8 Gentle Truths for Exhausted Hearts
Carrying too much? 8 truths to help you let go and find true rest.
Welcome to Letters From Heidi, a refuge for truth seekers, deep-feelers, and the homesick searching for Eternity.
I am Heidi, an Asian-Australian Christian woman who writes at the intersection of life, faith, and culture. Letters from Heidi explores topics such as identity, relationships, shame, womanhood, and healing from personal and family trauma.
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Dear readers,
My April letter is short and sweet—an offer of 8 gentle truths for exhausted hearts.
Do you feel weary from carrying too much?
Here are 8 notes I wrote to myself during my 3 month Sabbatical, where I was reflecting on my habit of over-functioning—of being a daughter, wife, mother, worker, church leader, and pastor’s wife who is often driven by an urgency to do better, do more, and do it all.
Have you ever felt the same way?
You feel unloving for saying “no”
You feel like a burden when you ask for or accept help from others
You feel trapped in a hamster wheel of never-ending to-do’s, yet being productive boosts your sense of self worth
You crave rest but feel selfish for relaxing
You feel responsible for fixing other people’s problems
You value resilience but feel anxious watching other people struggle or fail
You feel the need to mask pain and sweep things under the rug to keep the peace
People compliment you as the ‘strong’ one, ‘agreeable’ one, or the ‘positive’ one, but deep down, you’re drowning and simmering with resentment.
If you’re nodding along, here are 8 gentle truths to lift your eyes to the One who promises true rest:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28
God’s love for you is not dependent on your usefulness or performance.
Your ‘goodness’ does not precede God’s acceptance of you. Rather, it was while you were still a sinner, Christ died for you. (Romans 5:8) You are known and loved, even when you have nothing to offer—even at your very worst.God doesn’t need your success, titles, perfect record, or trophies.
God’s glory does not hinge upon your success or productivity. His power is perfected in human weakness. You can approach God with empty hands for with or without life’s trophies, you belong to a Heavenly Father who by grace will welcome you home. (Ephesians 2:8)You are not selfish for prioritising sabbath rest.
God commands believers to take Sabbath rest, which means rest is not something we need to earn. It is wise and godly to prioritise quality time in God’s word, adequate sleep, life-giving friendship, breaks from parenting and caregiving, and hobbies that refresh your soul. Time sitting with God is never a waste. (Luke 10:38-42).It’s ok to cry. Even Jesus wept.
On this side of Eternity, you will face hardships and disappointments that are worthy of your tears. You are allowed to cry, admit struggle, and ask for help from loved ones. It’s ok to stop to grieve. The world won’t fall apart if you do.You are seen. You are safe.
God not only sees your struggles—He is strong enough to hold you and powerful enough to act. Let go and put your trust in the One who doesn’t grow weary of sustaining all things; who doesn’t need slumber nor sleep. (Psalm 121:4)Even failure can be repurposed for good.
If God is truly sovereign over the outcome of human plans (Proverbs 16:9), then we can trust that even failure can be repurposed for good and be a means for growth and sanctification. It is not your burden to save others from the pain of a bad decision.You are deserving of the same grace that you freely give to others.
Don’t mistake God’s voice with the harsh words of your inner-critic. His promises of grace applies to you too. You are not too far gone.
Take off the mask.
God already knows your hidden sin, shame, anger, jealousy, and resentment. God is compassionate and can handle your truth. Nothing you confess could possibly shock or overwhelm Him. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is your refuge. (Psalm 62:8)
Loved this letter?
❤️ and comment below which of the 8 truths you needed to hear most today.
Out Now: Unmasking the Prodigal Daughter
My debut book, Unmasking the Prodigal Daughter, is now available worldwide on Amazon. With poetry, prose, and prayers, I share my journey from rebellion to redemption—of how an eldest and prodigal daughter learned to find true rest in God and the gospel of grace.
If you appreciate my writing and testimony, I would be so honoured if you grabbed a copy today: https://mybook.to/unmaskingtheprodigal
Finally, if you loved this book, I would so appreciate an honest review on Amazon or Goodreads. Thank you Ashley for these kind words which made my week! :)
Coming Next Month: From Crushing Religion to Freedom in Jesus
I recently had the privilege of seeing my Great Uncle (85 years old) and Great Aunt (78 years old) from Hong Kong who informed me out of the blue, that they have put their faith in Jesus. Overwhelmed by joy, I shared the good news on Substack, and over 12,600 of you responded with support, or to share that this testimony has refreshed your zeal for prayer and evangelism to loved ones.
I suspect that this collective response is evidence of our generation’s hunger for the Good News to be shared with story—where God’s power, love, and faithfulness is witnessed in testimony. My Great Uncle and Aunt have given me permission to share their full story which I’ll be publishing next month.
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From the Archives
Liked this post? Here’s a few more from the archives you might enjoy:
The Dishes & Deadlines Can Wait
On the value of embracing interruption in a world that's starved of time.
The Black Sheep & the Laptop Girl
On small talk in big cities, unlikely friendships, and God's heart for the lost.
The Dragon & The Rooster
At 50 years old, my father said "I'm sorry" for the first time. A story of faith, reconciliation, and generational healing between a 'Dragon' daughter and a 'Rooster' father.
You made me smile. :)
I saw myself in so many of the patterns you named, especially that tension between wanting rest and feeling guilty for needing it. That line about productivity shaping our sense of worth hit close to home. It is so easy to slip into believing we are more valuable when we are doing more, even when we know that is not how God sees us.
I really appreciated how you did not just name the exhaustion, but met it with truth. Each of the eight points felt like a quiet correction to the lies we carry, not harsh, just gentle and comforting. The reminder that God’s love is not tied to our usefulness was the one I needed most. It is simple, but it is something I have to relearn again and again.
There is so much kindness in the way you wrote this. It does not push or pressure, it invites. Thank you for creating space for weary hearts to slow down and remember what is actually true.