Stained Glass Masquerade

    As Christians, we all have struggles. I don't know anyone who doesn't struggle with something at some point in their Christian walk. Questions go through our minds, sometimes over and over again, we have ups and downs in our walk with God.  But do we ever share these struggles? Or do we try to bear them alone? Do we struggle alone? I can hear the answer: "No, God is there with me." And this is good, the best answer!! But sometimes I wonder, exactly how important is it to be accountable to other Christians around us? Should we be more open and vulnerable with them? Or should we go on keeping our struggles inside? I've seen many instances where the good things are shared, but what about the hard things?  How many times have Christians sunk deeper and deeper until they finally gave up because they really didn't have any encouragement from those around them?
   Have you ever struggled with something for an extended period of time until you wonder if you'll ever have anything figured out? And then you for some reason end up sharing it with a friend and realize that they've struggled with the same thing? They understand! They know what you're going through! There's a huge sense of relief and pure encouragement when that happens!  So why don't we really open up and share more with people? Afraid of being hurt? Or is it pride? Or perhaps a combination of both?