I’ve seen a theme develop in relationships and it frustrates me. When did we get this concept in our minds that we are burdens to others? When did we all start feeling like we aren’t worth fighting for or listening to? When did we start feeling like we should not share our struggles?
It’s lame and I’m over it.
What is remarkable to me is that someone could have the same life story as myself and if they shared with me, I would in no way feel like they were a burden for sharing. I would willingly give my full attention to that person as they worked through their challenges. Seriously. If someone else, in their life, had the things I have dealt with, am dealing with, or will deal with, I would gladly listen to them as they processed. Why, then, do we not give ourselves the same grace? Why do we feel like we’ve talked too much and taken up too much of someone else’s time?
Because we are being lied to. Over and over again.
Given that I am a woman, I’m much more acquainted with the struggles of womanhood. Shocking, I know. I think that this particular flavor of feeling like a burden is more common among women but even men feel like a burden for having to deal with things.
This needs to stop. The enemy has piled on the burden of feeling like we are a burden and we need to knock it off. It’s time to knock off the lies. It’s time to own the fact that we are worth it. We are priceless children of God who are called to love unconditionally and also be loved unconditionally, not just by Him but by our fellow believers as well.
Can we just say that Satan is annoying? I think we can all agree on this. He tricks us so easily into holding us captive with our guilt, shame, and difficulties. He does not want us to be free and one way is to convince us that by bringing things to the light and thus allowing others to come alongside us, we are burdens. Ugh.
I’ve been reading a fair bit on the Race and one series that has changed how I think is the Mark of the Lion Series. Francine Rivers has a gift. One quote that I love goes as follows:
“We are all one in Christ, beloved. You know who the enemy is. Satan is a powerful adversary who knows you almost as intimately as does the Lord. He attacks through the mind and flesh, trying to separate you from Christ.” Book 3, chapter 7
Did you catch that? Satan, our irritating enemy, knows us almost as intimately as does Papa. So when you hear the warring voices of wanting to talk with someone and feeling like a burden, listen to the positive aspect. Both speak to a need but only one speaks to a true, authentic need that will result in greater freedom.
You are not a burden. Stop listening to that lie. Just knock it off already!
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We are officially in Phang Nga, Thailand for month 7 of the World Race. Our ministry this month involves working with Eagles Rest which is an organization that was started by a family. Janene and Rommel are not originally from Thailand but they have felt called to be here. All of us have said that we feel really good about this month. There is something different about it and we have already connected with this family on a deep level. We have been painting walls, shoveling sand for a play area at a school, and will do prayer walks among a number of other things. Thailand is stunning in the beauty of the landscape. The Lord is with us this month (as He always is) and I am excited to see what He does through Team Boxcar.
