First thoughts of a safe place is probably like a bunker or storm shelter. Well that isn’t close to what I’m getting at. Hold on to your britches and get ready!! HAHA!!
Do you ever feel as if your mind needs a safe place?
Do you ever feel like you need a safe place from your health?
Do you ever want to escape from daily struggles in general?
What is your safe place?
My personal safe place was mainly from health and family issues growing up. The fear of parents arguing over my child support. The fear of making anyone struggle over my existence. The fear of making horrible grades. The fear of constantly failing. The fear of going weak and not able to walk normally. The fear of falling and getting bruises or concussions. The fear of my own negative thoughts. The fear of extreme depression. The fear of my vision going blurry. The fear of extreme fatigue. The fear of mentally feeling out of it. These were my main fears growing up and after high school.
Throughout the years I tried different outlets, yet none worked completely except for one. It isn’t something I’m proud of nor would I ever suggest. My outlet was sleep. Doesn’t sound too bad right? Wrong! Too get to sleep, I’d take any pill I could find that would make me sleep. I realized this was beginning to be a problem, and I had to give my mom all of my medications. When I needed some, I went to her for whatever it was. I was becoming addicted to it and putting going to sleep above all else in my life.
Sleep was my escape because…
- I didn’t feel pain.
- My mind didn’t run to negative places.
- If I was feeling weak, I didn’t know nor had to fear falling.
- I didn’t know if I felt fatigue or had blurry vision.
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. – John 16:33
“There are many times in a recovering addict’s life when he must summon courage and find his strongest self. This is a reminder that obstacles are inevitable, but with God anything is possible.”
Now days I still love to sleep, but it isn’t from pills and addictions. I have replaced the main outlet with several things that encourage and lift my positive thoughts out. My go to now includes:
- Painting
- Worship
- Fishing
- Riding around
- Crafts
- Going to see friends
- Eat queso dip 🙂
My number one safe place is talking to God. Not just praying like people do at church. I rant/cry/laugh like He is next to me and we are chatting. It makes me realize He doesn’t make mistakes and His timing is perfect. He places us in situations that He knows we can handle together. We will look back and be able to use these bad experience for His good.
Most people don’t know that I was sexually assaulted in my late teen years. I was scared and didn’t tell anyone at the time. Dumb, I know! But y’all, God knew I could handle it. He gave me strength to not only forgive the person, but to be able to talk about it and help others to get through it.
Know that we are human! We will get discouraged and depressed. Yet we need reminders of God not leaving our side through the good and the bad times. I’ll admit these last 6-7 months of poor health have been a huge trial, but I am now even closer to God. I have looked back and saw that God led me and prepared me for this time.
All of this to say, God is the absolute best, never failing safe place. I know from experience and I can’t hold it in. My God is alive and real. I speak to and hear from Him. I have seen His work and presence through out my life and IT PUMPS ME UP!! So no matter what you are facing, know that God has an awesome plan to use it. Even if it is hard to grasp at the time.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10
Did I mention that MY GOD IS AWESOME!! 🙂
Invisible in Reality 