I am sick and tired of bullying. I have been pierced by stories of injustice. I am heartbroken for those with broken hearts. For those who feel they have no hope. I ache deeply over the verbal (and physical) lashings administered by so-called loved ones who are filled to the brim with feelings of anger, bitterness, resentment…anything of the sort.
Hurting people hurt people.
Our world is in need. We need healing.
Each and every one of us. You. Me. Aunt Daisy. Uncle Barnabus. The cashier at your local grocery. The president of your company. Your lawn boy. Your mail lady. Your pastor. Your worst enemy and your American Idol.
All of us.
And if we are ever going to make change—if we can ever make a difference—it is only going to be because we started with ourselves.
“I’m starting with the Man in the Mirror…” -Michael Jackson
Call it like it is.
I am sitting in my living room, next to the baby swing, hoping the constant movement along with soft Christmas music playing in the background will put my 3 month-old to sleep so I can get a moment of “Nicole time.” It’s not working, by the way. But the song playing right now is telling me that “it’s the most wonderful time of the year”; more than that, I’m also being informed that it’s “the hap-happiest season of all.”
Who knew?! I guess this guy hasn’t heard any of your stories.
Now, I don’t want to come across as a Debbie Downer, because I personally love Christmas! I could write a great deal about the goodness of the season (and maybe I will at some point), but I also strive to be real and relevant, especially for the sake of those who are hurting. This is why I felt it necessary to devote time and attention, during these two weeks leading into Christmas, to the fact that it truly is not the most wonderful time of the year for many people. For some of you, it may even be the most lonely, anxiety-stricken and painful memory-ridden season of all.
And that’s okay.
It’s NOT okay that you went through some incredibly painful stuff that wasn’t your fault and that you never deserved; but it IS okay to acknowledge that the holidays aren’t easy for you because of that.
Don’t give in to the mask-wearing, people-pleasing, painted-on-smile that we see all too often. If you are having a hard time, say so! If you are struggling to get through this holiday season—for whatever reason it may be—don’t shove it down any longer. The stress, anxiety, fear, sadness, anger, bitterness, etc is gonna come out eventually anyway. Let it come out on your own accord. Be willing to admit you need a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, a helping hand, or maybe even a little getaway.
Being real with those you trust is important to getting through this busy season. It will help ensure that your wrapping doesn’t come undone before Santa’s bag of goodies ever get here.
