By: Megan Ludke
A round of pmdd has hit me just as Christmas is approaching leaving me feeling deeply sad, numb, and anxious; like a dark cloud is over me during this joyful time. I spiral deeper into the sadness just wanting to feel the joy of Christmas.
I’m reminded by my struggles that there are so many out there struggling this Christmas season. Rather than experience joy and togetherness, some are experiencing a loss in their family making this joyful time a painful reminder of their loss. Some are experiencing depression and just want to break free from that sadness. Some are experiencing eating disorders leading to disconnect from family and friends due to fear of food, changes in exercise routines, holiday clothing. Some are experiencing intense social anxiety making holiday parties challenging and painful.
For all those struggling this Christmas season, you are seen. I see you. The RecoverED Athletes team sees you.
Do you want to know who else sees you?
Jesus.
Jesus sees your pain and sorrow and weeps when you weep. Jesus is right there with you in the pain, holding you close.
This Christmas season my prayer for you is that you’d be able to feel Jesus’ closeness, His love, His compassion. And if you can’t feel His closeness, love, and compassion that you’d know the truth in your heart that Jesus cares so deeply for you and loves you so deeply. That He longs for you to feel joyful again.
And to hold the truth in your heart. We may not feel joyful or happy or ok but we can know the truth that Jesus came to this earth for our salvation. And that He will return one day to restore the brokenness in this world, to wipe away every one of your tears, that no more sadness or mourning or pain would exist.
To those struggling this Christmas, you are seen.
I’m reminded of these beautiful lyrics from Into the Sea (It’s gonna be ok) by Tasha Layton
“Though the mountains may be moved into the sea
Though the ground beneath might crumble and give way
I can hear my Father singing over me
“It’s gonna be ok, it’s gonna be ok”
To those struggling this Christmas season, you are seen and you are loved. ❤️
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
-Revelation 21:4
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
-Matthew 28:20
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
“The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”
Jeremiah 31:3
RecoverED Athletes 