Share the Burden- A New Partnership
I am so excited to announce that a long-held dream of mine has become a reality. I have partnered with a friend and fellow writer who makes beautiful jewelry. Follow the link at the bottom to read the entire post and learn more about Share the Burden.
“What’s the bravest thing you ever said?” asked the boy. “Help,” said the horse. Asking for help isn’t giving up; it’s refusing to give up.”
-Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse
It’s been nearly 25 years, and what feels like a million shed tears since I first began my battle with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression. I spent many years bloodied by a struggle that was invisible to onlookers. Meanwhile, a silent war raged between my two ears and deeply in my heart.
My family was surprised to find out I struggled so severely with mental health issues because I always seemed “happy.” Or at the least content and capable. Isn’t this often how it is: Our outsides appear to be floating downstream with ease while our insides are drowning?
The years I stayed silent left me exhausted and defeated. I convinced myself that no one else had the thoughts I did or went through the fear and panic I felt—especially not another Christian.
My silence came from a lack of words and an abundance of fear. I feared someone finding out how “crazy” I was, that I—and everyone else—would discover I was a terrible, “fake” Christian, and that no one would be able to help me. One of my greatest fears was that I would be a burden to someone else, a shackle around their peace-filled life.
My fragile state of mind helped me believe the lie that Christians were exempt from these painful struggles. When in reality, Christians struggle like the rest of the world, and sadly, we will often do so in silence…
