Facades

Little kids love to pretend!  Boys like to be superheroes, firemen or monsters.  Little girls want to be princesses.  My great niece is two years old and loves to prance around in her "diva" attire--high heels and a feather boa or a hat.  We enjoy watching her have fun.

Thinking back to the life lesson "Genuinely Listen To Others", it has caused me to become even more aware of the responses I give to others, as well as responses given to me.  For little kids, it's fun pretending to be someone or something else.

Yet...

There are many times when we as adults pretend as well--but it's not so fun.  How many times have you responded with "fine thank you" when someone asked how you were doing?  You have a smile on your face, but your mind is screaming "it's a horrible day!"  We've been conditioned to give a courteous answer and not let people know how we really are.  

Perhaps you put on a facade at work.  You're overwhelmed by the responsibilities, but when people observe you, you appear to have everything under control.  Or how about at home?  Your friends think that you and your spouse have a great relationship, but you've been contemplating a separation for months.

Recently I let my guard down and honestly shared something that was bothering me to a friend.  Initially I felt a little embarrassed letting her see my vulnerability and disappointment.  Little did I know, she needed to see that in me.  Up until that point, she thought my life was great and was envious that I had it "so good".  She needed to see the truth and I needed to let the real me be seen.

In their song, "Does Anybody Hear Her?", Casting Crowns tells about a young woman who is running a hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction.  Part of the lyrics are:  

"Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see her?
Or does anybody even know she's going down today?
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see her?"

During the next few days, I encourage you to take time to notice the facades of those around you...offer an encouraging word...offer some hope...offer the opportunity to let someone reveal who he/she truly is.  I also encourage you to be more transparent around those you trust.  Like with me, someone might need to see that you have struggles or disappointments as well.