Today, I was reading one of my friend's Blogs, and it inspired me. What's ironic is that my friend's blog was not overtly positive. In fact, she was talking about her struggles. My friend battled with anorexia in the past. She had a severe case, and it took a major toll on her body and mind. She's been through the worst parts of this war, but she was very open and honest about her struggles with it still today. Not everyday, but sometimes it creeps up on her. She has thoughts about food, self image, exercising, and etc. Anorexia is one of the demons and lies that she fights.
It takes a very courageous person to be open about their problems and battles. Such vulnerability is difficult. Why? Because you expose some of your weakest areas to other humans. You risk showing your weak spots, bruises, and scars. You risk people socially shunning you. You risk sour reactions from loved ones and friends. That risk, that fear... that is what holds people back from opening up. The alternative choice is to hold it inside. Lock it away where nobody can touch it. Accept the defeat and fight your battles alone against a legion of demons. You can see the danger in that.
Like my friend's battle, most of our battles reared their ugly heads the the worst degree in the past. Now, they are simply haunting. We may not have problems that we act on any longer, but that doesn't mean that the fight in our mind isn't over. The temptation. Lies that are whispered to us. Lies that sneak into our heads and effect our hearts. Things that, if we believe deep down, can destroy us. So, I'm not surprised when people tell me they're struggling. That something is haunting them. It doesn't mean they are defeated. If means that we can make WAR together.
If you were a soldier, and one of your own men who fought alongside of you took a bullet to the knee... He cries out to you for help! He screams! He's fallen and cannot walk by himself. He's down. Man down, man down! What do you do? You could leave him for dead... You could yell to the world that, "This man needs help!" You could scream, "Someone help him!!!!"... You could even look him in the eye and say, "Why didn't you dodge that bullet? You're so weak!" and walk away disappointed in him. Or you could run to him as fast as you can, bare the weight of his wounds with him, and help him walk back to safety.
Thank goodness that we have hope. Thank goodness that we are washed by blood. Thank goodness that we know where the power lies, and who wins the war at the end of the day.
When I think about these things, I see my own struggles. I see how crippling fear can be. And, I want to be a safe person for people to talk to. I want to respond to people with love and offer them HOPE for restoration. I also am inspired to open up more. Why? Because if you cling so tightly to your junk, it doesn't have much room to budge. Why not fight this war with other warriors? Through prayer. Through support. Through encouragement and up-lifting. Why not help each other out for goodness sake? Just be the ear that listens, the heart that cares, and the shoulder to cry on. And cry together. Fight together.
I know I'm young. I know I'm 22 years old, and that I'm completely insane for picking up and moving halfway around the world. But, I've experienced enough life to have seen some pretty poor reactions to struggling people. Some of those people completely turned away from the only HOPE that they have in this world because of said reactions. Looking to the man who ate and chilled with sinners for example, let's make a change. Let's make WAR together!
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