KEEP IT REAL, HAPPY MEAL.

''Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, "See how He loved him!"'' John 11:35

Jesus wasn't interested in superficial smiles here on earth, holding a fluffy bunny under one arm and Christian side-hugging with the other. Jesus didn't shrink away from real emotions. He allowed Himself to be real with people.

When Lazarus died He wept with Lazarus' sisters, Martha and Mary. What would you think about letting your guard down like that? Do you worry about showing people how you really feel? Do you let playground taunts like 'What are you crying for, gay boy?', or 'You're such a drama queen!' silence your emotions from being what they really are?

We're not talking about mimicking Tashie, Big Brother 2011's first evictee, who had no problem with people seeing her cry over fish fingers. But the Bible says, 'For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven ... A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance' (Ecclesiastes. 3:1-4 NLT).

If we put up a safe robot shell, we run the risk of just coming across as hard-faced or fake. If we make out we're 'Just fine, thank you', we could be keeping ourselves from being comforted by someone, or miss out on bringing comfort to someone else.

What now?
Have you got a prayer buddy? If you haven't, ask someone who you feel you can let your guard down with. Do you know someone who needs some comfort and prayers? Why not offer your services!

written by Bob Gass

I was deeply affected when I first noticed that verse.

You know how you can read a verse and not quite notice
something very significant or even special.

This verse is still in my memory, Jesus had a bandwidth of sensitivity
and love that I do not understand. This one verse deepened my
understanding of Jesus completely.

From reverent fear and respect, to, oh Jesus, I can see how much
you loved the people of this World. Incredible compassion! So real.
That's my God and Lord and I love Him so much. Because, He loves us so deeply.