Gold Mine - Pt. 1

Ingrained in our minds is the belief that to find ourselves is to search outside of ourselves. In reality, all that is intended for us to be is right here within us.

Imagine a gold mine. We are the gold, while lies, sin, and shame take responsibility for the rocks and dirt that bury us. So much of it we did not ask for, while still a good amount we’ve heaped upon ourselves. One look from the outside and it’s no wonder we assume our journey of becoming leads us away from where we currently stand. But there is something inside of us that longs for an escape, marking the walls to keep track of the days till courage emerges and takes its first swing at freedom.

We cannot shed the dirt without vulnerability, time, or mess – things America’s culture shames. Vulnerability is weakness, time is waste, and mess is irresponsibility at best. Should we cross these lines, we will discover a fierce battle to believe in our own worthiness of love and belonging. Everything around us will say we’ve gone too far. No one will slow down for us; no one will forgive us; no one will tell us we are not alone, for we will all be too busy fortifying our own walls to concern ourselves with the suckers who questioned theirs.

In this battle, if fought alone, destruction is inevitable. But there is another way. We can unanimously agree to unbuild our walls and let each other in. We can allow ourselves the vulnerability to say “I am not okay;” the mess we’ll make in upsetting expectations; and the time it takes to clean it all up before taking another swing.

This endeavor is not a box we can check, it is a journey requiring both courage and patience. If we’re completely convinced of its impossibility and overwhelmed by fear and doubts, we’re in luck. Fear and doubt are the first steps towards courage. The question is not “can we do it?” but “is it worth it?”

We’ve been given one life. Are we satisfied to stay hidden beneath a grimy surface, or are we willing to give you, me, and everyone we’ve yet to know, permission to grow? I’m in if you are.

*See 'Gold Mine Pt. 2" for a faith-infused version of the above.