Disclaimer: This might be triggering for those who suffer from trauma and mental health issues. If you fit in that category, please read with a friend.

I know I sound like a broken record when I say life is hard. It’s true though. It could be seen as a rollercoaster ride. Former R&B singer Richard “Dimples” Fields penned it well when he said “If it a’int one thing, it’s another”. After all, people have lost loved ones. Some have lost their source of income. Some are even struggling with their faith. It could even be a combination of all these things. We all struggle with some issue or other daily. 

What if I told you that there are some persons close to us that are walking among us with inner pain? They suffer in silence, unwilling to share with the world how they feel or what their thought processes are like. Maybe those who are seen as “strong” are persons who are crying on the inside for help. They smile in the day and cry at night. If these persons told us their stories we would be shocked. We could not dare walk in their shoes. 

Folks who choose to have an “unspoken emotion” do so for varying reasons. Some are unable to articulate well how they feel. Some choose not to with a view that conversations will not bring relief. Some refuse to share because they feel as if they would be a burden to others. There are more reasons  to add to this list. What is common among all these stances is that those who suffer use these as mechanisms to cope. In many cases, these options are not sustainable. Bottling up emotions will be manifested in other ways. Aggression, substance abuse, isolation and stress eating are a few. 

Though we cannot force those who refuse to share with us what their struggles are, we need to intentionally and sincerely check on our friends and family. This idea that we should only care for those who care for us is rubbish. That perspective is rooted in a love that is fickle and conditional. Everyone is fighting a battle. We need to be kind to each other and share in each others’ pain and eventual glory. If you say you love and care about others, please be prayerful, present and patient with them. Attempt to do that consistently. In so doing, you would have created a safe space for that loved one to share with you. 

If you are one with an unspoken emotion, I understand that this is a difficult journey to be on. I want to applaud you for being strong. You have been handed bad days and you have made it through all of them up to this point. However, please do not walk this road alone. Please find a safe space, rest your burden on the shoulder of folks you trust. Find joy again. You matter, you are loved and you are enough. I pray that in your weakness, that you will find comfort and healing to make it through. Take it easy on yourself too. You deserve grace.

^{Photo by Omari J. Harris (IG: @omarijharris)}