In recent months and years reality television has thrust one specific mental illness to the forefront that, until now, many tended to overlook.  We’ve all known ‘those people’ and have quite possibly been placed in that group at one time or another.  The more kind terminology would be a “pack rat” or “clutter bug.”  These specific terms imply a more mild issue.  Though, in severe cases we come across what has now been termed a ‘hoarder.’  This title is given to those who it is believed have a mental disorder.  This disorder is a branch of another more well-known disorder called O.C.D. (for short) or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.  This disorder causes the person to engage in activities that are repetitive and don’t seem normal to anyone who doesn’t suffer from it.  Hoarding can become a very serious issue that can lead to severe physical sickness in many situations due to unsafe living situations.  If you’ve never seen it you need to watch it at least one time.  The show is simply titled ‘Hoarders.’  It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced.  The show begins by introducing you to a man or woman, sometimes a couple who have been recommended for the show to which they have agreed– with a little bit of arm twisting, no doubt.  They immediately begin introducing you to the person and begin showing the viewer rooms in the person’s home.  The camera pans the rooms and normally there are items of clothing, books, magazines…..ANY number of things that litter the room and I’m not talking just a few items here and there.  Many times there will be things that completely cover the floor and fill the room from floor to ceiling.  It almost seems like a joke……like really?!?!  How does this happen???  If you feel like your house is a mess, after you watch this show you will most likely feel like your house is IMMACULATE.  It really is sad to see these people have such a hard time letting things go.  Over the course of an hour they begin to reveal things about the person…issues that existed that caused them to most likely become the way they are today.  After watching one of these shows I began to think……I think I’m a hoarder.  Not necessarily in the tangible item category but in the emotional category.  Like everyone else I have had my share of hardships and trials.  While I could have moved on and allowed God to heal me of those things I decided to hold on to them and pack them away in one of my rooms….simply because the closet is full…yikes….here’s your sign!!  There have been times I have chosen to hold on to heartache, fears, worries and more simply because I just couldn’t seem to let them go.  Why?!?  Truthfully, I’m not really sure.  It SURELY wasn’t because it brought me comfort.  It tortured me more than anything but I allowed it.  My ‘house’ might have looked nice and put-together on the outside but inside I was deteriorating.  I guess I said all that to ask you this, are you moving forward or backwards today??  There’s nothing wrong with reminiscing about the past.  The past has led you to where you’re at today and has essentially made you who you are, good or bad.  Many times the past will become a road map and learning experience if you will allow it to be.  It will serve as a warning about what roads NOT to take in the future.   BUT, if you are wallowing in the past and aren’t able to let go of yesterday…that’s a problem.  You become paralyzed and unable to move through the present or into the future.   Maybe it was the loss of a loved one, a failed relationship of some type, a job promotion you didn’t receive after you thought you deserved it or any number of things.  Be reminded today of His promises.  Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.“  John 14:27 reminds us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”  You can’t control the things that happen to you but you DO have the power to control how you are going to react.  I’m not trying to downplay your hurts.  I have my own and have dealt with those paralyzing moments myself but, quite frankly, the messes we pile up and have to walk around will drive you crazy after a while.  We’re not pigs so why do we wallow in our mess??  I leave you with this question, what will you choose today?  Will you move forward or backwards?