Importance of reaching out

In our most recent episode, the team dives deeper into the importance of reaching out. On my journey I struggled a lot to feel worthy of being loved because of the shame of things that had happened to me and things I had done to myself and others.

Feeling the weight of the world to pose and try to project an image of “everything is good here, no need to take up any of your time,” I didn’t feel worthy of seeking love or giving love.

Even worse, I didn’t feel worthy of being loved. I couldn’t give grace to myself, and as a result, I really couldn’t give grace to others. While downplaying the hurt of others against me, I was also always looking to blame others for my lot in life. My ego got in my way and blocked me from being able to connect.

So, stuck in this cycle of trying to be brave and hold it all in, but then crushed by the anxiety that I’m not worthy of love from others and God (because, after all I falsely believed that I am a bad person), I was constantly struggling to know what I need and feeling worthy of accepting what I need.

Sounds crazy typing that out - but it is the demonic cycle which kept me in isolation and this acting out in addiction.

How do I overcome this?

I just reach out.

Uncomfortable, ashamed, or posing and trying to be brave, I reach out anyway.

I’ve learned God is big enough to accept me in spite of myself. And many of you accept me in my weakness. And together we have laughed in our weakness, seen the insanity of selfishness and shame, and prayed for and been present with each other.

As I look back over my trials of the past few months, despite the things which happened to me that seemed out of my control, the real struggles came when I tried to hold it all in and carry it myself. And the real deliverance came when, despite all of that, one of you reached out to me or took my call when I finally had the courage to reach out to you.

“Reach up, and reach out” is an AA tenant I am reminded of often. One of my intentions for 2025 is to remember how much this helps me and to regularly take action in following though.

By Pete, Writing Team