Mary's Journey to Greater Freedom: From Darkness to Light
- INNERROOM
- May 6
- 3 min read
Recently, I’ve found clarity through a new narrative that resonates deeply with my journey from darkness to light, from bondage to greater freedom.
The Damsel in the Dark
I was in a meeting where they asked us to use the story archetype of the damsel in distress to describe our spiritual journey. The exercise stuck with me, and I spent some time later that evening giving it more thought. And I realized I wasn't actually the damsel in distress or even a damsel in denial; I was the damsel in the dark.
The story of Cinderella has always struck a chord with me. Unlike the typical portrayal of denial, I was acutely aware of my pain, trauma, and the bondage that held me captive. I had resigned myself to a life of servitude under my stepmother, believing it was my lot in life. The idea of escaping that reality felt impossible.
Awakening to Greater Freedom
In my narrative, my fairy godmother took the form of the church and my faith. She granted me permission to attend the ball and spend time with my beloved prince. Yet, I was painfully aware of my place in the world.
The fairy godmother cautioned me to return before anyone discovered my true identity as an impostor. I felt that my worth was tied to my servitude, while those who resided in the castle seemed to have a different life experience altogether. The king, I believed, desired their company, not mine. I carried the weight of that grimy soot, working tirelessly in hopes of one day breaking free.
I never dared to believe that the prince wanted me to step out of my darkness and live freely by his side. It wasn’t until he sent his emissary with the shoe that fit me—symbolizing my true identity—that I began to understand the possibility of freedom. Through inner healing sessions, I was invited to the palace, leaving behind my place of bondage.
The Journey to Healing and Freedom
I believe many in the church have unknowingly accepted a lesser identity, simply because we haven’t known the way out. We visit the prince, enjoy moments of joy and connection, but ultimately return to our own bondage, believing it’s the only way to work things out.
As I continue my journey, I hope to inspire others to seek their own freedom and embrace the identity that awaits them. We are not meant to live in the shadows; we are called to step into the light.
ACTIVATION
Journaling Prompts:
Reflect on Your Identity: What aspects of your life feel like they are holding you back from embracing your true identity in Christ? Write down any feelings or thoughts that arise as you consider this question. Invite Jesus into this reflection—what does He say about your worth?
Identify Your Bondage: What are the “soots” in your life that you feel define you? List them out and then pray for clarity and courage to seek freedom from these burdens. How might Jesus help you step into a new identity?
Invitation to Heart Healing Sessions
Are you feeling stuck in your journey? Do you find yourself grappling with emotions or experiences that seem to hold you back? If you resonate with any of the following feelings, it may be time to seek a heart healing session:
Questioning Your Identity: Do you often feel unsure of who you are or struggle to see your worth in Christ? This confusion can leave you feeling lost and disconnected.
Carrying Emotional Baggage: Are there past traumas or painful experiences that you find difficult to let go of? These burdens can weigh heavily on your heart and mind, making it hard to move forward.
Feeling Trapped in Negative Patterns: Do you notice recurring cycles in your thoughts or behaviors that keep you feeling stuck? These patterns can create a sense of hopelessness and frustration.
Experiencing a Lack of Joy: Are you feeling emotionally numb or disconnected from the things that once brought you happiness? This disconnection can hinder your ability to fully engage in life.
Longing for Freedom from Bondage: Do you have a deep desire to break free from feelings of shame, guilt, or inadequacy? Recognizing these feelings is the first step toward healing.
If any of these resonate with you, I invite you to book a heart healing session. Together, we can explore the roots of what’s holding you back and invite Jesus into the healing process. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone—freedom and restoration are possible.
Take the first step toward healing today.
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