DeVon Franklin is sharing some practical advice to help people overcome the baggage that may be holding them back from having healthy relationships.

For his digital newsletter called Mentor Mail, Franklin titled his most recent message “Drop The Baggage.” The Hollywood producer and preacher explained how important it was to let go of old fears, insecurities and addictive behaviors.

“That battered old baggage—feelings of being unloved by your parents, fears lingering in the wake of an abusive relationship, body issues, and so on—drives your behavior,” he revealed. “That’s why unhealthy relationships tends to follow unhealthy relationships, over and over, until the similarities become almost eerie.”

The preacher and Hollywood executive suggested that people talk to others who can help them work through their issues.

“Talk with someone who can help you figure out what baggage you’re clinging to, where it comes from, and how to let it go,” he said. “This can happen quickly, but the length of time doesn’t really matter.”

Once people are able to let go of their baggage, Franklin believes they will be better prepared to experience healthy relationships.

“What matters is getting a spring cleaning of your spirit that lets you go into the world clear-eyed and ready to approach dating and relationships in a new, healthy way,” he said. “Because until you can drop that baggage, your relationship patterns aren’t likely to change and you probably won’t get the results you’re hoping for…”

The preacher went on to share a scripture from Philippians 3:13-14 which states, “Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

Franklin ended his message by asking people about the relationship baggage that they are carrying and challenging people to examine what they need to do to let go of that baggage.

“Do you just need to let it go, do you need to forgive or confront someone, or do you need to talk to a counselor or minister,” he questioned. “Take a positive step today toward putting down your baggage.”

 

(Photo by Rick Kern/Getty Images )