Sharing the pain...

I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasured, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3

I have become more open about this place I have found myself lately. I have been honest about the struggle, the roller coaster of emotions, and the sadness. I have found, that through sharing the pain, comes the opportunity to not only let people into the journey, but give them the opportunity to encourage and comfort.

I received the verse above from a friend I love deeply this morning. It was attached to a short note that she was thinking about me and hoping that this verse would be what it has been to her, a source of encouragement.
Allowing people into this struggle with me has been hard, somewhat humiliating, raw, vulnerable, and sometimes hurtful. I have said the wrong things, over shared, and cried...a lot. However, the opposite of that, not allowing people into the struggle leads to the same things...self humiliation, hurt, and rawness! The difference is, that when you are going at it alone, there is no source of encouragement there. Yes, you always have the Lord...but you don't have the people to come along side of you and remind you of the truth. There is something to be said for not feeling a lone in this struggle, and it is a lesson that I am learning more and more each day. 

Sharing in the pain, allows you to rejoice with others in the healing...ultimately pointing them to the One true Healer...the one who calls me by name.

Patiently Praying-

Much Love-

Al