My life as an Allegory

For those of you who weren’t English Majors (or as I like to call you, the “others” ;-) ), you may have forgotten what an allegory is. To be honest with you, as someone who has been an avid fan of the written word since childhood, I can’t believe that I forgot what allegory meant as well.

On its face, allegory is simply a symbol. It’s a “story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.” A fable, a parable even. And the irony sets in. At one of the most trying times of my life, I stumble upon a word that essentially means that I am going to learn a lesson. And not just any lesson. A HIDDEN MORAL LESSON.

Wow.

I am so humbled by this uncomfortable, painful, tearjerking, excruciating season. I am coming to terms with and trying to exercise leaning not on my own understanding. And it’s so hard. I want to fix it. I want to figure it out. I want to solve the issue. But my challenge is to trust God. In these moments of despair and uncertainty, I know that this is God’s plan. And I know it’s a challenge, how? Because trusting God, for me, isn’t easy AT ALL. It’s very uncomfortable. But then, after days like today, I know that it’s preparing me for the allegory, for the hidden lesson. A symbol of my purpose.

And as I push forward, I let go.

As I put one foot in front of the other, I’m petrified of losing what I love so dear.

As I take this journey, I’m learning to trust myself, and ultimately, God.