Hope Inside Out

“To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own” - Abraham Lincoln. We could allow our stories to be honest stories of the raw struggle we endure and let them render hope to another.

Sometimes the story of our pain could be a source of comfort for another. It gives them the knowing that they are not alone. It is possible for us to steward our pain and steer it toward benefiting another. We can use our pain for good!

Can anything good come from pain? Has physical and emotional pain brought you to the point of desperation? I had both, and I wanted out. But I learnt over time that “The best way out is through” - Robert Frost

Shame pulls many of us into the darkness. It pulls us into self-appointed isolation and withdrawal from society. My reason for doing this was the shame of depression. Your reason maybe the same or several others. I hope this podcast speaks to your struggle with shame and brings to you a level of freedom in knowing... you don’t have to be ashamed.

Sometimes our mirror can be people’s opinions of us. It was for me. I was constantly worried about who I need to be and how I could readjust myself to “people’s opinions” of me. I was letting people’s opinions dictate what my reflection should look like. It’s not worth sacrificing our identity. It’s not worth adjusting your reflection, my reflection in the mirror to satisfy “people.” Jesus said ...“I have loved you just as the Father has loved Me; remain in My love [and do not doubt My love for you].” ‭‭JOHN‬ ‭15:9‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Everyday we wake up to face a mirror. We use it to fix our hair, to put on make-up, to shave.... we see our reflection in it everyday. But sometimes we don’t like what our mirror reflects back. Whether it be something as simple as a zit or something dramatic like doubting our self-worth. It’s a battle with our reflection. If you struggle with this....this episode is for you.... Mirror Mirror

Hiding in a game of hide and seek, that’s fun! Hiding because you’re ashamed of your life...that’s not fun! And not healthy. We tend to hide behind many veils. What are you hiding behind? Pain? Shame? Denial? ...or Pretend smiles? Let’s look into hiding places that are places of false refuge. And let’s also look into the hiding place that is comforting and everlasting.

If you were asked to share your life story, at exactly where you are right now, what would be your reaction? Some of you may be happy with your story at this season in life. And would very likely be excited to share it. But then others of you, maybe going through something that you think is not worth sharing. The shame and fear during my struggle with depression told me that my story was one of shame. That no one would want to hear my story. But all it took was me stepping out, afraid, but sharing anyway. Sometimes people need to hear our stories while we are still struggling.