Be Real in the Waiting

Why do we always feel the need to put on a good face?

Why are we always trying to hide our pain? hide our struggles? hide our frustrations?

Heaven forbid someone thinks we don't have it all together. Or that we don't live a perfect life. Newsflash // Nobody's perfect.

Why do we always think that we are the only ones struggling? That's because we all try to hide our struggles in the darkness. Keep those skeletons in the closet, because Satan has convinced us that bringing them into the light of day, into the light of Jesus, will only bring shame and more pain. But that is a lie.

Only Jesus can shed light into those dark places, when we lay it out there to share with each other. 

Vulnerability brings its own kind of strength. Its own kind of bravery. Its own kind of peace.

If everyone didn't struggle, there wouldn't be songs written like this one. This Casting Crowns' song // Just Be Held //

Hold it all together
Everybody needs you strong
But life hits you out of nowhere
And barely leaves you holding on

And when youre tired of fighting
Chained by your control
Theres freedom in surrender
Lay it down and let it go

So when youre on your knees and answers seem so far away
Youre not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your worlds not falling apart, its falling into place
Im on the throne, stop holding on and just be held

If your eyes are on the storm
Youll wonder if I love you still
But if your eyes are on the cross
Youll know I always have and I always will

And not a tear is wasted
In time, youll understand
Im painting beauty with the ashes
Your life is in My hands

Lift your hands, lift your eyes
In the storm is where youll find Me
And where you are, Ill hold your heart
Come to Me, find your rest
In the arms of the God who wont let go

This song has been on the radio every single time I've gotten into the car since Monday. You think God is trying to tell me something?  I think so too.

We are never alone in our struggling. All I have to say about those struggles is // Lay 'em down and let 'em go. 

I'm just resting in these truths today. 

This week is halfway over, and this blogging challenge is on the home stretch. Just three more days. 

Oh buddy. God's not finished with me yet.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

{This blog post is a part of a series called Redeeming the Waiting Place for the Write31Days challenge to write every day in October. You can find links to all posts in my series here. If you're interested, the Write31Days challenge is being taken by hundreds and hundreds of other wonderful bloggers which you can read more of right here. My personal favorite is browsing all the inspirational and Godly women who are blogging under the Inspiration & Faith tab which you can check out as well right here.}