It’s Okay To Talk About It

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It’s Okay To Talk About It

Psalm 39:2-3: “But when I was silent and still…my anguish increased. My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke…”

During a teacher training session the department head said, “Never talk about being afraid of the dark. It will give the children ideas.”

Those of us who want to do everything just right sometimes obey an unspoken command we learned as a child, often called the “No Talk” rule. We may have the mistaken notion that mentioning a problem, fear, weakness or imperfection actually causes it. However, experience shows that admitting our fears and feelings may decrease their power over us and make the circumstances less ominous.

When an adult or child is prevented from talking about a feeling, perception or problem, it grows inside. King David acknowledged that when he obeyed the “No Talk” rule, his anguish increased and his heart grew hot within him. His words are a vivid description of a threatening inner explosion. Admitting the dilemma, whatever it may be, allows us to ask for prayer and help. Go ahead. Face the fear. Uncover the problem. Talk to a caring friend. And turn it over to God.

Lord, it seems it should be easy,
but it isn’t.
For so long I have kept silent about my real feelings.
Please help me to have courage like David,
to open my mouth and admit my problems.

Joan C. Webb