We are really good at making the outside of our lives look good to others. We use social media to give pretty pictures of our lives. Our status updates are cheery and happy. We don’t talk about the dark days and the deep feelings. You know those feelings you have deep down inside that you like to keep hidden. I learned as a child how to make the outside of my life conform to the expectations of others. But, you know what? My inside did not match my outside. I might have looked obedient on the outside, but on the inside I was rebelling. My heart and mind were miles away from what the outside conformity looked like.
I have had some hard times. Times when I could not put words to my thoughts on the inside. There were times when I worried about what others thought about me, so I kept things stuffed down, deep inside. I am in a place in my life where my inside matches my outside. I am happy on the inside and on the outside.
I have been through deep grief and disappointments. My faith in God has seen me through those times. I cannot imagine going through the things I have been through without God there with me every step of the way.
I have never dealt with depression or dark thoughts, but I pray for those who do. I am very saddened about the news that a well-known actor died today and possibly at his own hand. To the outside, he looked like he had it all. Probably, none of his fans thought he suffered from depression. Sometimes those who you least suspect to have depression, are the very ones who suffer with it.
Reach out to your friends and family. Be there for them. Be present. Love life. Love those around you. Be a friend to someone.
Be encouraged.
Tami
