by Guest Blogger Sarah Littlefield

GO AHEAD...THROW IT OFF!

Hebrews 12:1 says “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (NIV)

This verse has been a significant and meaningful verse for me for many reasons! Over the past year I have experienced quite a change in my life and my family. My husband had to retire from his job as a physician because of health-related issues. Needless to say, it was not what we had planned! We have always relied on the Lord, but this change of circumstances has forced us to a place we would have never chosen. What we have chosen is to step back and allow God to work in ways we would have never known. What we have undoubtedly learned is that He has our best interest in mind and continues to faithfully teach and guide us in the way we should go!

I have taken this painful, yet fruitful life experience and applied many of the lessons I have been so graciously taught by the Lord and applied many of them in my practice. It has resulted in a personal and professional growth spurt! I have created a mini-program with the material I am going to share with you, which has helped many! Let me tell you a little bit about it...

But first, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Sarah Littlefield. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in Tennessee. I have been a practicing clinician since 2001, with a break for a few years while having my 2 children who are now 13 (almost 14) and 11. I have been married to my husband Tom, going on 16 years. We also have two dogs, these furry friends are very much a part of our little tribe! I have been in private practice since 2012 and thoroughly enjoy counseling families, individuals and children. It is a thrill like no other! I have witnessed many break the chains of past hurts and pains and find freedom eagerly waiting for them on the other side. I consider it an honor that the Lord has allowed me to be in this position!

So, let me ask you, are you reading this and thinking “I have a few (or many) struggles of my own!” If so, I pray you find this information useful, I know I certainly have, so have many others!

As we enter into marriage and then parenthood, we bring a lot to the table, most of which is not within our conscious awareness. Somehow, little by little, bit by bit, what we often unknowingly bring, permeates our relationships, which in turn manifest themselves in various ways. This can come in many forms, such as: being easily angered, bouts of sadness that are unexplainable, inability to deal with conflict, which makes us conflict avoidant, inability to express needs/wants/desires, which leaves us feeling empty, alone, resentful, we may dislike certain holidays and events, which again stir a whole gamut of emotions. Whatever the case may be,

THERE IS HOPE

and the ability to work through those issues.

Enter the words of the unknown author of Hebrews: “Throw off everything that hinders.” HOW DO WE DO THAT? Well, that’s the million dollar question! I will tell you this, until you recognize and admit or claim ownership of what is going on or hindering you, no change or action can occur.

Let me break those down for you:

1. Recognition:  Most of the time, the recognition part is where we get hung up, because we don’t even know they exist! We just know something isn’t right. Sometimes these things need to be pointed out to us, because often we have no idea what we are doing is harming or hindering a relationship. I find this is often done by a loved one or someone we interact with regularly. It can also be done by a professional with a trained ear to help the client recognize what is that seems to be a trigger, or contributing factor to the problem.

2. Admit/Claim Ownership:  This can be incredibly humbling. I know it has been for me. Admitting that you have a short-coming is not something that comes natural for most. This is CRUCIAL in order to open the air, kick any elephants in the room to the curb and create an open environment for discussion. It is tough, but I have seen it time and time again in my practice where parents recognize their part in the equation and admit they need to change, and then go on to do the work necessary in order to bring about the desired outcome.

Let me tell you it is a beautiful thing to watch unfold!

A true joy to watch healing occur before my very eyes. It is “throwing off all that hinders,” personified!

3. Action: After what is hindering you is thrown off, THEN you will be ready to run the race that’s marked out for you! For each individual it is different and can take us to places unknown, into new territory and to areas we never thought we would be! It is fun, challenging, exciting, but most importantly, exactly where God wants you and me to be! The best part is that it frees us to be who we are created to be. We are then able to offer our full, authentic self to those around us. That is what is called freedom baby!

So, I want to leave you with a few questions, like any good therapist would do! :)

Where are you right now in your life? Are you satisfied with where you are, or are you like every person I counsel & where I find myself at times, looking for something that you can’t quite put your finger on? You find yourself unsettled, discontent but can’t explain or identify why? Well let me challenge you to begin to explore that.

Follow that curiosity.

In my practice I tell clients to “chase the why.” What I mean by that is chase, or go after that feeling you have when you find yourself thinking “things just aren’t right with me.” Don’t ignore that! That is often the prompting of the Holy Spirit and is how we know it is time to take the next right step!

Write down a goal for yourself, like right now. Go ahead, I’ll wait :)...

What is your next right step? If you find yourself stumped, do not fear and don’t be discouraged, many people find themselves in this very place. Seek guidance, pray, it’s ok! Ask a friend or trusted loved one or find a therapist in your area to help you start the journey to throwing off what is hindering you!

I pray this information meets you right where you are and helps give you that extra nudge you have been needing! If you run the race and follow the path that’s marked out for you, the results will undoubtedly bring forth a better YOU! Go ahead...what are you waiting for?

Sarah :)