Celebrate with those who celebrate, and weep with those who grieve. Romans 12:15 TPT

I need to make a confession today. I am pretty good at putting on a brave face and “I’m fine”ing my way through small talk but I have a secret: I cry about everything. From onions to adorable baby animal videos, great thrills and intense joy to deep hurts and crushing defeat. A good friend of mine would sigh and roll his eyes at me when the tears would come because I cry no matter the overwhelming emotion.

This past season has been painful – letting go of people and places I love so dearly, but for now need to be surrendered up to God. The sadness of goodbyes, the anger over circumstances, the excitement of new adventures and anticipation of God’s next move have led to more than one private overflow.

Most days, I have put on the brave face, pulled myself together (as all adults must do, right?) and “I’m fine”d my way through the dreary winter.

Too often we bury our pain, our grief, our anger and even our happiness and excitement because, we reason someone else has it worse, we will disappoint others, or it is just not the right time. Worst of all, we fear our friends, our squad, will disappear when things become less sunshine and rainbows or will not join in our celebrations.

Finally, I hit my breaking point. I could no longer carry the brave face. There I was with one of my truest friends and completely terrified. I was afraid to say anything but like a dam being opened, everything I had covered and held back came gushing past the barricade and crumbled every defense I had meticulously built. I was laid bare and vulnerable and she embraced me anyway.

All my disgusting mess was revealed and she still took me in her arms and let me weep. That was the moment I knew I was not alone. I could share my burden. I did not need to be crushed. Friend, we are not supposed to live life alone just as we are told in Romans 12:15. It is Christ’s will that we would “bear each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).

Now it is time for you to be brave. Not in the fake “I’m fine” kind of way. Find that someone (or someones) you can take off your brave face for, the people you can authentically and transparently do life with. Go cry about it with those who will cry with you and help to dry the tears when you do not have the strength left to do it. Celebrate with those who will cheer you on and recognize even your smallest victories.

At the end of the day, do not forget the One who is there in all circumstances, the One who will never leave you or forsake you (John 14:16-17).  No matter how strong your earthly support system is, it will fall short (we are all human, after all) but the Lord will hold you close even in your darkest hour.

Lord, thank You that You have not created me to live my life alone. Thank You for the emotions You have created for me to respond to life. Would You grant me the wisdom to know how to express them and help me to find the people who will help carry them with me? Thank You that You are always there with me, no matter the circumstances. I pray that I would always feel Your presence. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.