The Truth Will Set You Free

The Truth Will Set You Free—But It Might Get Messy First

   Life’s a mixed bag, isn’t it? We all have those moments where someone asks how we’re doing, and after detailing a list of woes longer than the Cheesecake Factory menu, we slap on a cheery “But I’m OK!” as if that makes everything better. Let’s be real: “OK” is often code for “I’m barely holding it together, but I don’t want to unload my emotional baggage on you right now.”

   Here’s the thing: being “OK” doesn’t mean you have to sweep your struggles under the rug like they’re crumbs from a midnight snack. It’s about being honest—with yourself first and foremost. Are you truly OK, or is “OK” just a way of saying, “I’m surviving, but my stress is showing up in ways I don’t even recognize—like angry outbursts, binge-eating Doritos, or doomscrolling at 3 a.m.”?

   What if, instead of hiding behind “OK,” we acknowledged the good along with the bad? Maybe you’re juggling a tough week, but you’ve also got a friend who checks in on you, a roof over your head, or the fact that your favorite show just dropped a new season. Shifting some focus to the positives doesn’t erase the negatives, but it can help you learn from them. How did you get those good things? Can those lessons help you tackle the tough stuff?

   Here’s where it gets tricky: speaking your truth isn’t just about airing your grievances. It’s about naming your struggles without letting them define you. Admit you’re having a rough go. Say, “I’m struggling with X, Y, and Z, and I’m not sure how to fix it.” That vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. Plus, research shows that learning to tolerate life’s curveballs (instead of numbing them with alcohol, weed, or too many TikTok videos) is a big step toward better coping strategies.

   But don’t stop at the tough stuff. If it’s a good day, savor it. If it’s a bad day, still look for a silver lining—like the fact that your coffee order was perfect or you avoided spilling lunch on yourself. Speak your truth from both sides: what’s hard and what’s working. Ask yourself, “How can I deal with the stress while still appreciating what’s good?”

   It’s scary to put the truth out there because once you do, it feels like you’ve got to do something about it. But that’s not a sprint—it’s a marathon. Give yourself the time and space to figure it out. Whether it’s through journaling, venting to a trusted friend, or spilling your heart to your favorite AM Faciliator, let honesty guide you. Celebrate every little win, even if it’s just getting through the day without yelling at your Wi-Fi for being slow.

   So, what truth do you need to speak today? What’s weighing you down, and what’s lifting you up? As Iyanla Vanzant wisely said, “The truth will set you free, but you have to endure the labor pains of birthing it.” But I will go you one better, Jesus said, “Cast your cares on me for I care for you.”

Now, go forth and birth that truth and cast the labor pains on Jesus—just don’t forget to bring a sense of humor along for the ride. Life’s messy, but it’s also pretty amazing when you let the light in.