How’s That Mask Right Now?

No, not the mask you might be thinking of…this is not that kind of blog. I’m talking about the “mask” you’re wearing to show the world you’re doing great when, in reality, something much different may be true.

We all do this, by the way. There is no shame in it. I’m simply asking because, well, I wear one on a regular basis and I know what it’s like to hide behind something to avoid revealing your true self.

For me, it’s making jokes. I’ve used humor to mask all kinds of hurts and pains in my life and still do to this day. After all, it feels better to laugh than to cry, right? Perhaps you can relate.

Maybe for you it’s a different kind of mask. Being busy all the time? Substance abuse? Social media posts showing your life looking perfect, even though it’s in shambles?

Just being real…and that’s the point. Too many times in my life, I haven’t been real because I didn’t want to reveal the extent of sadness or something similar in my life. Sound familiar? If so, know that you are not alone.

In the end, wearing a mask can temporarily keep you from having to feel pain or hurt. Fake it until you make it, right? Well, no. Wrong, because it doesn’t really get us anywhere to keep doing this.

So, what’s the point, here? Honestly, I don’t know because I just started writing some thoughts that were on my mind. But, if there is a point, I think it would be to make it a habit of being real – with yourself and with others.

Sure, being real can lead to you feeling some deep emotions and it could hurt a bit. It can be scary to be real. But, the alternative is to keep kicking the can down the road on some potentially significant things in our lives that probably would be better if they were addressed and dealt with sooner than later.

Thanks for letting me be real with you, here. Have a great day.

Fall Into Kindness

Sometimes, life just gets hard, doesn’t it? Things don’t seem to add up. Frustration, sadness, even confusion can all set in.

Why doesn’t it seem to be working out? You might be asking that question right now. I’ve asked that question before…totally get it.

Heard this song today and thought it might bring you some encouragement if you’re in this place at the moment. 

God will meet you exactly where you are. His kindness never ends, even when life doesn’t make sense.

“You’re with me still.”

Praise Him! Amen.

You Know the Feeling (But You Can Do Something About It)

You know the feeling.

It could be big or small, but someone just did something that hurt you. Careless words were said. A friend just cancelled plans with you, and it’s not the first time it’s happened. Your husband or wife is doing that one thing that really drives you nuts. Someone just failed to meet your expectations in some way. You got dumped. Someone cut you off in traffic. Your boss overlooked you for a promotion. It can be major or it can be minor, but the list goes on and on.

As I said before, you know the feeling when this stuff happens. Let me see if this covers it: sadness, anger, frustration, resentment, rejection, bitterness, and maybe even the tiniest desire to be spiteful or try to get some sort of revenge.

Sound familiar?