Brave Enough to Say It (No, I’m Not Borrowing These Words)

So here’s the thing – I blog because my mind is a circus. A busy, never-ending, where-did-that-thought-even-come-from, kind of mind. It’s my outlet, and today I’ve been thinking about how overwhelming it is when we’re drowning in everyone’s problems. Like, are we carrying the world’s weight now? Because I’m pretty sure my back is out already from doing the laundry, let alone the world’s drama.

But here’s the kicker – don’t I have my own problems too? (Spoiler alert: I definitely do.) We all do. Imagine for a second what it would be like if we didn’t have God to lift them up to! The world would just be this giant ball of stress, where everyone blames everyone else for their messes instead of focusing on what we can do to change things. Sounds familiar, right? You know the drill. It’s like, “Hey, don’t look at my mess; yours is worse!”

And honestly, even if no one reads this – I’m fine. Because getting this out is therapy for me. Self-care, people! Plus, I’m at the point in my life where I really don’t care if you don’t like what I have to say. You don’t live in my house, you’re not doing my dishes, and frankly, you don’t get a say in my life decisions. Wink. If I know my husband and kids love me, that’s what counts. They know the real me – the “I-might-feed-you-but-I’ll-barely-feed-myself” me, the “Do you know how many attempts it took me to learn how to make bread we all like? And my kids still want the store-bought kind!” me. But hey, we laugh it off anyway.

And in the middle of writing this, I realized it was starting to rain, and of course, I couldn’t get the mower started. So, what did I do? I grabbed my daughter’s birthday party plastic table cover and threw it over the mower to protect it. Just being honest here!

Also, let me be clear – I’m not calling anyone out here. This isn’t about pointing fingers. I just want to learn to love deeper, like Tim McGraw says in “Live Like You Were Dying.” Life’s too short to hold back when it comes to loving the people around you.

If you or I died tomorrow (dark thought, but hey, let’s go there), what would actually matter? I’m 36 – not getting any younger, by the way – and I don’t want to spend my time dwelling on everything that’s wrong. Nope. I want to focus on loving my husband and my kids the best I can. If you don’t like me, shrug, that’s cool. I’m not losing sleep over it. But here’s what I do want – for me and my family to hold each other accountable. And when we get called out, to be like, “Yep, you’re right,” instead of being stubborn about it. Sure, we’ll probably pout for a minute, but we’ll get over it.

Now let me throw some Bible truth at you – from the KJV, because that’s how we roll. “Love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Jesus didn’t just love – He loved deeply and selflessly. Yeah, I get it, the world says “love yourself” (and you should), but don’t forget to love others too. There’s room for both! Let’s not let the devil win when it comes to love. He’ll try to make us hate, but we’ll resist. Hard.

And in the words of Sara Bareilles (you know I had to throw this in):
“Everybody’s been there, everybody’s been stared down by the enemy, fallen for the fear and done some disappearing…” So, why hold your tongue? Say what needs to be said, stand up for what’s right. Brave, right? I thought so.

Francesca Battistelli also reminds us in “If We’re Honest” that the truth sets us free. And honestly, isn’t that what it’s all about? Being truthful with ourselves, with others, and with God?

Oh, and let’s not forget Tim McGraw’s reminder in “Live Like You Were Dying” – we don’t know how much time we have, so let’s make it count. Let’s love deeply, forgive quickly, and live fully.

All of this to say – don’t let the world mislead you. God is not about the chaos and the blame game. He’s your biggest fan, cheering you on to love others and love well.

Here are the three songs that I had mentioned –

An Important Reminder
While I’ve been talking about life’s messes and how we all have our fair share of problems, there’s something even more serious I want to mention. If you’re living with someone who constantly tears you down, treats you badly, or even abuses you in some way, please don’t keep that burden to yourself. Don’t dwell in that darkness alone, because you don’t deserve it. You are worth so much more, and if no one has told you that today, I am telling you now.

Please reach out to someone you trust – whether that’s a friend, a family member, or a professional. Therapy can be such a powerful tool, or simply having someone to talk to can help you see your worth again. God says you are worth it, and He made you to live a life full of love, not pain.

Life can be hard, but don’t let someone else’s negativity or cruelty define your value. You are worthy of love, joy, and peace – and I promise you, you are never alone. So, if you find yourself in a situation where you feel crushed or unsafe, don’t be afraid to seek help. There is strength in asking for it, and healing can follow.

Remember, you’re more precious than you realize, and God is always with you, holding you up even when it feels like the world’s pushing you down. Don’t let someone else’s actions steal your light – you deserve to shine.

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Consider Online Therapy
If you’re not comfortable talking to someone in person or need support quickly, online therapy can be a great option. Here are some suggestions where you can get started:

• BetterHelp: An online platform offering affordable counseling sessions from licensed therapists. You can communicate via chat, video, or phone. BetterHelp
• Talkspace: Provides online therapy with licensed professionals. They offer flexible plans and you can send messages to your therapist anytime. Talkspace
• 7 Cups: A free platform that connects you with trained volunteer listeners or licensed professionals for affordable therapy. 7 Cups
• Cerebral: Offers online therapy and medication management for anxiety, depression, and more. Cerebral

Additionally, your insurance may cover therapy – both in-person and online. Be sure to check with your provider, as many plans offer mental health services, which could reduce the cost or even cover the full amount of therapy sessions. It’s worth looking into to make sure you’re getting the support you need at a price that’s affordable for you.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. You’re not alone, and there are people who want to support you through whatever you’re facing.

With Love,

Kayla (Katie Bee)