Behind each human face is a hidden world that no one can see.
We cannot continue to seek outside ourselves for the things we need from within. The demons will haunt us if we remain afraid. Silence is one of the great victims of modern culture.
-John O'Donohue
This quote hit home this morning when I read it. I spent years looking outside of myself to find something or someone to fill those empty spaces that gnawed at me daily. I made life-changing decisions based on just wanting acceptance and love. I continued to chase after something that I would never find outside of myself. Your parents may be the ones that birthed you, but they do NOT define who you become unless you let them.
We remain in our hell of silence more so than not b/c the pain & shame are just too great. No one understands, right? We turn everything inward, and it eats away at any bit of happiness & fulfillment we could possibly get out of life. Why? We are taught that asking for help makes you weak. That is the biggest lie that is VERY difficult to overcome. We all need someone. Someone there to help you get back up when you have fallen down. To encourage you when it feels so hopeless. You cannot do this alone…we have to stop lying to ourselves. I recall the verse from Ecclesiastes every time I think I can do it on my own. Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Moving on from the past does not change what happened, but we have to refuse to give our abusers any more of our lives than what they have already taken without our permission. We need to take that strength that got us through, and realize the impact we can have on another that is suffering & alone.
It is always easier said than done, but if we bind together, we can make a difference! Don’t ever give up…I beg you to just reach out.
Be a blessing-
ajm
I believe this April. We all have our own demons, one way or another. Our strength comes from the one who created strength but, sometimes, we need to reach out and take it.
ReplyDeleteSue
Thank you AJM.
ReplyDeleteSilence....guilt and shame...will eat me alive.Ive ALWAYS turned it inward. Self sabotage being a forte of mine due to such.
All this talking about it all....seems to drive people away.Scares them....I see it on their faces.
There must be a happy medium somewhere....
I rely on faith that I will find that medium.Bless you for all you are!