Most of us learned early that some feelings are welcome and some are not. Sadness, anger, fear, and doubt can start to feel like things you handle privately, on your own.

For Christians there can be an extra layer. You may worry that certain struggles may cost you being part of a ministry or that people at church may see you differently if they knew.

So you keep the smile on. You serve, you show up, you say "I'm good." Hiding isn't a character flaw. It's usually a way you learned to stay safe.

But it has a cost. Carrying something alone, for a long time, drains the energy you need for the life God has given you.