Baggage... Bondage or Blessing?

We all have it...baggage. No, not the luggage, purses, or bags that we so often pack full of essentials. No, baggage ... the kind that we often forget that we are carrying. This baggage is full of messages that we replay over and over again about ourselves, God, and others. This baggage is full of the names that we have been called, names of humiliation and regret. This baggage is full of hidden memories, details seared onto our hearts, minds, and souls. This baggage is full of secret questions, doubts, and fears. What do you do with your baggage? I spent many years convincing myself that my baggage had never really impacted me, if it had really existed as baggage at all! All the while, I carried not one bag... but a whole luggage set everywhere I went! Much of my energy was drained by my efforts to lug my baggage close to my side, contain it, hide it, polish it, and pretend it away. Sometimes I would trip on my baggage, and sometimes my baggage tripped up others. Baggage. The worse thing about baggage is when it blocks your view. With my baggage, I just could not see clearly. No matter how hard I would look, my view was impaired. Baggage. When it comes to baggage, do we have a choice? Really? Don't be fooled ... we all have it, but what are you going to do with it? Is it possible that our baggage, the things that once brought bruising and bondage, can actually bring blessing? Yes! Is it possible that interwoven with the grief there is deep hope? Yes! Is it possible that out of the places of desolation and isolation one can experience the love of the great Consolation? Yes! For my dear sisters who hide her baggage deeply away, carrying a burden not meant to be carried alone, my heart is in prayer for you today. The shame of such baggage only brings a bondage that you were never intended to bear. Praying that today, you might encounter the grace needed to share your baggage with another, that slowly piece by piece each might be changed from bondage to blessing. That in each baggage you might personally know and experience your true love who was with you when you first picked up the bag, and before.