It’s out of the bag now… and there’s no stuffing it back inside.
And that’s a good thing.
Her Big Secret. The Secret that has sucked the life out of her. Surely most — if not all — of us have had at least one of these in our lives. A Secret that, when held inside, turned “malignant” on some level.
From Stage 1 all the way up to Stage 4, metastasized.
By Your grace, Lord, I was with this precious woman as she was holding her empty bag. The bag where her Secret had lived for more than half of her life.
She has taken huge strides in recent months to finally set her bag down and open it. To take The Weight off and let The Light in.
One-by-one, her “circle” of those who know The Secret has been expanding. Because You have helped her exercise some new muscles. Muscles like Courage… Faith… Trust… Hope.
It hasn’t been easy. OK, maybe that’s the understatement of the Millennium. It has been downright draining.
Plus, someone else sees what is happening. You called him the “thief.” He sees where she is heading with all this — toward the life You have for her, Lord.
The opposite of his agenda for her.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
This thief is not at all happy about her progress. So he whispers to her, even now. So subtly, his words seem almost like her own thoughts.
“It’s such an ugly truth, maybe it’s better to hold it in after all — even if it destroys you — instead of imposing it on someone else.”
“Once it’s out there, you’ll be completely vulnerable to anyone’s reaction.”
Really? What do You say about all this, Lord?
“I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the Light of Life.” (John 8:12)
“… Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire you will not be burned…” (Isaiah 43:1-2)
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God in whom I trust.'” (Psalm 91:1-2)
This is the priceless path You have for us, Lord. The Path to Freedom, with Your very own words as our stepping stones.
“Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
“Then you will know The Truth, and The Truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)
Free to crawl… walk… run… dance!
Free to heal… hope… hold You closer than close!
Free to laugh… love…. and LIVE!
Joyfully on the journey.
Abba’s Girl
2 Comments
Ah, the empty bag. I’ve also been emptying ; and the thing is the more empty of those things we are; the things that thrive in the darkness, the more room we have in which Our Lord’s presence can dwell. We ” make our heart a home” for Him as the song says. Oh how we love You, Lord; our most blessed Redeemer and Friend
How true, dear sister. It’s all about making room… isn’t it? Room for The Light that dispels the darkness… and heals us, from the inside out. How precious You are, Jesus – The Light of the World!