Just Don't

When you're harboring a hurt, when you keep something a secret, it never protects others, it never saves you grief, it never guards you, not really. The old saying, "hurt people hurt people," is really true. When you're hurting, you hurt those around you. You may not even realize what your pain or anger is stemming from. But it's hiding a previous wound, and in hiding it, allowing it to fester and remain open.

I know this from experience. There is a hurt, a sin, and a feeling of wronged, that I have not been able to be transparent about to anyone. Not a soul. Because of this, it sits. And it never heals. You think time will heal? No. That's just simply not true. Time can make things clearer, or less fresh, but time never heals a wound you never admitted and never properly dressed.

Do yourself a favor. Be transparent. That hurt? Maybe it can help another person that's hurting. Maybe right when someone needs someone to trust, baring it all can give the nudge that person needs to allow herself to trust in you and unload some of her burden. Who knows? But what I so know is that you'll never be as much as you were meant for, who you were meant to be, or do the things you were meant to do until you're willing to reveal it all, with or without apology, however is needed.

Now, I don't mean go to someone that hurt you and pick a fight. I mean be willing to go to someone you trust or be wiling to open up to someone that needs to hear your hurt. Talk about it. Be candid. Be honest in extremes. Admit your wrong, and admit the anger you have felt, the pain you caused yourself and others, or whatever the aftermath. Even if it's been years, there's aftermath to secret hurts. Ask for forgiveness, forgive yourself and the others that were involved. If you don't know Christ, you may consider calling to God for his help and forgiveness. (Or, even if you do know Him.) Keep telling the story whenever you're compelled for selfless reasons. Help others learn from your mistake or learn from your openness.

But don't keep hurting. And don't keep feeling stuck. Or miserable. Don't keep hurting those around you. Don't keep walking around with a hole in your heart.

Just don't.

Trust me, I've been there.

In fact...