What Are You Carrying?
Learning to walk lighter with God by letting go of what weighs us down
I’ve been having what I call a “bag crisis” this year, which is ironic for someone who never really liked carrying a handbag or purse in the first place.
Some women have a knack for it—they match their bags with their outfits, swap them out with the seasons, and always seem to know exactly what to carry. Sheesh. Meanwhile, I’m lucky if I can find my keys buried under a granola bar, a pen with no ink, and a crumpled grocery receipt from last month.
But here’s the truth: even though handbags aren’t my thing, I’ve been stressing more than usual about finding the “right” one. Not too big, not too small. Sturdy but not heavy. Cute but not fussy. I’ve probably spent more time thinking about bags than I ever thought I would.
And in the middle of this silliness, a thought hit me: Jesus went everywhere He needed to go, and it seems like the only thing He carried was the Word of His Father.
The Weight We Carry
The more I sat with that thought, the more it pressed on me. Because here I am fussing over handbags, while most days the heaviest things I’m carrying aren’t physical at all.
I carry my impatience.
I carry my regrets.
I carry the fear that I’m not enough, or that I’ve let someone down.
I carry expectations—both mine and the ones I think others have of me.
And when I add those up, no wonder I feel weighed down.
In Luke 9:3, Jesus sends His disciples out for ministry and tells them:
“Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt.”
Not even a bag. He wanted them to travel light, trusting God to provide along the way. That’s a radical idea for someone like me who feels “off” if I don’t at least have my phone, wallet, and a snack in my bag.
But spiritually? It’s the same invitation. Jesus asks us to let go of all the extras—the fears, the striving, the guilt—and trust Him to carry us instead.
What Really Matters
In Matthew 6:19–21, Jesus says:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
That verse isn’t just about money or possessions. It’s about focus. It’s about asking: What am I investing my energy into? What am I making room for?
Sometimes I wonder: what would my “bag” look like if it only held what truly matters? If it wasn’t cluttered with regrets, comparison, or control? If it held only the Word of God and a heart willing to follow Him?
Everyday Examples
For me, it’s not just the handbag—it’s the way I pack my days too. I carry “just in case” plans, like an overfilled purse.
Just in case I disappoint someone, I try to over-prepare.
Just in case something falls through, I keep a backup plan.
Just in case I get criticized, I rehearse my defenses in my head. (don’t like admitting this, but it’s the truth)
And at the end of the day, I’m exhausted from lugging it all around.
But here’s what Jesus says in Matthew 11:28–30:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
It’s almost like He’s saying: Set the bag down. Hand it to Me. Walk with Me instead.
How I’m Learning to Walk Lighter
I’m not there yet. Most days, I still find myself reaching for the heavy stuff again. But here are a few simple ways I’ve been practicing this:
Daily prayer of release
In the morning, I name one burden I’m carrying and hand it to God in prayer. Just one. Tomorrow I’ll hand Him another.Simplify physically
I really don’t need to carry everything with me all the time. The fewer “things” in my bag, the more I notice how often I’ve been overpacking my heart too.Carry scripture instead
Some days I write one verse and stick that note in my bag instead of another “just in case” item. It reminds me that God’s Word is what I need most.
Psalm 55:22 encourages us this way:
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
What I’m Holding Onto
I don’t need the perfect bag to be whole. What I really need is to let go of the weight I was never meant to carry and hold onto the Word of God. That’s where freedom is. That’s where peace lives.
With gratitude and faith,
Patti