When Your Story is Not Your Own

photo credit T. Getz

I wish I could remember the exact wording of the post I read on Twitter which triggered my immediate resounding reply of "Yeah... but... sometimes your story is NOT your own!" The statement told of how full disclosure of what we're experiencing was the first step to healing & wholeness.

But what about when full disclosure of our journey would really tell more of another's journey than we should share -- like when full disclosure violates the confidence of another or exposes mistakes they've made or poor choices they've made on their own journey? 

There are those times in life when our story is largely based on what another is experiencing. What do you do then? Here's how I've been led to walk my journey...

• Stay grounded in your faith & beliefs. Don't neglect your prayer time & reading from God's Word.  Regardless of the times when words & silence don't bring comfort, be obedient to your commitment to growing in God.
• Hand your calendar over to God.  Listen to Him & obey if he tells you to step away from commitments (that you might even enjoy).  Listen to Him & obey if He tells you to take on something new.  He's two steps ahead & knows just what & who we need at this time!
• Don't forsake important relationships due to the energy needed to handle the relationship that's in turmoil or for the fear of another potential loss. Don't forsake the fellowship of the church - even if you decide to step away from some of your responsibilities there for a season. Continue to fellowship with other believers. God will speak in & through you during your time with Christ's Body!
• Find a safe place to open up completely & share details with a trusted listener - perhaps an accountability partner... or a pastor or priest... or a professional counselor who shares your belief values. Don't feel pressured to share with more than a few trusted people.
• Keep a list of ways you see God loving you in the moment-to-moment. Keep your eyes open & expecting little hugs from God throughout ever day. A great book to help with this is One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.  
• Act upon what you sincerely feel God is saying to you.  Don't put more weight in the advise of others who've experience similar situations than what God will whisper to your heart.  Ask God, listen for an answer, and do what He leads you to do! Don't waste energy second-guessing yourself or God.
• Take care of yourself - your body, mind, spirit. Be well! Allow yourself to cry in the shower if you need to.  Take an extra long Sunday nap if you need to. Sit by the ocean or stream. Watch a sunset. Eat well & exercise. 

It's hard to walk through tough times when you really can't explain all the details to everyone who notices something's going on.  But, if you ask God, He will put just the right people in your path. He will cause people to notice who will begin praying earnestly without asking you one question! And, above all, He will NEVER leave your side!

When your story is not your own... you are definitely being used in a BIGGER plan.  Trust Him & be encouraged!