Sometimes one of the hardest things one can do is try to help another up without being pulled down with them.
I’ve had several friends tell me stories of how they gave into temptation while trying to help a friend overcome theirs. Here they are wanting so badly to help a friend in need get stronger and stay clean when they, themselves, needed someone to help them stay strong.
I know first hand how difficult it can be. When I first started my journey to freedom from pornography I fell many times while trying to help someone else. I simply wasn’t strong enough.
All those images and thoughts were still too fresh in my mind to help them. I thought I could, but I was wrong.
The things they would share with me became visions in my own head and as hard as I tried to not think about them…well…you know.
Since then I have learned a thing or two. I have learned that I need someone in my corner that is stronger than me. Someone I can go to when the thoughts become to powerful after that hard conversation with someone asking for guidance. I’ve learned that praying for that person on the phone before we end said conversation lessens the visions and thoughts after we hang up. I’ve also learned that things seen can not be unseen no matter how hard we try to erase them.
Triggers, triggers, and more triggers. No matter how strong you are there will, more than likely be a word or a phrase that will bring back a memory. It’s at that moment when your strength is tested.
It is then that your integrity could be in jeopardy.
It is then when you have to realize that you can’t fight alone.
It is then that even the strongest of accountability partners need accountability.
It is then that you have to remind yourself how far you have come.
It is then that you have to realize that your true strength comes not from yourself or others but rather Christ that lives in you.
I will admit that even after all this time images will still pop into my head. And I do reach out to those friends. And I pray asking God to clear my mind. For I, above anyone else, know that one wrong turn could lead me down a road I have visited before…one I did not like travelling down.
So watch yourself dear friends so that you are not tempted and fall.
Reblogged this on The Hippy Chic.
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Wow! I am so humbled and honored that you would want to share this with your readers. Thank you
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Very, very well done!!!!!!!!!!
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Comes down to changing the way you think and act. Anything can be a trigger for anything…a person can trigger a memory and make you feel sad, an environment can make you crave a drink, a song on the radio can catapult you into the past. It becomes necessary to change how you think about things so that your actions are more in alignment with who you are.
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Thank you for sharing that. I totally agree…anything can be a trigger for anything. Sharing that with a friend who is struggling with their past.
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I just went through this today! I had to stop myself from going back to old ways of thinking and began to pray that God would remind me of what He has shown me in His Word and how He sees me. I was deeply hurt by a loved one and I was not strong enough to resist the need to be angry. So I bent in prayer and asked God sow truth into my thoughts so I may not be fooled by old lies that were trying to creep back in. It was hard but I got through it. My hope and prayer is one day these triggers won’t be triggers at all. But if not you are correct Christ lives in us and He is always there to do what we cannot do for ourselves. Thank you Jesus! My Abba My King!
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Those old lies we used to believe can be deadly. I am so glad you were able to stop and pray. That shows strength and maturity in your walk 🙂
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It’s a lonely walk sometimes… I do not trust easily now. Very wary of people BUT God has been good to me. I have a lot to be grateful for.♡♡♡
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Yes, it can be VERY lonely at times. I deal with trust issues as well. I can relate. And YES, there is a lot to be grateful for and sometimes it is a simple thing like stopping long enough to smell the roses.
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Powerful Message! I LOVE James! ❤
I have nominated you for the 3 Day Quote Challenge!
May God be glorified! ❤ Me and God have faith in you!
https://gaillovesgod.blog/2018/04/08/3-day-quote-challenge-day-3/
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Thank you! James is my favorite Book 🙂
And what a challenge it will be, as I am sporadic with my posts at times. Give me a couple of days to get my thoughts together and I will begin.
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Follow God, and He will guide. If leads you to once a week, or day, or whatever He gives you, trust Him. 🙂 I am confident and happy to read what He gives YOU! In His perfect timing. ❤ God bless you, Stu!
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#Nice BLOG!!!
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Thank you very much 🙂
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