Give Away That Baggage

Last week, I spent some time cleaning out my daughter’s room, getting ready for the school year. It was great to sort through her things and find many items we could bag up and give away. I love how getting rid of stuff can leave you feeling free and light.

And that’s especially true if that stuff is the baggage inside our own hearts.

How many of us walk around with “bags†full of anger? Or how about guilt and shame? Or regret and resentment?

That’s the kind of load that can leave us feeling discouraged. It can hold us back and cause us to miss out on opportunities, and joys, and life.

And that’s not what God intended. He wants us to be freed from the burdens that hold us down. And He gives us the way to experience that freedom…

Through His son, Jesus.

John 8:32 says…

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

That’s what putting your faith in Him does. It’s not about religion. Or rules. Or being perfect. Because no matter how hard we try, we won’t be.

It’s about a relationship with a Savior who can set us free. And it’s that freedom that changes lives. If we let it.

After I cleaned out my daughter’s room, I called the Salvation Army to arrange a pick-up for the clothes and toys we wanted to donate. The next day, they came and took our bags away.

They didn’t borrow them and return them later. They took them away for good.

And that’s what God does.

If you’ve put your faith in Him, but you’re still holding onto baggage, remember the power of His salvation and give those bags to Him for good. Don’t keep taking them back and dwelling on them.

God wants you to set them down at His feet.

And leave them there.

He wants to lighten your load.

So you can truly live the life you were created to live.

5 Responses to Give Away That Baggage
  1. Step
    August 29, 2008 | 12:35 pm

    Genny, once again, so well worded. Thanks for the reminders – as the kids all set off to school again, it’s really time we all do some “housecleaning”…..

  2. Mozi Esme's Mommy
    August 31, 2008 | 11:25 pm

    Strange how attractive that baggage looks sometimes! Thanks for another well-timed post.

  3. Kathi
    September 1, 2008 | 11:15 am

    Great post, it is so true! I posted something similar on my blog, check it out if you feel like it.
    http://chrysanthemama1.blogspot.com/2008/03/excess-baggage.html

  4. Joanne
    September 1, 2008 | 8:27 pm

    What a great reminder. We have all just returned home from a River Cats game and I can’t wait to get into my messy bedroom and remove all of the cluttered mess I’ve accumulated in there over the weekend. What a great feeling to be free of baggage…and folded laundry!

    Thank you for the wisdom my friend!

    Joanne :O)

  5. Lisa
    September 3, 2008 | 4:08 am

    Wonderful post and another good reminder. It is such a gift to be able to give up that baggage!