You Don’t Have to Carry It Alone | Sam Labadie

There was a time in my life when I was in a relationship that slowly became something I couldn’t control. Looking back, I can see that some of my own decisions and the way I allowed him to have control played a part, but it quickly became more than that. I was young, just fourteen, still going to church every Sunday night, trying to live a normal life. On the outside, everything looked fine. He looked like a put-together guy. But behind closed doors, it was very different.

That was my “40.”

I felt isolated and afraid. I didn’t feel like I could talk to anyone about what was happening. He would force me to do things I didn’t want to do. He would put his hands on me when no one else was around. It was abuse in every sense, even if no one else could see it. I carried that alone, trying to make sense of it while pretending everything was okay.

There was a moment that changed things for me. He pushed me into a wall and yelled in my face, and this time people were around. No one said anything, but something in me realized that this wasn’t okay. That moment woke me up to the reality of what I was in.

I can’t say I clearly felt God in that season. It was hard to recognize His presence in the middle of fear and confusion. But He was still working, even when I couldn’t see it.

The turning point came when I made the decision to end the relationship. I had my youth pastor there with me when I broke up with him, and that was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

What changed wasn’t just my situation—it was me. I began to find peace. I found the courage to talk to my mom, and instead of the reaction I feared, she responded with care and support. God also brought people into my life who showed me that not everyone is like that, that healthy relationships exist.

Now, I have peace about what I went through. I don’t carry the same anger I once did. I see that I’m not alone, and that even that painful season has allowed me to help others recognize and get out of similar situations.

If you’re still in your “40,” don’t stay silent. Talk to someone. What you’re experiencing is not okay, and you don’t have to carry it alone. There is a way out, and there are people who will stand with you.

From the 41 Series

One of the most difficult lies the enemy tells people in painful seasons is this:
“Stay silent.”
“Handle it yourself.”
“No one will understand.”
“You’re alone.”

Isolation is where shame grows strongest.

That’s what made Elijah’s wilderness so dangerous. He became convinced he was completely alone in his struggle. Fear and exhaustion distorted his perspective until he believed no one else understood what he was carrying.

But God reminded Elijah that he was not abandoned and not alone.

And that reminder matters for us too.

Pain often convinces people to hide.
To bury wounds. To avoid difficult conversations. To carry burdens in silence for years. But healing rarely happens in complete isolation.

God created us for relationship, support, encouragement, and community. While people may fail us at times, we were never intended to carry every burden entirely on our own.

Sometimes one of the bravest things a person can do is finally speak honestly about what they have been carrying.

Not because vulnerability is easy. Not because healing happens instantly. But because bringing darkness into the light breaks the power secrecy often holds.

And often our “41” begins the moment we stop pretending we are okay and allow God to begin healing us through truth, support, and grace.

You do not have to carry it alone.

Scripture Encouragement

• Galatians 6:2

• Psalm 34:18

• James 5:16

Reflect & Respond

What resonated most with you in Sam’s story? Why?

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Have there been burdens, wounds, or struggles you felt pressured to carry silently?

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What fears or obstacles make vulnerability difficult for you?

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Who are trusted people God may be inviting you to lean on for support, prayer, or encouragement?__________________________________________________________________________

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Prayer

Father, thank You for caring deeply about the burdens I carry. Help me stop believing the lie that I must handle every struggle alone.

Give me courage to be honest about my pain, wisdom to seek healthy support, and humility to allow others to walk alongside me. Bring healing where there has been hurt and remind me that Your presence and Your people are gifts meant to help carry difficult seasons.

Thank You for never abandoning me.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Share Hope

Many people quietly carry wounds, fear, or shame in isolation. As you reflect on Sam’s story, consider sharing it with someone who may need the reminder that they are not alone and that healing often begins when we stop carrying everything in silence.