For many adults who have experienced parentification or emotional incest as a child, it may be difficult to fully embrace the tenets of Scripture. Receiving and appropriating the word of God in our lives requires a level of vulnerability and humility--a "child-like faith". The wide-eyed wonder that ideally accompanies youth; a sense of awe, curiosity, excitement, and trust which is often absent from the life of a parentified child as the cares of life simply do not afford such whimsy. It is largely everything that is counterintuitive and illogical to the parentified soul who has been thrust into adult-like roles and responsibilities, not just based upon an adult's/adults' expectation, but for mere survival. It may be challenging to relinquish the tightly held reins of survival and allow one's self to present as a child before our loving Father. Yet, to move forward this a needful part of the journey to wholeness.
To consider what it looks like to dismantle these deeply intertwined, protective layers, may be extremely terrifying--yet the consideration of such is evidence of a heart that is attune to inner longings, unmet needs, and a quiet hope that care, help, and healing is available. It is grappling with that flicker, that spark of curiosity that activates a heart in pursuit of something more. "What would happen if I took God at his Word?" "What does it look like to come to Jesus as a child?" This internal pondering is fruitful and indicative that meaningful change is emerging.
The Good News is that the answer to all of our deep, soulish questions is found in the word of God. Therefore, what would happen if you took God at his Word? Answer: You would encounter his lovingkindness and find refuge for your soul (Psalm 36:7). You would encounter peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6). You would find healing for your soul wounds (Psalm 147:3). You would discover who God says you are (Psalm 139:14), not who you were conditioned to become. You would find joy unspeakable (I Peter 1:8) and so much more.
If you are an adult who has experienced parentification and are quietly enduring or nursing the wounds this traumatizing childhood pain brings, may I encourage you to pursue God for yourself (Jeremiah 29:13)? May I suggest that you give yourself permission to be vulnerable and transparent before him just as so many people in the Bible had done (Psalm 30:2, Matthew 26:6-13, Luke 8:43-48, etc.)? When they were faced with a need, they went to The Solution! Please do not take my word for it, search out the scriptures for yourself. You will see countless examples of how God met and ministered to people at their point of need. You will find that he tenderly mends the brokenness and heals the wounds of the afflicted soul in a compassionate and individualized way.
Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank you for your word. Thank you that your word gives light and understanding (Psalm 119:130). You lead us out of dark places with your illuminating word. You give us insight into our history and experiences. You lead us onto a path of healing and wholeness. Thank you that we are fully known by you
(I Corinthians 13:12) and fully loved with your everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). We pray that you would endow us with your supernatural grace that enables us to come before you like a child. We bring our despair, our wounds, our fears, and our worries before you. We receive your peace, your healing, and your comfort in exchange. Fill us with your love and strength as we seek you with our whole hearts. Thank you for filling every void. Thank you for supplying every unmet need. Thank you for gently caring for the wounds of our souls. Thank you for restoring our wide-eyed wonder, in Jesus' name. Amen.
To consider what it looks like to dismantle these deeply intertwined, protective layers, may be extremely terrifying--yet the consideration of such is evidence of a heart that is attune to inner longings, unmet needs, and a quiet hope that care, help, and healing is available. It is grappling with that flicker, that spark of curiosity that activates a heart in pursuit of something more. "What would happen if I took God at his Word?" "What does it look like to come to Jesus as a child?" This internal pondering is fruitful and indicative that meaningful change is emerging.
The Good News is that the answer to all of our deep, soulish questions is found in the word of God. Therefore, what would happen if you took God at his Word? Answer: You would encounter his lovingkindness and find refuge for your soul (Psalm 36:7). You would encounter peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6). You would find healing for your soul wounds (Psalm 147:3). You would discover who God says you are (Psalm 139:14), not who you were conditioned to become. You would find joy unspeakable (I Peter 1:8) and so much more.
If you are an adult who has experienced parentification and are quietly enduring or nursing the wounds this traumatizing childhood pain brings, may I encourage you to pursue God for yourself (Jeremiah 29:13)? May I suggest that you give yourself permission to be vulnerable and transparent before him just as so many people in the Bible had done (Psalm 30:2, Matthew 26:6-13, Luke 8:43-48, etc.)? When they were faced with a need, they went to The Solution! Please do not take my word for it, search out the scriptures for yourself. You will see countless examples of how God met and ministered to people at their point of need. You will find that he tenderly mends the brokenness and heals the wounds of the afflicted soul in a compassionate and individualized way.
Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank you for your word. Thank you that your word gives light and understanding (Psalm 119:130). You lead us out of dark places with your illuminating word. You give us insight into our history and experiences. You lead us onto a path of healing and wholeness. Thank you that we are fully known by you
(I Corinthians 13:12) and fully loved with your everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). We pray that you would endow us with your supernatural grace that enables us to come before you like a child. We bring our despair, our wounds, our fears, and our worries before you. We receive your peace, your healing, and your comfort in exchange. Fill us with your love and strength as we seek you with our whole hearts. Thank you for filling every void. Thank you for supplying every unmet need. Thank you for gently caring for the wounds of our souls. Thank you for restoring our wide-eyed wonder, in Jesus' name. Amen.
