According to Anna Freud, denial is a defense mechanism that involves a refusal to accept reality. For some, this is a way to protect ourselves against further harm. For others, this is a way to preserve the rights and privileges one might have. Denial is self-serving and can be potentially more harmful in the long run or even immediately. A big part of surrender is being able to accept what is reality. In order to accept reality and not create our own, we sometimes need help having our eyes opened, recounting a story, or listening to the witness of another. We will never be able to fix a problem if we deny one even exists. If we cannot surrender to the truth, we cannot surrender to God. If we can’t surrender to God, we won’t be able to understand how sweet the truth can be.

Photo by Joe Flood