Reality

It was times like this when she felt alone. Not when she was alone, but when she was in a sea of people. A sea of people so... Fake. How does everyone do it? She wondered. But instead of searching for an answer, she put on her own mask and became one of them. The fake, plastic people. There were so many, yet so few she could tear her mask off around.

She still wondered though, could she trust them? Or were they fake too? There had been so many before that had turned out to be.. She didn't know if she could take anymore of that. Maybe it was just best to keep it to herself. Well, herself and God. Whenever she doubted his existence in her life He showed up again and again. So it would just be her and God, all the way. That could work. Then she would no longer have to rely on anyone. The people who betray and let down.

But she decided to try something else. She tore off her mask and revealed her real self. Maybe others would follow her example. But until then, she would find those who were already genuine. There were more than she thought! She had just blocked them out like all the fake ones. This was a turning point, she no longer felt alone. Just, real.

I wrote that in 7th grade when I felt like everyone around was just putting on a show. It's hard to understand why people feel the need to be something they're not. It happens everywhere, from middle school, to high school, and beyond. Everyone just so fake, always having their guard up and only letting it down with certain people. it's an exhausting thing to do!

Especially in the body of believers, why do we go around masquerading like something we're not? Why can't we be honest with each other? We all know we're not perfect, so why do we pretend to be? If we can't be real with each other, how can we be real with others, and help them know the reality of life with Christ? You hear it all the time, "Be yourself". It sounds so easy! So why can't we?

Let's try.