Walls

When I was pregnant with my first child, I wanted to name him Jericho.  As a matter of fact, my husband and I had decided on this name until he changed his mind at the last minute.  Many of you may know the story of the walls of Jericho and how they crumbled simply because Joshua was obedient.  I didn't realize until last night how much of a picture that name represents.

As I sat with my group of friends reading and learning of the problems we face, I came to the realization that the walls we build, while we think they are for protection, are in actuality secrets we bury deep inside.  Secrets we are afraid to reveal for fear of shame, judgement, smeared reputations.  People wouldn't truly love me if they knew _____ about me.  So we bury.  We hide.  We pretend.

Sister, I'm here to tell you that these walls alienate.  They cause you to distance yourself from others.  You say you won't let someone in because you won't allow them to hurt you.  What you are really doing is robbing yourself of the opportunity of building lasting friendships based on honesty and vulnerability.  Acceptance and love.  Think of when you did build a strong friendship and you shared your every secret.  Wasn't that friendship as precious as gold?  Wouldn't do you anything to nurture and protect it?  Why would that be any different as an adult?

We have got to stop silently (and sometimes not so silently) judging others.  We have to also step out and trust that those we love will love us regardless.  They will see our hurts and hurt with us.  They will see see our mistakes and see how we have learned from them and celebrate that with us.

When we learn to practice obedience, to be honest with ourselves and others, and to allow our own personal army help tear these walls we have worked so hard to build, we will then truly experience a freedom like we have never imagined.  We will love and be loved.  We will forgive and be forgiven.  We will accept and be accepted.  We will teach and be taught.  We will heal and be healed.  After all, stuffing all of this inside becomes exhausting, and I, for one, am ready for rest.  All it took was Joshua saying, "Yes I will."  Will you do the same?

James 5:16 

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.