Beyond the Surface: “You Don’t Look Like What You’re Going Through!”

Many of us don’t look like what we’ve been through, or we may not look like what we’re possibly going through at the time. It’s not likely that you’ll find someone wearing a T-shirt listing everything they’ve been through in challenges beginning at their first fall when they begin learning how to walk. Many of us have adopted as a survivor’s tactic to be a master of disguise in masking any evidence of trace of personal struggle. We don’t have to blast our inner conflicts, heartaches, issues, and problems in being a walking TMZ report of our own lives. We can learn the delicate art of moving our trials into testimonies in bearing witness to others of the Lord’s strength over our lives.

Hush, Don’t Spread Your Business!

As a blogger, I share my life experiences to inspire others, but I struggle with how much to disclose to protect my loved ones. I’ve learned to be wise and use discernment in my disclosures after being betrayed by a few past experiences to guard my heart (Proverbs 4:23), We are to use wisdom with trusted and confidential information because not everyone has our best interest at heart. I aim to be transparent as a writer, yet be mindful of the fine line between sharing and oversharing in consideration of those I am close to or interact with.

“Are You Okay? “

I can recall teaching at a school in being reacquainted with a former High School classmate. She stopped by to check in and ask if I needed anything, and in my mind, the image of the cheerful teacher was on full display, with no visible signs of underlying turmoil. As a persistent and determined individual, she was not deterred by my initial assurance of being fine. I sought guidance from Christ, asking if she was someone I could safely confide in. Following one of my mentoring group sessions where she was also a volunteer , I shared with my longtime friend the hidden burden I had been carrying beneath the surface. I revealed that I had been secretly coping with a significant shift in our family’s dynamics in going through a divorce after 11 years of marriage. I prayed that she would maintain confidentiality and not disclose my truth before I had the opportunity to do so myself. I also prayed that she would not add any unnecessary details or view me as a hypocrite due to my blog focused on family, or judge me for pursuing my passion of encouraging others despite my imperfections. Her response was, “You don’t appear to be going through what you are, and honestly, I would have never known.” She offered me kindness, understanding, and a safe haven to confide in whenever I needed to discuss my struggles.

I will speak your testimonies before kings, and I will not be put to shame. Psalms 119: 46

God Is A Safe Haven

I believe that Lord Jesus Christ is the most secure confidant, offering a sanctuary for our innermost thoughts, fears, and needs. Through prayer and studying His Word, we can find forgiveness, healing, and guidance to navigate adversity, ultimately glorifying God.

It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me. Daniel 4: 2

Check out my Sunday Reflection Facebook Chat on this topic by clicking the link.