Taking Off The Mask.

It is okay to not be okay. It does not make you weak. It does not mean you lack faith. It means that you have a lack of control over your mood and thoughts that you spend countless hours wishing you did have control over them. It is knowing that your thoughts aren't completely rational. It is wanting to live without fear. Or sadness. Or however it affects you because no 2 people are the same!

I had 2 children and never experienced anything I would classify as postpartum depression. After a miscarriage I realized I was suffering from it. That is understandable. We got pregnant again. Guess what. It hit again. I recognized it this time!

There is nothing wrong with me. It is normal. It takes work each and every day though. I have recently taken off the mask! I can be real. I can say I'm not okay. I can ask for prayer. I can let someone know the fear and blues are creeping close. I am so lucky that I have reached this point. It has helped tremendously to know I am not alone. To know that there are people that say "I am praying for you." There are people who call me out when they can tell I'm getting in a funk and I try to put the mask back on. And most importantly, there are folks who say "I needed to hear this. It makes me realize I'm not alone in the fight." 

I have begun speaking up more regarding this because I feel that God is leading me to for some reason. Because HE knows who will read this and who needs this. So I leave you with this:

Most Merciful Father, YOU know who needs these words. YOU know who struggles with the mask. I lift them up to you Lord! May they feel YOUR peace and comfort in knowing they are not alone in this battle. YOU carry each and every one of us when we need it. There are people out there who can relate that they might not even know. And right now at this very moment, they are being lifted up. Father give them the peace of mind they need and seek. All this is asked in your most precious and Holy name. Amen