2:126 – Let Me Get This Off My Chest

#faithbites #faithjourney chest

Today, I had a coffee break with a friend who is familiar with the doctoral process. I was able to express my concerns, my fears, and my wants without any judgement or fear of retaliation. I didn’t expect anything to change but rather just have someone who is familiar be an understanding ear.

Likewise, at work, I have a couple of confidants, who I can talk to about anything and the listen. Sometimes they give advice, but most of the times, they just listen.

We are often told not to say how we feel, to keep our emotions in. The problem is those feelings need to go somewhere. We need those confidants, not to solve our problems but listen and acknowledge our feelings as legitimate. I am lucky to have people on my life who do that.

Do you have someone to talk to when you need to get something of your chest?

Scripture

• a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, – Ecclesiastes 3:6
• When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. – Psalm 94:19
• For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you – Isaiah 41:13

Reflection

There is a time for everything and a way for all things under heaven. Sharing our burdens with each other and God is what we need. God is always there to help us. He is willing to put others in our lives to divide our burdens and multiple our success.

Part of the issue, at least with me, and the way “Men are supposed to behave”, is not getting things off our chest is expected. When we show emotion, it’s a sign of weakness.

I hope that this is changing.

Charge

We all need to someone to listen with nonjudgmental ears. Do you have some to listen? If so, ask them for some time to hear you. Then offer them your ear, as they need someone too. If you don’t have someone, I will be that person for you. Just ask.

Prayer

Lord, help us to share our burdens with you. Give us the strength to overcome sterotypes and share our burdens with each other. Help us get this junk off our chests. Remind us that you put people in our lives to divide the burdens. In your name, Amen.