A few close to me will know what I mean when I refer to the forest. It is a term I’ve created to describe the state of being and / or place within the dark corners of the mind. The place where ones pain resides. A pain invisible to others, suppressed by many and misunderstood by most. For those who are “in the forest” it can be a very lonely place and further isolation seems like the best solution to avoid those who don’t understand what you’re going through.
While understandable, I will say this. Though you may feel alone, you are most certainly not alone. For there are many in the forest with you, fighting their independent battles every single day, even though you can’t see them. I wanted to write a love letter to you so that you would know that you are not alone. I wanted to tell you that you matter. I wanted to tell you that I know the depth of an invisible pain so great, that even though it is silent and invisible it is both deafening and blinding. I’ve pondered so many things to say, searching my heart for words that I would have wanted someone to say to me during my time in the forest. However the words, seem too feeble and so inadequate. So instead, I will share three things that come to mind:
- Look up. When you’re in the forest and everything around you seems so dark and you feel as though you can’t stand; fall to your knees and look up. I read a scripture once that said “‘You have circled this mountain long enough; turn northward…” (Deuteronomy 2:3) I remember sharing this with my brother and saying: This scripture is sticking with me. Now all I have to do is figure out where northward is. He said: Look up, north is up. Then it clicked… yes, that’s is where God is. Which means to me, seek Him, instead of going in circles trying to find your way out.
2. The second thing is, sometimes songs randomly come to my mind when I am pondering something. It’s a strange thing that happens sometimes. Maybe because I love lyrics and they often stay with me. Anyway, there is a song that comes to mind that I love. It just came to me as I write this and it has encouraged me in times of need. Actually, I invited the singer to sing it at one of my community events and it was awesome. Anyway, if you’re in the forest, allow me to share the YouTube link so you can hear it. It’s called “After This” I pray it encourages you the way it once did for me.
3. Lastly, I watched a movie recently and no matter how many stars you would choose to give it, or not give it, there was a quote that stuck with me that I would love to share. I’ll spare the details of the source of the quote and the movie title. It may take away from the message. Anyway, It said: “You may not wanna wake up tomorrow, but the day after that, might just be great!” When I heard that, I felt that and it stuck with me. Reflecting back on that season in the forest, there were many days I felt like giving up. However, if I did give up then I wouldn’t be here trying to encourage you.
The point of it all is, I have had some wonderful days since my time in the forest and you can too. I don’t believe in happily ever after because life has its ups and downs. But, the moments of joy we get to experience are priceless and worth sticking around for. So hang in there please. You are not alone, I’m here…rooting for you!
Until next time,
Love,
Drea
Conversations With Drea 