We often think of “sickness” only in physical terms a virus, a broken bone, an infection. But keeping secrets makes our soul sick. Guilt creates a fever in the spirit that no medicine can cure. When we hide our sin, we isolate ourselves, and in that isolation, the sickness grows. The prescription is found in confession. When we admit our wrongs to God and another human being, we break the fever. We allow the fresh air of grace to enter the room. The power of the secret is broken the moment it is spoken out loud to a safe person. Our primary purpose is to carry the message of healing. Part of that message is that we don’t have to suffer alone in silence. We are not meant to carry the heavy backpack of shame by ourselves. When we combine honest confession with faith-filled prayer, the Lord “raises us up” from the bed of shame and restores our spiritual health. | 
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