Tearing Down Walls
Lessons from Jericho and My Journey with DID
The story of Jericho—where the Israelites brought down mighty walls with collective action and faith—has long been seen as a tale of divine power and perseverance. But what if it’s also an allegory for a more profound truth? What if the walls of Jericho symbolize the divisions we create, both within ourselves and as a society, and the act of tearing them down represents our collective journey toward unity and healing?
As someone living with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), I’ve experienced this process firsthand. The walls that once divided my system were constructed out of necessity, protecting the parts of me that couldn’t bear to face certain truths or traumas. Over time, those walls began to come down—a process that was both liberating and terrifying. It allowed for integration, understanding, and collaboration among my parts, but it also meant facing fears, unearthing pain, and navigating the messiness of what it means to heal.
Reflecting on the parallels between my journey and the story of Jericho, I see a mirror for society. Just as I’ve had to dismantle the barriers within myself, humanity must confront the walls that separate us from one another. These walls may take the form of systemic oppression, cultural divides, or personal prejudices—but they all stem from fear and misunderstanding.
Breaking Down Fear
In my own system, fear was a driving force behind the construction of walls. It protected the most vulnerable parts of me, but it also kept me from fully living. Society’s walls, too, are often built on fear: fear of the unknown, fear of losing power, fear of confronting uncomfortable truths. We must first acknowledge and face that fear to bring these walls down.
Building Bridges
Integration in my system has required open communication, trust, and collaboration among my parts. It hasn’t been easy, but it has been necessary. Similarly, society must build bridges between its fragmented groups, fostering empathy and dialogue. Whether between cultures, genders, or economic classes, these connections enable proper understanding and progress.
Honoring Diversity
My system’s strength lies in its diversity. Each part of me has a role, a voice, and a unique perspective that contributes to our wholeness. This is true for humanity as well. Diversity—of thought, experience, and identity—is not a barrier but a strength. Honoring that diversity means embracing the idea that unity does not require uniformity.
Collective Liberation
As my system works toward greater wholeness, I’ve felt a sense of liberation. When the barriers are down, there’s more energy for growth, joy, and purpose. Imagine what society could achieve if we tore down the walls that divide us—if we liberated ourselves from the constraints of racism, sexism, ableism, and all the other “-isms” that hold us back. The potential for collective healing and growth is boundless.
A Call to Action
The story of Jericho reminds us that tearing down walls isn’t just about destruction—it’s about transformation. It’s about creating space for something new to emerge. My journey with DID has shown me that this work is hard, messy, and deeply human. It requires courage, patience, and a willingness to confront the unknown.
But it’s also sacred work. As the walls in my system have come down, I’ve experienced a greater sense of connection—not just within myself but with the world around me. This personal journey reflects what humanity can do when we commit to dismantling the barriers that separate us.
So, I invite you to reflect: What walls are you holding onto? What fears keep them in place? And what might be possible if you let them fall?
Together, we can march forward, voices raised in unison, and bring the walls down like Jericho. Not as an act of destruction but as an act of liberation, paving the way for a world where we can all thrive together.