We can’t erase the past and live in denial of its existence, but we let go of it in a way that yields to healing and growth. In the process of release, we can also learn more about the blind spots in our life — the dark places we need God’s light. And maybe that’s what this is more about: asking for God’s help as we learn to let go.
Once Upon a Time…
I had something like 11 photo albums. And they were heavy. And they’d go in a closet after every move and sit there for a couple of years taking up space. The photo albums somehow became a part of me, and even though they felt burdensome to move, even though they required space in a closet or under a bed–space that may have been needed for something more frequently used–I kept dragging them around year after year.
What was this strong grip on the photo albums? There were tons and tons of photos… and I don’t mean just the photos that were fun and memorable with close family and friends, but these albums included photos of people I hadn’t seen in years. Or photos of people I’m no longer involved with in some way. It made me wonder if I had a problem with letting go of the past — or letting go of “things.” Or both??
Letting Go… Physically
Eventually I challenged myself to take on the photo albums and get rid of unnecessary items. Every time I felt like keeping a certain photo — one that somehow opposed walking in faith or had little meaning — I’d ask what I was really wanting to keep. In the end, I eliminated hundreds of pictures. The ones I kept were for memory’s sake; they were pictures I could feel good sharing with my family. But the greater lesson was in trusting that it was “ok” to let go of things… and their emotional pull.
Not only did this relieve physical weight, but it felt emotionally lighter. I keep turning to God and asking for help releasing the self-imposed burdens in my life. Photo albums are only a small item in the big picture, but it was a starting point. Letting go of things we can see could help us reflect on and let go of the things we can’t see.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).
I wish I could say that all the material things I once clinged to were as simple as photo albums, but that’s not true. God helped me see what needed to go in my life (thank you Lord!)… and I’m still asking for His help in this area.
What are You Holding On To?
It could be money, clothes or some other “thing” that feels like a permanent fixture in your closet of life. Start there. Think about what’s hard to let go of… something that you know you grip too tightly. Pray that God sheds some light on the blindspot. Ask Him why you find it so hard to let go of this material item. Much will be revealed in the process.
We have greater things to let go of, so go by faith and trust that God is leading the way. Let go of something you’ve been clinging to by this Friday and see how it feels.
“If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it” (Luke 17:33).
Karen says
I moved from my first house I bought and lived in for 24 years, raised my daughter since she was 12 yrs old, brought home my first and only grandson where he lived with my daughter. It’s filled with “things” but mostly a lot of memories, you see my daughter passed away 3 years ago with brain cancer, so my only grandson I will ever have lived with me in that same house until Dec 15, 2016 then we moved to a new house that God found for me that I could afford and its in a great neighborhood, close to work and my grandsons’ school..perfect in so many ways
My problem is I still have the other house full of “things” and memories…I’m having a horrible time “letting go” of the house, the things,the memories..like I’m leaving my daughter behind …I need help from God and am in denial thinking I need all that “stuff” and when I go back to the house I feel as if I can feel my daughter in the years she lived there with me…
Please pray for me that I will be able to sell the house and enjoy the new house that God found for me without regrets and missing those ” things”
Thank you
Jenn Johns says
Karen, this is so beautiful. I had tears reading this because as a parent, I can imagine how hard this would feel. Sometimes I hang on to items they’ve grown out of, like an old snowsuit, because it reminds me of earlier times; times that we cannot return to. I feel in some way hanging on to that piece of clothing keeps that time alive. I know too that though it’s a reminder, it will never replace the lived experience, which will live on forever in my heart. And I know this feeling still cannot compare with what you are feeling. Thank you so much for reaching out and sharing that.
I will be praying for you now and in the weeks ahead that our father God holds you close, comforts your heart and guides you clearly in the steps you take to release in peace what you choose to release. I pray that items that you do choose to release, items of your daughter and her memory, be a true blessing to another. And I also pray for His strength to fill you.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)
God bless you sister.
Susie Johnson says
Thanks so much! I recently recycled 30 years of cds a lot were scratched.A few nights ago I had a panic attack in the middle of the night. I felt like I threw away memories. I ran to the web and searched articles to ease my mind. I am a Christian and the Bible verse hit home. Thanks so much!
Jenn Johns says
Susie I’m amazed you found this post from 7 years ago and so blessed by knowing it helped you. I struggled with that exact kind of thing, but now I realize that stuff is just stuff. Music can be found again when needed. Time to let it go and free up that space in your life for something new. Something better 🙂 Good for you!!
Wanda Smith says
Thank you for this post (20 years later!). I was able to send this to someone to help them get rid of things physically and I’m praying it will help clear up some clutter spiritually!