Being Whole, Healed and Forgiven - Part II

My journey to healing has been tough, I can’t lie. There are some days where I feel as though I’ve already overcome the pain from the past. Then there are other days where the memories and experiences try to cripple me and deter me from moving forward. Although my journey to healing is still ongoing; the difference has been making the conscious effort to put in the work and trust the process.

I am sure many of you can relate to what I’ve shared. As women many of us are nurturers and spend most of our time taking care of everyone and everything else, oftentimes neglecting ourselves. This often manifests through covering up things that bring hurt or harm to us and moving on. This leads to layer upon layer of wounds that are not properly cared for; been there, done that! I’ll take it a step further; as a Black woman, it is the expectation for us to be strong and not show emotions. This social construct is not only toxic but leads to many social, emotional and physical scars which spill over into all areas of our lives.

So now what? How do you heal? The first step is recognizing that you need to be healed. Denial only delays the process of being renewed and set free. The Bible says, “and you know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Being honest with yourself leads to freedom. The next step is to find the courage and strength to talk about it, whatever that “it” may be. Initially this may come in the form of journaling and talking to God. This might also include sharing with a close friend whom you can trust. If you want to properly heal, you must feel every emotion that’s connected to that particular event or experience. It doesn’t always feel great, but the release is necessary to move forward. I also recommend some form of therapy. Having a therapist has been one of the best decisions. There were so many layers of things that I never addressed and didn’t realize just how substantial they were in every aspect of my life. This journey to self-discovery and healing has come with many twists and turns. But this process has taught me that you can’t fully heal if you aren’t willing to go through the necessary steps to “get better.”

The last step is to share your story with others. Share your story when the thought or discussion of the events no longer brings you pain or cripples you. Share your story when you’re not so overcome with emotions that you can’t move past it. Keep in mind, there’s a woman or girl who needs to hear your story of victory.

No matter what you’ve gone through or currently going through, know that you are not alone. You are not alone in your feelings, your emotions, your thoughts and even some of your experiences. But most importantly you have God who has promised that He will never leave nor forsake you. I can personally attest to both. During some of my darkest and most difficult moments; God planted someone in my life to encourage me.

As I allow myself time to heal, I am loving this new journey of learning more about myself and utilizing skills and tools that help me to become a better person for my family and myself. Sis be healed, be healed so that you can be the best you that God has purposed and intended for you to be!