Elementary days filled with chalk boards, skipping rope, whispering secrets (that weren’t really secrets at all just fun moments of play and pretend), sticky, glued together fingertips and dirty, skinned knees from recess fun.
How did we get to be grown up, independent, and hurtful whisperers that send daggers into others? Oh how I long to be real, not two-faced, but really REAL with others. Not the fake smiles that fill our church pews, but real, vulnerable people that look to reach out to hurting people around them.
People aren’t looking for a pat on the back, or a pasted on shaky smile, but real, authentic friendship that can weather the storms of life.
Will you be that real person? Thank you Gypsy Mama, for hosting these 5 Minute Friday writings…
Thanks for visiting!
It is so true that we want authentic friendship. However, that sometimes requires a more of us than we are willing to give, in areas such as time and energy and attention.
You post a great reminder, though, that it is those authentic friendships that are so necessary and meaningful.
Thanks!
I love this post!! It’s funny how you mention fake smiles in the church pews….I don’t feel that with my church family. As a matter of fact I feel “love”. As we hug and say hello to each other there are also “I love yous” exchanged. It would be awesome if every church was like that.
Thanks Angie! Yes, I also belong to a loving body! But there are still moments, with all of us, where we paste on a smile instead of being real. Ya know?
Great post Traci and so true! Its not easy to be authentic though, is it? Some of us are afraid to step out of our comfort zones. This is what I’m praying for this year…for courage to reach out more and be the face of Christ to others.
Thanks for this timely reminder and have a lovely weekend!
This is so true Traci. I have been thinking and praying about this for a while now, realizing I was feeling sorry for myself (blush) because I had no one to share an authentic relationship with. God is leading me to be the one who changes my authenticity toward others. What a lesson!
I loved your post. This definition of real is perfect. I wish more people were real. The world would be such as different place. Thank you for sharing!
I loved your post. This definition of real is perfect. I wish more people were real. The world would be such as different place. Thank you for sharing!
It’s funny… the more FMF posts I read, the more I realize that we all want to rip off the masks and be real but, at the same time, we’re scared to do it. We cling to the fake with fierceness.
I’m feeling inspired and encouraged because of your words today! 🙂
Traci, I had a dream or vision once (can’t remember if I was awake or asleep!) where everyone in the church was weeping and pouring out there hearts and it was the most beautiful thing. I long for that kind of real-ness among the brethren. If we should always be cheerful and happy then why does God say “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted” Or blessed are the poor in Spirit for they sahll be comforted? I hear you Traci! I totally get where you are coming from. I long for that kind of transparency too.
Definitely a good reminder! I hate it when you can tell someone is not being real .. I long to be that really real person too!