Sharing our Burdens... TOGETHER

This life is hard.
The longer I live, the more people I meet, the more stories I hear.
For a long time, in my innocence of youth, I felt like life was pretty good.
Thanks to my parents for giving me a happy childhood, and great friends for meaningful memories as a teen.  I'm so grateful for those years, and I think it is truly a time to be treasured.

No, don't get me wrong, there are SO many good things about this life still.
I am blessed in many ways, and I'm not just talking about in material things.
But I have come to realize that there really are times where we ALL walk in the valley, as well as times when we stand on the mountain.

The God of the mountain is still God of the valley

Something that I have come to recognize more recently, is that
EVERYONE STRUGGLES.
Some struggle in obvious ways, such as the loss of a child, addictions, hurtful relationships, abuse, and so on.
Others struggle in ways that many times go unnoticed.
I think we all have internal heartaches that we are reluctant to share.
We feel like we are alone in our pain, or wonder what people will think of us.
The truth is, we all need somebody to come along side of us and help.
We need encouragement, support, and love.
We need to be understood, open, and honest.

It is hard to see so much pain, when all we really want is unity.
I believe Christ is the only One who can truly bring that.
But He calls us in many ways to not only share our burdens, but also help others carry them.

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
John 15:12

We are here on this sin filled earth for a reason.
When you feel that nudging thought to ask someone about their struggles,
do it!
When someone needs a helping hand, a hug, a meal, a visit, and kind word,
give it!
And... when YOU are the person in need of these things...
accept it!

Skyler holding and praying with his sister just a few weeks before he saw Jesus

It hurts to see so much pain.
We get pushed out of our comfort zones to share our hearts.
We want to hide from the hurt and put on masks, pretending that life is just fine, when in reality, those masks pull us deeper into bondage.

May we come along side of each other, praying for each other, and being the people that God has called us to be.
His grace covers all.
He wants to take all of our pain.
And some day, that perfect unity will come.

Disclaimer:
This is also written to myself! 
I have in NO way mastered any of this, but I am inspired to share my thoughts.