It’s ok to not be ok. Breathe. You’re not alone. I know you feel like you are, you’re convinced that no one else is experiencing this, has done this or has had this happen to them. It’s not true. I promise you, there are others feeling just like you. God himself suffered on our behalf, he understands your pain, your suffering, your hurt. He’s with you, you’re not alone.

It’s ok to be hurting. You are going through something big and it’s painful. You hurt. You feel broken and bruised but you are not beyond repair. Your feeling the emotions of the hurt and suffering you’re experiencing. But it won’t always be like this. You aren’t stuck here. Breathe.

It’s ok to feel out of control. You’ve never actually been in control, things we’re just going with your plan. Now they aren’t. You didn’t want this. You didn’t ask for this. You didn’t plan this. Lean in, God’s got you. He’s always had you. He knows what’s going on. He’s in control. You feel like the floor has been removed from your feet but you’re not lost. I know you don’t know the next step, don’t worry about it. Breathe. 

It’s ok to need help. You were never meant to suffer on your own. There’s nothing wrong with leaning on others, with admitting your need. Speak up. Reach out. I promise you’ll feel better. I know how scary it is to admit there’s a problem and you need help but you have a problem and you need help. Speak.

And in the midst of all this new and hard don’t forget to eat, your body needs food to keep moving whether you feel like eating or not. 

Showers are not really optional. You’ll feel better. Take one. 

Sleep but don’t over sleep, you still need to get up and move around. You shouldn’t stay in bed all day.

Take it one day at a time. How you feel today and what is happening today does not necessarily determine how tomorrow will be. Make it to the next meal, the next day, the next week, the next month.

Don’t forget the things you like, try them. Get out of your situation for an hour, a day if you can. Do something fun. You can feel multiple emotions at a time. It’s ok to celebrate and mourn in the same season, to be happy and sad in the same day. 

Don’t go at it alone. You’re not alone, remember. Reach out. Speak up. You were never meant to hide. The darkness cannot heal your soul, it only breeds more sin, more shame, more hurt and more pain. 

Remember God sees your deepest struggles, your biggest hurts and darkest sin and He is not afraid. He has never once left you, nor forsaken you. He is with you and working in you even when you don’t see it or believe it.

God loves you and He cares about you. He is good and He is good to you. Your suffering, your sickness, your hurt, your pain, your sin, your shame does not define you if you are in Christ Jesus. Let go of all that you are holding and put it openly at the feet of Him who paid it all for you and remember to breathe.