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[dropcap2 variation=”coffee”]M[/dropcap2]ost of us long for more. Do you?
In my previous post, I talked about the self-hatred many of us battle. We mercilessly punish ourselves for things done and said (or not done and not said). We open the door, and guilt is there. We turn the corner, and shame is waiting for us. Pain clouds our days.
Deep down, we know we were meant for more than this.
Sometimes We Have to Be Broken
I was in my mid-30’s. I’d been having panic attacks. I was struggling in multiple areas. Fear was a constant companion. Grief took over my life.
It was an ugly, emotionally intense time. It culminated one night at about 3 a.m. I couldn’t sleep and found myself prostrate on the floor, my face buried in a pillow, weeping. That night seemed to last forever, but when I got up the next morning, my perspective had changed.
Something had broken inside. Looking back, I believe I came to the end of myself. I quit struggling to figure it all out. I ceased trying to be in control. Somehow, I had let go.
Brokenness Can Lead to Freedom
I love this Scripture:
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Do not allow yourselves, then, to be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
(Galatians 5:1).
I was used to slavery. A broken home, childhood sexual abuse, and multiple losses set me up for guilt, shame, fear, and anxiety. I tried to make myself as small and quiet as possible, hoping to somehow disappear. I wanted out.
Even then, I knew I was meant for more.
I was meant to live in freedom. So were you.
- Free to replace fear with faith
- Free to grieve the loss of those you love
- Free to endure suffering without letting it rule your heart
- Free to forgive and live grudge-less
- Free to accept the past, knowing it doesn’t determine your future
- Free to struggle, knowing you’re always in training for better things
- Free to be broken to live at new level of maturity and wisdom
- Free to let go and trust, knowing you’re not in charge
- Free to encourage and shun gossip
- Free to love God and other people
- Free to be whom you were created to be
- Free to exercise the talents and gifts you were given
- Free to serve and make a difference in the world
- Free to battle and overcome evil
Lean Forward
Whatever’s back there, deal with it.
Whatever’s out there, lean into it.
Everything you face is part of your freedom-training. Flee self-slavery. Find some good freedom-training partners. Lean forward.
You were meant for more. You can do this – one day at a time.
Question: Which one of the “freedoms” above grabbed your attention, and why?
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Gary,
Free from fear and letting the past determine our future is where I am stuck. I have been a slave to this for 10 years. I see no way out, I have no family, job or churcg family. I only have a counselor I see weekly who gives me free sessions. My story is similar to yours as a child then as an adult it gets worse.
Please remember me in prayer. Through it all I still love Jesus and long to be with him.
Hi Beverly. I’m so sorry. I hear the pain in your words. I will be praying. He provides. It sounds like you’re in the wilderness right now, and like you may have been there a long time. The desert can be merciless. But you know who is with you. The wilderness will end. Praying…
Gary,
Free from fear and letting the past determine our future is where I am stuck. I have been a slave to this for 10 years. I see no way out, I have no family, job or churcg family. I only have a counselor I see weekly who gives me free sessions. My story is similar to yours as a child then as an adult it gets worse.
Please remember me in prayer. Through it all I still love Jesus and long to be with him.
Hi Beverly. I’m so sorry. I hear the pain in your words. I will be praying. He provides. It sounds like you’re in the wilderness right now, and like you may have been there a long time. The desert can be merciless. But you know who is with you. The wilderness will end. Praying…
I think you hit on every one of my struggles. Most days I walk around feeling as though I just don’t quite measure up. Doubts about everything start to creep in. I try hard to not let anyone know how I really feel Just paste that smile on and act positive! How exhausting! Kay
Hi Kay. Exhausting indeed! I wonder how much energy we spend trying to keep the façades going and the masks in place? May we be more real and authentic each day…
I think you hit on every one of my struggles. Most days I walk around feeling as though I just don’t quite measure up. Doubts about everything start to creep in. I try hard to not let anyone know how I really feel Just paste that smile on and act positive! How exhausting! Kay
Hi Kay. Exhausting indeed! I wonder how much energy we spend trying to keep the façades going and the masks in place? May we be more real and authentic each day…