Hey Girl, What are you sweeping under the rug

Hey Girl, What Are You Sweeping Under the Rug?

by Autumn R. Finklea

I’ve heard people who struggle with claustrophobia describe it as deeply uncomfortable. Some experience panic, others feel boxed in with no way out, and the overwhelming desire is simply to be free from the suffocating sensation.

Those are physical reactions to feeling trapped. I’m sorry if that description made your skin crawl! While I haven’t experienced claustrophobia in the textbook sense, I would say that if spiritual and mental claustrophobia is a thing, I could be its poster child. I’ve walked through seasons where I felt stuck. Have you ever felt that way?

As a young girl—and even into my teens—I faced rejection and betrayal. My response was to be strong, self-protect, and sweep the pain under the rug. Like claustrophobia, I just wanted the discomfort to cease. But here’s the truth: the junk was still under the rug, and I was trying to care for the broken girl on my own. My life remained stuck—mentally and spiritually—on the same cycle.

The “sweep it under the rug” approach never works. It keeps us bound in shame, fear, and darkness. We see Adam and Eve attempt this same ineffective method in Genesis 3. After disobeying God by eating the forbidden fruit, they realized their nakedness and sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. Then they hid from God. But eventually, their shame and sin had to be confronted. Genesis walks us through their encounter with God, the consequences of their disobedience, and the sobering reality that paradise was lost. Sin entered the world, impacting all of us—even today—until Jesus returns.

The point is this: everything swept under the rug must eventually be dealt with if we want to get unstuck.

A few years ago, a friend challenged me to write a letter to my younger self. What would I tell her, knowing what I know now? That exercise forced me to acknowledge pain, extend grace to that little girl, and ultimately release her to God. That was the beginning of my journey toward freedom—the process of becoming unstuck.

So let me ask you: are there parts of your life where you’ve put up a “DO NOT ENTER” sign—not just for people, but for God too?

Closing Devotional

No matter our pain, shame, or failure—whether we were the one betrayed or the one who offended—God welcomes us to lay our burdens on Him and get unstuck. This isn’t a one-and-done process. We need to consistently take inventory of our hearts, making sure we aren’t sweeping secrets under the rug or creating our own spiritual and mental claustrophobia.

Challenge: Pray and ask God for courage to pull the rug back and hand the broom over to Him. Then, acknowledge one thing you will release to Him. Write it down, and take note of how God helps you get unstuck.

Power Verses

Genesis 3:7 (NLT)

At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.

Isaiah 41:10 (AMP)

Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].

Prayer

Father God, I admit that there are times when I am paralyzed by fear and respond by ignoring my challenges instead of seeking You for help. Thank You for reminding me that You are bigger than every challenge I face. Today I release (insert your challenge) to You, and I thank You in advance for helping me in ways only You can. In Jesus’ name, Amen.