Every week people trust me with some of their most intimate thoughts. Pain, fear, loneliness, despair, anger, insecurities… If my office walls could weep, they most surely would every day.
People who know me know I’m a crier. Sometimes I cry with a client. Most of the time my tears fall after he or she leaves. Being the type of person who feels every feeling that those around me carry is not easy. But I know God has entrusted these precious souls to me for a reason. And so I take my role very serious.
Last week I turned the tables. I poured out myself to the world regarding my appearance. I have to admit that my biggest fear was not what people would say. It was allowing myself to be so vulnerable to people I do not know. I am so thankful that I did not allow fear to stop me from posting.
I have received a number of emails and private messages from people, some I do not know, sharing with me their own pain due to self-esteem, weight, and other issues. One person said they were relieved to know they weren’t alone. Oh, my dear friend. You are most definitely not alone!
Just as Jesus was about to ascend to his Father, he gave us one final statement. “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt 28:20)
When Jesus ascended, God sent us the Holy Spirit and it is through his constant presence that we may cast our burdens. Even with this promise, however, having another human being who seemingly understands your struggles is a great relief. And honestly I believe God uses people for His glory when we allow Him to. I’m humbled that He picked me to bring a bit of comfort to his children.
So… since many of you have reached out, asking to join me on my journey, I felt I should give you an update.
I’ve lost 2 pounds. *sigh*
My initial instinct is to be frustrated. 10 days and only 2 pounds??!! But then God reminds me that perseverance is important.
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but wealso glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Rom 5:1-4)
Two pounds down in ten days. It’s not much according to the scale but it’s a step. I’m eating less, drinking more water, and praying when I’d rather be snacking. I’m trying to exercise but that’s proving to be a challenge. I tore my rotator cuff in 2 places and cracked the ball in my shoulder so ….. until I get it fixed with surgery next month, moving is carefully orchestrated.
Two pounds. I’ll take it. Why? Because those two pounds are for this temple God have me. You see, he not only has entrusted me to hear the cries of His people each week, He’s also entrusted me to care for myself. And with His strength, I will. So keep sharing a bit of yourself with me. And I’ll do the same with you. Because we really are in this thing called life together! 
Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. —Gal 6:2