My Voice
So I realized something today. I haven’t been using my voice.
I have been letting my insecurities and doubts and fears keep me from sharing my heart and letting my voice be heard; not letting my light shine, for the good of others.
Anyone else struggle the same way? You have so much to say, but are too afraid to say it?
The Struggle
Just last night, I was monologuing to my husband (I do this a lot, but he is so gracious to let me verbally process). At some point in the conversation, I asked him,
“Will there ever be a time when we don’t struggle?
Why is life so full when we try to keep it simple and slow paced?
Why is life so hard?”
The struggle is real. The struggle is constant. The struggle is exhausting. The struggle is depressing.
Steadfastness Develops
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. …
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
(James 1:2-8, 12 ESV)
Scripture Reflection
Can I get an Amen on that one? This is my life right now! So much struggle, trial, testing and battering my faith from all sides.
Yet, I feel this inner strength I never had before.
Things that once shook me up or make me freak out, don’t get a rise out of me anymore. I’m able to show more grace, because I am more secure in the love and trustworthiness of God than I have been, for a long time.
Really?
You may be asking, really? Is that even possible? Yes it’s possible, but it takes time.
This is coming from a mama of five, miscarried one of them, and the other four are 5 yrs old and under. Trust me, the comments never end.
Again, this is coming from a woman who struggles with anxiety and depression after having said kids, but has probably struggled with it for much longer. I wish I could go back and tell me teenage self, “Don’t be so afraid to get help and admit you are struggling.”
People Need People
We are all human. This is not an excuse for our sin, it is the reason we sin, because we were born sinful, after the fall of man in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3).
One thing I’ve learned through all of this – everyone struggles with something (or many things). We need friends and family who can help and support us through these rough times. We can’t do it alone, no matter how many times we may try (ME!).
Challenge:
Here’s your challenge: Share one struggle with someone you trust, someone who’s been there. It might be asking a lot of some of you, but we need people we can count on, especially Jesus.
But if you really don’t have anyone to talk to, God is always there, first and foremost. No excuses, be brave and use your voice!
You will be surprised how much weight will be lifted off your shoulders!
Don’t let your fear keep you from freedom. Don’t let your voice be silenced – you have something important to say. That something could be the life changing something someone else needs to hear.
Let your voice be heard!