A Coffee with Friends
Because life is a journey and we all need a friend.
Pain and Poverty Have The Same Smile
Women smile. People assume we’re happy. Living in Southeast Asia, the “Land of Smiles” has taught me an unforgettable lesson. A smile doesn’t show what is in the heart. How do I know?
I mastered the art of fake smiles. I smiled at you when I was in my deepest pit of depression overwhelmed by the cloud of hopelessness that surrounded me. I smiled at you at the same moment of suffering a panic attack while feeling a swelling pit of fear convincing me my life was over.
Why did I smile? Why didn’t I tell you? Because I was your cheerleader. I was the one to brighten your day. You looked to me as your leader, encourager, mentor.
I wanted you to think that I was strong. If I hide my weaknesses, maybe I would be strong.
I’m a Christian, if you see me weak you will think I deserve it because of some sin. Maybe I shouldn’t be leading others. I didn’t want you to doubt me.
My thoughts feel out of control. Am I out of control? I mustn’t let you see.
Can I be beautiful and weak at the same time? I want you to think I’m pretty. Do you see the swollen eyes, my emaciated body, my thinning hair or did I hide it well?
You think I’m strong, independent and I don’t want to change that image of me.
You have always depended on me calling me your role model, teacher, mother, wife.
If you saw the pain, you’d have questions. But I’m sorry friend, I don’t know why I’m depressed or anxious.
From this lack of vulnerability on my part I learned, she’s not sharing with me either.
Your looking at a 23-year-old women. She is illiterate, been abused her whole life, averages 2 meals a day on a good day, she desired to end her life.
We’re friends now.
This picture was the first day I met her. I’m glad I learned the “unforgettable lesson.” When I see this smile, I look for pain. After an hour of prodding, the tears fall. What’s inside seeps out. Healing begins.
Don’t mistake a smile for happiness. Practice looking deeper.
How can you tell if a friend is hurting inside and faking that smile or is honestly happy?
Vulnerability can seem unthinkable but without it we are just a lonely shell.
Are you being vulnerable with your weaknesses?
“Other people are going to find healing in your wounds. Your greatest life messages and your most effective ministry will come out of your deepest hurts.” Rick Warren
Dig deeper with your friends and family today. I am so glad so many choose to do so with me.
A Coffee with Friends 
We all hide so much beneath our masks and false smiles. It seems to be the way of survival, but you’re so right, we need to dig deeper in order to really connect with each other. This is a beautiful post.
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Thank you Miriam. This post was a response from a relative who was shocked when reading my blog about depression along with several others. This made me rethink my vulnerability with others. The why’s behind my cover up! Thank you so much Miriam. Love hearing from you. Have a blessed night.
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Interesting to read how this post came about. Thanks Ann. Have a beautiful night yourself.
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What a great image, the woman and child with the red sling…
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Thank you. My heart breaks for her.
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Such a good lesson in how smiles aren’t always real. Very important, especially when dealing (as you are) with people suffering in different cultures. Here we really do think a smile is happiness. I love how at the end you call for people to dig deeper than a smile!
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Thank you. Yes your right about other cultures. They can smile all day despite their pain. Thanks for stopping by!
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It’s a pleasure to read your writing, so thoughtful and well done!
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Thank you so much! You made my day😊
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So true, especially for women in ministry. We all need someone with whom we can be transparent, real. I love the Rick Warren quote. I want to be a safe person with whom others can peel back the layers.
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Me too! Your ministry comment is right on. Praying God gives you the opportunities to the be the “safe person.”
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The baby is so beautiful.That wide smile and genuine happiness in the eyes compared to the mother’s.Baby has no idea what mother is going through.So sad to think about.
It’s good to know you befriended her.
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Thank you. So glad you noticed the eyes of both in this picture. Very observant. Thank you for stopping by!
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Skype has opened its internet-based customer beta for the world, after starting it extensively from the U.S.
and U.K. previous this four weeks. Skype for
Web also now facilitates Linux and Chromebook for immediate text messaging connection (no voice and video however, individuals require a plug-in installment).
The expansion in the beta adds assist for an extended selection of different languages to help you bolster that
worldwide usability
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