The Burden of Truth
Carrying a big secret is like a millstone around your neck. I should know, I carried one for the most part of two decades having been in the closet.
So now someone I know has entrusted me with a big secret about his health. Something that weighs heavily upon him, and so sharing it with me offered some release. However I have been sworn to secrecy -- which is like spreading the burden a little. A little for me, and the most weight on him. I encouraged him to open up about it and utilize the power of catharsis. He refused, and said that that is the "way of the World" (but not of the Lord). Inner strength to him means he wants to spare those around him from his pain and his burden. Personally I think that's a load of crock, but I have to respect his wishes.
I know, that's his story to tell.
I feel sad and awful about it, and feel the pressure of keeping such a big secret. Am I lucky or unlucky to have been trusted as the keeper of this? Bur it makes me think: the act of sharing these things comes at a price. So is he right in thinking that it's out of love that he spares his loved ones a few more moments of normalcy? That the revelation of a life-changing fact will suction whatever peace of mind they remain to have, so it is an act of compassion to preserve their ignorance. I have no power or no bearing to change any circumstance in his circle, so I am the safe outlet and we both know I am strong enough to bear it.
It's not the first time, the first person nor the last. That is my gift and perhaps part of my destiny in other people's lives.
I am the Listener, and I can take it.
So now someone I know has entrusted me with a big secret about his health. Something that weighs heavily upon him, and so sharing it with me offered some release. However I have been sworn to secrecy -- which is like spreading the burden a little. A little for me, and the most weight on him. I encouraged him to open up about it and utilize the power of catharsis. He refused, and said that that is the "way of the World" (but not of the Lord). Inner strength to him means he wants to spare those around him from his pain and his burden. Personally I think that's a load of crock, but I have to respect his wishes.
I know, that's his story to tell.
I feel sad and awful about it, and feel the pressure of keeping such a big secret. Am I lucky or unlucky to have been trusted as the keeper of this? Bur it makes me think: the act of sharing these things comes at a price. So is he right in thinking that it's out of love that he spares his loved ones a few more moments of normalcy? That the revelation of a life-changing fact will suction whatever peace of mind they remain to have, so it is an act of compassion to preserve their ignorance. I have no power or no bearing to change any circumstance in his circle, so I am the safe outlet and we both know I am strong enough to bear it.
It's not the first time, the first person nor the last. That is my gift and perhaps part of my destiny in other people's lives.
I am the Listener, and I can take it.