You have to, Have To, HAVE TO have people you are vulnerable with.
Not just people you CAN be vulnerable with.
People you ARE vulnerable with.
I’ve sent out a few SOS messages this week to ask for prayer, as I noticed an uptick in destructive thinking.
It can be easy to make up one’s mind that “once I have it figured out, those destructive thoughts will stop.” and while I definitely believe that as we get healthy, the destructive thoughts diminish, and the destruction that follows peters out as we learn to capture those thoughts and not run away with them, I also think it’s foolish to just think those thoughts will go away completely.
A marker of maturity is being able to QUICKLY recognize and address those thoughts, instead of flitting off with them and being lost to “what if” land.
As I’m navigating these thoughts, I’ve found that they lessen each time I actually *share* them and only get worse if I stay in *think* mode on them.
BUT, I don’t just blanket share them with everyone. I’ve cultivated trusted relationships through the years with people I can bring the most vulnerable (“this may seem absolutely lunatic, but…”) thoughts with, and they’re who I turn to.
I’m not turning to them so they can solve it.
I’m turning to them so I can voice the thoughts and take authority OVER said thoughts so they don’t take off with my sanity in tow.
I’m turning to them so they can pray for me and with me.
I’m turning to them (outwardly) instead of turning to me, myself, and I (inwardly).
Remarkable what a few texts can do to help lessen the load and get stirring thoughts OUT of my head and into the hands of trusted people who can pray (and offer encouragement and wisdom where applicable).
If you find your thoughts are taking over, I highly suggest this method.
Find one or two trusted people (friends, leaders, professionals) you can share these thoughts with so you can get freedom from any torment.
I can guarantee you that you are NOT alone in your thoughts. You’re NOT the only one who’s ever thought such things (no matter how wild or crazy or extreme you may think they are) and there IS freedom available for you.
It’s just a share away! But it’s up to you to actually share the thoughts.
Sharing that you’re having run-away thoughts is NOT the same as sharing the actual thoughts. It’s in the sharing of the actual thoughts where freedom is found.
It’s when we bring shadows to the light that the darkness disappears.
