Sometimes there comes a moment when you just have to acknowledge the deep hurt you feel inside. You need to take it out, look it over from all angles, and then release it. If you hold on to the pain too long, it will creep inside your spirit and take up residence in your bones. The bitterness will slowly fester and begin to color your every movement. Your breath will become shallow and your heart will ache. When all the moments collide and you just cannot live in the old, destructive patterns any longer, you put the hurt down. You leave it carefully behind you and you move forward. You reach up and Jesus takes your hand and pulls you out of that messy pit. He brushes off your skinned knees, touches your cheek so tenderly, and just holds you close in His arms. That’s when you know you really will be alright. You will be okay. But you will never be the same. Your heart is forever changed and a piece will always remain broken on this side of Eternity.

Letting go and moving forward is not for the faint of heart. You must reach down inside your soul and with determination, boldness, and just plain guts- you must push through and not look back. If you swerve, if you veer to the left or the right, you will continue to engage with the hurt. When you bump into the pain, it will take you by surprise and knock the wind out of your lungs.  If this happens, look yourself in the eye and stand a little taller. Lean in close and remind yourself of the brevity and the beauty of this life. And then reflect on the temporary burden of pain, loss, loneliness, anger. Open your closed hand slowly, inhale deeply, and take a step forward. Hold on to Jesus’ hand and the hearts of those who love you well. Let go. Let go of Fear, Sadness, Anger, Pain. Release those who do not love you well, wish them good fortune, but close the door firmly and do not look back. This is when you know you are beginning- again.