Without hope, we have nothing.

Did you handle it well or did you simply not make your issue an issue for everyone else? Did you handle it well or did you not speak up because you were struggling to process all you experienced and felt unsafe to share with those around you? Did you handle it well or did you give yourself countless tasks to complete in an effort to occupy your mind and place your identity in accomplishments to overcompensate for the fact that you were lonely yet well received? Did you handle it at all? Suffering in silence, functioning through frazzled emotions, and showing up is not a sign that you are handling it well. Sometimes it is merely the proof that you are suppressing. Yes, you handled it with maturity, strength, and integrity but now you must hand over all you carried within you, all that weighed you down, and all that is too heavy to bear to God.

God, help me to release all that my mind routinely repeats. Help me to focus on the parts of my lessons that built my character, faith, and wisdom. Free me from fixating on the burdens that came with them. Rewire my mind in a way that revels on greater purpose in all things and repels the desire to dwell on the principles. You not only allowed every step of my journey, but use them to elevate my life and impact the lives of others.

He has been merciful to our ancestors

The conversations you wish you could have with other people, yet discernment tells you it would not be wise, have them with God. Vulnerably express to Him just how something or someone made you feel. Tell Him all the ways you were impacted and just how much it still affects you now. Confide in Him and let Him know how much an apology or acknowledgment would have meant to you. If you are the person in need of forgiveness, tell Him how truly sorry you are. Allow the contrition of your heart and sincerity of your sorrow to correct your behavior and mindset. Tell Him. Rest in the truth that He clearly sees and hears you. Find the peace and the power to move forward because you fully accept and understand that He knows and understand everything that happened, all you felt, and everything you are currently going through. He knows what happened to you wasn't right. He knows how much that situation hurt you. He knows just how genuinely sorry you are and all the steps you've taken to fix it and follow His path. He knows the heart of man and the motives and movements of every person. Put every emotion, experience, and concern in His hands and keep it there. He is a healer, counselor, and The One who handles all.

The problem with avoiding and not acknowledging your feelings is that they don't simply go away. They stay locked within you until the sentiment boils over and burdens your life or you give yourself permission to set it free. Feel the hurt, allow yourself to cry until your body shakes. Make space to rest and reflect, and finally accept the truth that your emotions were always valid - and so are your needs.