✍️ The Journal Knows

I had initially planned to share the below some time ago, but for some reason, I’m only ending up doing so now, today.

And oh boy, how that same message hits differently now. So many things have happened.

One hard thing after another. And I kept asking myself, “When will it stop?”

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” — 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 (NIV)

Let’s rewind to a few months ago. The month of May ended on a sombre note. I did not imagine that one event would come my way, and at that time, I had already committed to speaking about a subject that matters to me, our emotional and mental well-being. 🌿 Given the particular circumstances, it was very difficult to discuss that subject, but I did not want to back down, as I believed there was value in sharing what I had prepared.

Little did I know that two other events would affect me during June, the kind of events you don’t see coming, and you’re like, No!! I can’t be going through this.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

But throughout this whole month of pain and tears, I constantly heard a quiet voice inside: “Do not suppress your emotions. Go do what you said, Emms. Go back to your notes on emotional and mental well-being. Start with what you’ve got.”

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

So that’s what I did, I literally opened up my laptop and let my notes speak to me, and here’s a snippet of what I shared:

We hear more and more about the importance of caring for our mental and emotional health. But the truth is, it’s still incredibly hard for many of us to be real about what we’re going through. To speak honestly. To be vulnerable without fear. To feel without apology.

Somewhere along the way, many of us began to confuse emotional honesty with weakness. We learned to hide what hurts and to smile through the struggle.

“Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief.” — Proverbs 14:13 (NIV)

And maybe the worst part is when you do open up, only to be met with judgment, especially from those closest to you. 💔

Let me tell you this: Feeling deeply is not a flaw. Speaking the truth, even if your voice shakes, is not weakness. Being honest about your struggle is one of the bravest things you can do.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

When things get tough, what do you do? 

📓 Write – Let it out so it doesn’t stay stuck inside. Say the unsaid. 

♥️ Reach out – Talk to someone. Don’t isolate yourself. 

👥 Let people in – Not everyone has wrong intentions. Some people around you have your back. Allow them to help you.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”  Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

So during my hard time, I did what I said. I wrote 100 words, which became 500. Five hundred turned into 3,000 and more. My writings were unfiltered, raw, and real. I had to process the ache, the pain, the unanswered questions.

“Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll, are they not in your record?”  Psalm 56:8 (NIV)

I also reached out for support, yes, I did, and I’m blessed to say that I know who are those who truly have my back. And lastly, I allowed people in and witnessed the love and care from family and friends.

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)

I want to end here and emphasize the journaling part, because journaling is not only writing, it’s releasing.

Because when it’s too heavy to say out loud - The journal knows. 

When your heart is full but your mouth can’t form the words - The journal knows. 

When no one seems to get it - The journal knows.

You don’t need to write beautifully. You don’t need the right words. You just need to be honest...

“Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:8 (NIV)

Here’s what I reminded myself to do, and maybe it’s what you need, too: So if you’re in it right now, hurting, overwhelmed, or just tired, try writing. Start with that. Let your journal hold what your heart is carrying. Let it know. Let it help. Let it begin the healing. 🌙📖

Then reach out and let people in! And even if you fall, get up. Chin up. And walk boldly into your better days.

“The righteous may fall seven times but still get up, but the wicked will stumble into trouble.” Proverbs 24:16 (CSB)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Blessings,

Emmanuella