I’m concerned you’re trying to navigate some treacherous waters on your own.

You’re working it out inside, quietly struggling.

You’re internalizing angst and sorrow during this trial you’re experiencing, clinging to self-preservation.

You’re justifying your internalization of this strife as protecting those around you from your pain.

You don’t want to be a burden.

You’re isolating your pain, but you’ve isolated yourself in the mix.

Your silent suffering arguably maintains the status quo.  But even that is destructive.

You’re becoming secluded at best, calloused at worst.

You aren’t called to this place.

And you cannot stay here.

This pain does not define you.

But you certainly cannot go this alone.

Do not go this healing journey alone.

Step out.

Step out into the Light.

Speak your anxiety and pain to the Lord–the Light of all mankind.

Admit your turmoil to the One who keeps your lamp burning.

And don’t stop there.

The Lord works in you, of course.

But He also works on you, through others.

He created you to lean on others.

And if you’re not sure who that other is, ask God to show you that other.

Nothing is more destructive than floundering in silence, in darkness.

Lean into the Light of life, wherever He is leading.

It may mean acknowledging the pain you’re feeling to a third party.

Do so.

Let go of holding it all together.

Turn up that Light some more.

It may mean admitting you’re not okay.

Let go of being okay.

God’s Light thrives in your honesty.

Remain in His Light.

Keep remaining.

It may mean having some uncomfortable or messy conversations with those unaware of your pain.

Let your guard down.

The ugly you feel is not your ugly.

This vulnerability relinquishes the façade of control.

Trust the Light of the world to rehabilitate you and your relationships after you divulge the pain from your present trial.

This openness leaves room for God to move.

The pain cannot thrive in God’s Light.

Go to the Good Shepherd.  Go where it’s bright.

Keep turning up the Light.

Put all of yourself in it. Don’t leave pieces of you in the shadows.

It may mean being transparent or vulnerable with the very loved ones you seek to protect.

Let go of being their savior. That’s called pride. It’s God’s job to protect.

Let God’s Love Light envelop you here in your fragility, here in your limits.

Trust the God who radiates light to be big enough to also envelop the ones you’re seeking to protect from your pain.

Stand here in His brightness, being completely open before yourself, God, and others.

Feel the warmth of God’s love, shining through your shattered pieces.

God will keep your lamp burning.

Bask in His Light.

You are so loved, dear one.

You are not alone in this.

Don’t be alone in this.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.  But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV).

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 (NIV).

“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”  John 1:4-5 (NIV).

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (latter portion, NIV).

“You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” Psalm 18:28 (NIV).

“You are radiant with light, more majestic than mountains rich with game.” Psalm 76:4 (NIV).

“If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,’ even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.” Psalm 139:11-12 (NIV).

Have you heard about the new guy in town?

No?

Hangs head.

Well, excuse me.

Allow me to introduce this handsome specimen:

He’s my reason for waking in the mornings, and he carries me through stale afternoons. 🙂

Cheers, my friend.

Much love to you,

Paige