Written and submitted by: Ronnie Cyrus-Jackson
Friend, let’s be honest. There’s a kind of strength that looks good on the outside but feels like survival on the inside. You show up, you perform, you take care of everyone else… But, when it’s quiet, you secretly navigate disappointment, anxiety, and depression (to name a few) because of past pain that you hide. Perhaps you don’t quite have words for ‘it,’ or you may have grown hopeless for healing ‘it’. If that’s you, hear this: you are not weak because you’re masking. You’re human. And you’re not alone.
Many of us were taught, especially in faith spaces, to suffer silently, to “pray it away,” to push through and believe “this too shall pass.” But let’s be real… has it passed, or have you just learned how to carry it better? Healing doesn’t come from ignoring pain. Healing comes from facing it. Yes, faith is powerful, but healing also requires your participation. It requires honesty and support. We get to trust God and still admit we’re struggling. We can pray and still seek help. That doesn’t make you weak; it makes you whole. Did you know… Healing is actually holy!
Healing out loud isn’t about telling everyone your story. It’s about telling yourself the truth. It’s choosing to stop pretending, to feel what you’ve been avoiding, and to allow safe people to walk with you. Real healing happens in safe spaces, with trusted people, a supportive community, and resources like our NAMI Greater San Antonio Chapter.
Meditation
Let’s pause for a moment to face this truth… Ask yourself: What am I hiding, or where am I resisting the truth? Because some wounds need words to heal ~ I invite you to say this out loud, by faith: “I may not be okay today… but I will be.” That’s not weakness, that’s the beginning of freedom!
You don’t have to hide your reality, to be strong. You don’t have to suffer, to be worthy. And you don’t have to heal secretly, to be whole. You can heal out loud… but never alone.
Friend, don’t leave this moment unchanged. Reach out to someone you trust today, explore support resources in our community, and give yourself permission to tell the truth, without shame. Your healing is waiting on your honesty.
Prayer
Dear God, You see what I’ve been carrying. Give me the courage to be honest and the strength to seek support without shame. Surround me with safe people and guide me toward healing. Remind me that I am not alone. Restore me and lead me in Your peace. Amen.
~With hope and healing
Coach Ronnie
NAMI GSA Bridges To Care Wellness Champion
About the Author
Ronnie Cyrus-Jackson is a Survivor, Author, Speaker and Certified Mental Health Life Coach. She serves others through her faith-based teaching gift where she enjoys curating spaces for Authentic Transformations to unfold. For more information visit https://www.ronniecyrus-jackson.com
