Heal Yourself: Partner With God to Heal Your HurtSample

Be Honest With Yourself

“How did I get here?” I wondered as I stared into the greenery of the secluded park. I sat alone; I was profoundly alone–I felt it to the core. The life I once envisioned and hoped for was now a mere vapor that had escaped me no matter how hard I tried to cling to it. Even more devastating, I had lost myself in it all. I lied to others, and I lied to myself. Instead of dealing with my hurt, grief, and loss, I buried myself in my work. I put on my “I’m okay” face, hid behind Christian lingo, and forged ahead. I was broken and in survival mode.

When my marriage crumbled, I had to take a hard and honest look at my character, actions, morals, and values. I was forced to take off my plastered smile and daily mask and face myself. This was a bold move. The truth hurt. It hurt to acknowledge that I was wounded and vulnerable. It hurt to acknowledge my role in my pain. It hurt for me to take responsibility for my part and the consequences of my actions and inactions. But, as the Apostle John declares in John 3:18, the truth made me free from the bondage of deception and blame. The truth freed me from the grip of my skewed perspective. I could see my experience more clearly. I gained a deeper understanding after reflection.

In order to heal yourself, you must be honest about your wounds, actions, and your responsibility and role in your hurt. It’s always easiest for us to blame others for our shortcomings. We were hurt. It was unfair, and our feelings are valid. Maybe we were hurt due to no fault of our own. Just because we are without fault does not mean that we are not responsible for healing our hurt. In 1 John 3:18, John admonishes that actions speak louder than words. We must move toward healing our hurt with not only words but actions. It begins with honesty.

Heavenly Father, help me to be honest about my role in my pain. Help me understand the role that my thoughts, behavioral patterns, and choices have played in my hurt. Show me how to heal.

How will you take responsibility for your hurt? What thoughts, behavioral patterns, and choices might you reconsider?

Practicing honesty with yourself takes honest practice.