Clean up is still in progress in my neighborhood and surrounding areas following “Helene.” The initial fallen trees and branches are now an unsightly brown, stacked high, lining yards and the sides of streets.
An interesting section of trunk caught my eye recently. On its side, a circular hole is visible in the core of the trunk. Seeing this made me wonder if that hollow center was part of the reason the tree didn’t survive the storm. My thoughts also drifted to the fact that what looks healthy on the outside may be diseased and decaying on the inside.
Following are thoughts on a hole in the core:
Outside In
The external view isn’t always the full picture. Often, we put on a good front for others when we are wilting inside, devastated by loss, grief, past hurts, broken relationships, or other issues that gnaw at our core.
Over the years, I have learned many who seem strong, jovial, and put-together harbor secrets or hurts that eat away at their souls. Perhaps, with effort, they could put aside anger and resentment, regain forward motion through forgiveness, and heal that rotting spot inside. Yet, often, the hollow core increases in size instead.
Honesty in Struggle
Last week, I attended a celebration of life service for an amazing young man, a brilliant man, who accomplished much in a life cut short. His positive qualities were acknowledged, kindness, friendship, faith, love of family, but also his struggles.
Often, we don’t admit life struggles. We want to present a polished exterior, untarnished by depression, confusion, uncertainty, illness, or pain, yet, when we concede inner struggle, that acknowledgement begins the healing process.
Survival
“Helene” left many with deep devastation and loss, placing them in survival mode. They live day-to-day, dependent on others, in a holding pattern as they wait for the necessary assistance to regain forward motion. “Normal” may never look the same.
At times, we all face seasons of life when it feels as if we are surviving rather than thriving. In survival mode, the horizon is clouded by uncertainty, loss of control, and a nebulous time frame. When in survival mode, hope is the light that burns brightly at the end of the dark tunnel and makes it possible to restore your core.
How are You Filling Your Core?
All of us have an empty place in our souls. Many times, we fill that hole with all the wrong things—possessions, accolades, degrees, or detrimental substances. None of those satisfy for long, if at all.
It has been said that only God fills this hole in the soul, and I believe that is true. It is a God-sized hole that only He can adequately and totally fill.
Are you rotting internally? Are you hiding struggles that are eating away at you and preventing you from living life fully? You don’t have to remain empty. Through honest admission, and a desire for change, you can ask God to heal that hole in your core.
“When a tree is chopped down, there is always the hope that it will sprout again. Its roots and stump may rot, but at the touch of water, it sprouts once again” (Job 14:7-9 CEV).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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