by saying, "you don't have to be afraid to share."
I'll go first...
Sweet friends, you don't have to be afraid to share. I know that often bruises don't show on the surface, but that doesn't take away the pain. You are not broken. You were created in such a beautiful image. I know it's not easy to remember, but He has scars too. There is beauty there. There is precious restoration in community that simply can't happen alone. I am here for you. You are loved. You are cared for. You are worthy. You are so worthy. There is hope. There is healing. ❤
