“Whatever is hidden away will be brought out into the open, and whatever is covered up will be found and brought to light. Luke 8:17
Everyone has some things in their own mind that they do not want shared in public. Indeed, in many cases it might be inappropriate or hurtful to share it. Yet, there are some things that need to be shared in order for us to fully heal.
I have clients who have secrets that they have held for many years. Many find it too burdensome to continue carrying these hidden thoughts or behaviors. Often, after a difficult disclosure, I have heard people say, “I have never told anyone else this before…”
I feel privileged to have earned their trust, and to be a part of their healing. More importantly, it can be the start of a new free and unburdened life for them. I have had clients who held secrets about cheating on a spouse, a secret addiction, etc. At the time they tell these dark secrets, they can begin to heal.
I explain to them that carrying a secret takes a lot of energy. We are consciously, sometimes unconsciously, making sue that the words stay hidden deep in our memory, never to be let out. Yet, this takes a chronic mental, spiritual, even physical toll.
After disclosure, clients typically say “I feel so much better having gotten that off my chest!” The value of getting these things out into the open in a trusted space is an important aspect of healing. The saying that “Light breaks the power of darkness” is a true statement.
The truth sets us free.
Prayer: Lord, help us to make safe spaces for truth, Amen
Reflections of a Counselor 