Normalise our experiences, the power of the Cross

Every Symptom is Yesterday’s Survival Strategy

As we navigate our daily lives, it’s crucial to recognise that every symptom we experience reflects our past survival strategies. This understanding is essential for Christians, as it profoundly ties into our faith and the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice.

Rethinking Our Expectations of Ourselves

In a world that often demands perfection, it's easy to set unrealistic expectations for ourselves. We strive to be the best in our roles as parents, professionals, friends, and believers. However, these high expectations can sometimes lead to feelings of inadequacy when we inevitably fall short.

The Power of Awareness

The first step towards healing is awareness. By acknowledging that our symptoms—be it anxiety, stress, or any other form of distress—are rooted in past experiences and survival mechanisms, we can begin to address them with a more informed perspective. Awareness allows us to understand the origin of our struggles and to approach them with empathy rather than frustration.

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18

Embracing Self-Compassion

Self-compassion is a critical component of the healing process. Being gentle with ourselves means accepting our imperfections and understanding that they do not define us. It’s about treating ourselves with the same kindness and patience that we would offer a friend in need. When we practice self-compassion, we create a safe space for healing and growth.

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." - Ephesians 4:32

Faith and the Power of Christ’s Sacrifice

As Christians, it’s vital to integrate our faith into this journey of self-awareness and self-compassion. The act of Christ bearing our sins was the ultimate demonstration of love and sacrifice. He took on our burdens so that we might find freedom and healing. When we fail to normalise our experiences and instead hide them away, we are, in a sense, denying the power of His sacrifice.

"Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed." - Isaiah 53:4-5

Christ’s love and sacrifice empower us to face our struggles head-on, knowing we are not alone. By normalising our experiences, we acknowledge that our pain and challenges are part of the human condition and do not diminish our worth in the eyes of God.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28

Moving Forward Together

Let us commit to growing together, shedding old layers, and stepping into a brighter, more compassionate future. By rethinking our expectations of ourselves, practising awareness, embracing self-compassion, and leaning into our faith, we can transform our lives and the lives of those around us.

In doing so, we honor Christ's profound sacrifice and fully embrace the healing and freedom that His love offers.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" - 2 Corinthians 5:17