This is not my prison after all

"I feel like a bird in a golden cage." I sent this WhatsApp to my mom when I was on the big estate of my then-boyfriend. I couldn't have been more unhappy.

On the outside, everything seemed perfect: I was dreaming of our wedding in Hawaii, and we were constantly traveling to some pompous occasion, which is why I always had to be ready. Accordingly, he asked me not to accept any more gigs and, in fact, not to pursue my mission any further. In his words, "There's no point anyway." He wanted me to follow him. He who had no goal in life, except for these fancy gatherings.

At that time I had not yet realized that he himself was searching for the meaning and the goal in life, which I had already found long ago. That's why I let myself be intimidated...and let him put me in his prison of aimlessness.

What a great danger! It's so important to pay attention to your surroundings and always question, "Are these friendships slowing me down or lifting me up?" Good friends will see the good in you. Bad friends will never consider or understand that.

Even Paul knew this phenomenon, which is why he reminded people even then, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1 NIV)

It's no joke when you keep hearing, "God has great things planned for you!" You may be thinking, He has that planned for everyone! True! But only those who believe this and protect themselves from such traps (as in my case) will actually experience those great things.

That's why my heart is crying out today, don't let anyone take away what God wants to give you!"

I'm going to keep repeating that because you matter! Because you are needed, with what you have and with what you can do!

You are irreplaceable, so be careful not to be put in a prison where you don't belong!

You are a miracle!

Déborah