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Give ear to my words, O Lord;
consider my groaning.
Give attention to the sound of my cry,
my King and my God,
for to you do I pray.
Psalm 5:1-2 ESV

My nephews had a teacher who used a “tattle bag” as part of her classroom operations. I love this idea!

If a child had a concern that needed to be shared for the good of the classroom, he raised his hand and shared. If instead the child had a “tattle”–something more gossip than danger, something more hurt feelings than help to the classroom–he instead shared it with the tattle bag. The result was less drama in her class and more peace for children who still got to say what they are feeling.

I must confess that I often used my sweet husband Keith as my “tattle bag”.

I would get bent out of shape because of something that had happened at church or with friends and family and have a need to vent to someone how I was feeling. He would graciously listen (even though at times I am sure he was internally rolling his eyes), without judgment or trying to solve things, make any salient Biblical points in a loving manner, and we would move on. I would feel better because I had said the words aloud…and he would know how to pray for me and my daily dealings (and perhaps he would be praying for his wife’s sanity as well).

How I miss that part of our relationship!

Some days, I feel tangled in a girl-brain that cannot always put the emotions aside in a situation. I miss Keith’s listening ear, focused on loving me above solving all my problems. I miss having someone to talk things out with, helping to put in perspective the important from the trivial. I miss being about to just say the words to someone who won’t judge me or think me a crazy woman. I have girlfriends galore–sweet, Godly women who will listen to me for as many hours as I need them–but it is just not the same.

Not the same.

But even as I write this, sisters, scripture is flooding my mind…

• a FRIEND who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24)
• come to ME all who are weary and heavy-laden (Matthew 11:28)
• even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, YOU are with me (Psalm 23:4)
• for we do not have a HIGH PRIEST who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15)
• the LORD will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9)

This is the permission, sisters!

We are allowed to share with Him our struggles–even our tattles!

Sometimes I write my “tattles” in my journal; sometimes I say them aloud to God while driving; sometimes I cry them out in my bed at night. As I say them, my heart feels lighter for the saying, and I have not spread poison with my bad attitude. My last words are usually words of peace and praise to a Father who has listened to all the junk.

Our Father reminds me, sisters, even when I am tattling, HE is there. He will listen when I need to say the words…and love me…regardless.

What a wonderful gift! Praise Him for that!

Father, some days I miss the quiet presence of my husband when I need to vent. Thank You for being willing to step from Your holiness into my messiness and to listen when I tattle to You. Thank You for not judging me for my yucky words but for instead filling me with Your presence and Your love. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.