Sideswiped

It is Monday and that usually means a slow day in the office. So I decided to be proactive with the time I had and do a little spring cleaning. This entailed cleaning out file folders on my computer, including old email.

It has been years since I have really cleaned out my email folders.

Unfortunately, I used to be something of a hoarder and created many subfolders to keep everything. I haven’t even touched these folders in a number of years. For whatever reason, I just stopped using them. Bear in mind that I was only 19 when I started working here and the subfolder names reflect that just a bit:

  • Brainless
  • God Stuff
  • Crap to Keep
  • Warm Fuzzies

Warm Fuzzies was for all of those emails that encouraged me. Kind of sad that I stopped adding to it, but I am just going to pretend it is because I forgot and not that I don’t get those kind of emails anymore. Anyway…

As I was going through all of the Warm Fuzzies, I uncovered a lot of memories.

Encouragement from him.
Fun old pictures from her.
Atta girls from them.

I remember creating this folder so that I could look back and read them with joy. But unfortunately him, her and them aren’t really in my life anymore or at least the relationship has changed. A lot of which for reasons that were completely out of my control.

Funny thing is I didn’t even have to read the emails. Just their names were enough to fill me with an overwhelming sadness. Not even anger, but just missing these people so much I almost couldn’t breathe.

Where’s a memory flashy thingy when I need one?

But instead of wallowing in today’s dose of despair (I’m certainly no stranger to wallowing), I thought I’d write it out. I haven’t used my blog as a journal in a very long time but this felt appropriate right now.

I didn’t expect to be faced with this today and I am not gonna lie… it sucks a lot. It just goes to show that nothing good can come from cleaning :) but at least you know that I’m hurting. And perhaps could even send up a prayer for comfort on my behalf.

It also goes to show that I still have things to work on and thankfully God is still in the business of mending broken hearts. This afternoon will be spent with chocolate, musical soundtracks and a lot of prayer.

What do you do when old hurts return?

Published
Categorized as Ouch

By Crystal Renaud

Crystal Renaud is the Founder & Executive Director of WHOLE Women Ministries whose projects include Dirty Girls Ministries and WHOLE Women’s Conference. She is also the author of Dirty Girls Come Clean (Moody Publishers), a speaker and student who lives in the Kansas City area. Follow @crystalrenaud on Twitter and visit her website for info on coaching and speaking at http://crystalrenaud.com.

5 comments

  1. I’ve been struggling with this because of the diet I’m on. I used to bury those feelings in a bag of Swedish Fish. Now, I can’t do that. I’ve been praying a lot about old hurts and God’s been showing me how to take steps toward healing.

    You know I believe in you and what you’re doing, right? Don’t forget it. File that in with warm fuzzies.

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  2. In the last year I have learned to do lots of little things.

    I made wallpapers for my computer with verses or quote that remind me of my own strength. Now I see them and it reminds me I am strong. He has made me that way.

    I reach out to a friend. I talked with her last year about being “my person” and one text or email and she is there.

    I write. If I had only known a year ago how writing would change me I would have done it sooner. But it does and it has.

    I have the Word posted in places that remind me who I am. With or without the people in my life.

    I think it was getting together a small arsenal of little things that help keep me grounded. Remembering I am His.

    Moving forward is hard. The pain can be intense. But it is in that pain that He works…and Heals.

    Praying for you friend.

    <3

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  3. i relate on so many levels. from the too-many email folders to the deep missing heartache.

    you’re on my heart and mind a lot today.

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  4. I write music.
    Or write many many sentences, multiple paragraph’s worth.
    Or talk to friends.
    Or go to the gym.

    I’m sorry these old hurts are stinging today.

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  5. I struggle with this too. I want to email “friends” who aren’t really friends. I hate saying goodbye when I know it’s good for me… what God wants. I want to embrace these friendships forever; mostly, I want them to know Christ in me the Hope of Glory. But, I don’t know if I am the one to show that to them. Don’t think I have the strength.

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