We Are Not Our Enemies

There may have been times when you’ve felt like you were your own enemy. I’ve often been frustrated at habits that I couldn’t break, or behaviors that I knew were not healthy but couldn’t seem to stop. At times like that, we feel like we’re our own enemies, but we are not.

There were people who inflicted trauma on us, and that trauma often influences us—whether or not we realize it—to make choices that are not wise. The trauma is our enemy because it still affects us, sometimes still controls us, even though we don’t want it to.

When we remember that we are not our own enemies, we can start choosing to be our own friends. We can be gentle with ourselves, honest and patient and loving to ourselves, just like we would be to any other friend.

When you feel pressed to make choices that are not wise, please talk about them with a counselor or therapist if you have access to one. Also always talk about them with the Lord, who loves you endlessly. Be honest with God. “I really want to break this bad habit. I want to treat myself with honor and respect, Lord. Please help me to do that, and I thank you. I trust you. I look to you.” This is a prayer that will be answered, so be patient. Do your part. And know that you are not your enemy.

Photo by Milada Vigerova on Unsplash.com