“How are you?” “I’m great! How is your family?” “Never better!” Ok. Really? Both of these people have absolutely nothing wrong in life? Maybe it’s just me, but I find that completely hard to believe. These conversations happen every day in every place you can imagine. It’s actually become another way of saying “hello”. It’s just a way to exchange niceties. First of all, people are hurting. We know that because we live in a sin stained world. No, the aisle of the grocery store isn’t exactly the place to pour out your soul, but could you get slightly real for the moment and possibly ask for prayer? “We’re going through some trying times, could you remember us in prayer?” This is more authentic. This is the truth. Who knows? It may spark the other person to admit that they, too, need to be lifted up. We live in a real world with real issues. Let’s be authentic with one another. 

People can seem perfectly fine. We’re all good at masking reality. “Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.” (‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭14‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬) We, especially God’s children, should take the time to get out of our tiny circles to be a listening ear to people. After all, we have The Answer living inside of us. The Lord will give you the right words to say at the right time. Sometimes people just need a true hug. They don’t need you to fix “it”, they just want to know you care. We all want to feel like we matter. The fact is, we do! God’s very plan in this world is to bring us all safely home to His presence never to be apart again. We matter!

The enemy has a plan for us too. He wants to tear apart everything that matters to The Lord. This is primarily us. Thank God He’s already made provisions for us through Jesus. “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬) God wants us to live an abundant life above our circumstances but He knows it’s tough in this world where things aren’t right. He gave us each other, as well as Himself, to lean on in hard times. The only way people know to help you is by getting real and admitting that you need help. The enemy is going to keep firing those accusations and throwing obstacles in your path. He’s relentless. He won’t stop. So be authentic and call on Jesus and others to help you. “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬) There’s no battle Jesus hasn’t and won’t win. 

Trying times are inevitable. It’s how you deal with them that matter. You could be going through the storm or you could be part of someone’s solution to their storm. Either way, God designed us to be in fellowship with Him and other people. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” (‭‭Mark‬ ‭12‬:‭30‬-‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬) That pretty much sums it up. He’s making us into the family He desires. Take the time to seek His guidance. He may lay something on your heart to do for someone or just pray for. Be truthful and authentic. We all struggle with something. Use that weakness to make someone else stronger. God will strengthen you as you pour into others. Life can be easier with help in the real world.

Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.