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Voyages: A letter to a friend

 "The most painful experiences in this life are those that force us to abandon our spirit for the protection of our soul."

Life is not fair. You know this. It can leave us feeling scared, feeling alone, feeling like we’re suffocating and screaming with nobody around who cares to rescue us. It chips away at who we are, often eroding the most wonderful parts inside. This cycle, often out of our control, will begin to shape the trajectory of our lives, leading us to believe lies about the world around us, and lies about ourselves. When we have nothing to balance out a lie, it will continue to grow until it distorts every aspect of who we are and how we see and interact with the world. So let me offer you this truth:


Life is not fair.
But life is beautiful.


Among the most beautiful things we get to experience in this life are Voyages. This is when we’re presented with the chance to, whether by calling or by circumstance, leave behind the lands of our past and journey into unknown spaces. These are not common; in fact, they’re so few and far between that rarely can they even be planned for. But Voyages are special in this way: that they offer us a chance to redefine who we are, and a choice on how we want to see the world. Just as a crew preparing to brave an ocean must carefully consider what to bring and what to leave behind, so must we weigh these choices with honesty. We must choose between Anchors, and Sails. 


Anchors can take many forms. But they are the things that weigh us down. They are the things that keep us in the harbor. The Anxieties. The obligations. The expectations that others have for us and the expectations we have for ourselves. The baggage we carry. The damage we’ve been dealt. The dissapointments. The lies. Betrayal. Abandonement. Scars. Fear of the unknown... 

If we’re honest, even leaving painful things can be scary, because at least we’re familiar with them. It’s feels safer to remain attached to our anchors than to risk our identity by leaving them. So too, a ship in harbor is safe... but that is not what ships are built for. Ships are designed to glide bravely and confidently into unknown territory, unburdened and unrestrained. For that, you need Sails. 


Sails are the things that propel us forward in life. The love we experience. The friendships we nurture. The words we cherish. They are the encouraging people, and the characters we choose to surround ourselves with. They are the moments of spontaneous beauty. The Joy, The Laughter, and The reinvigoration of the Spirit. 


You’re about to embark on a journey that can define who you 

are for the rest of your life. You, and you alone get to decide what to take, and what to leave behind. You alone get to choose: to carry anchors that will tie you to the harbor, or to rig your ship with sails that will carry you into the wonder this world has to offer. You might not have many sails. But you have enough to push you forward. And when you find more, hoist them high, and put them on display for all the world to see. This is the most powerful impact you can make on the world. 


Follow the commands of your captain, King Jesus, and keep his word as the compass that’ll guide you to where you’re supposed to be. Your mind can’t fathom the places he’ll take you and the treasures you’ll find. Life is beautiful. It takes courage to believe that. But for every aggression, it offers indescribable consolations. I love you so much, and I am so immensely proud of you for the courage and commitment to rise above the circumstances 

that have tried so hard to define you. 


Let these words sink in, and remind yourself of their truths whenever you feel discouraged or lost. Make new friends. Explore the world with new eyes. Dare to dream again. I promise you it’s worth it :) 


Forever on your side, Yen. 


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