Answers

How, why, and if we answer questions is part of the story we tell others.  It is the area that I often ignore, rarely focusing my attention or reflection on what I am or have explained to others.  As I catch my actions in the mirror, I find there is an intensive and personal level of honesty in my actions.  It is time to listen to the truth within so I can connect to the truth without.
In the normal course of our life journey, from asking for directions to evaluating the pros and cons of a particular purchase, from asking how to do something to working as part of a team, from reflecting on our history to trusting those that nurture our journeys, we ask and answer questions.  It is a mistake to think that we are the only observant ones.  Life is an interaction with at least two.  Nothing is ever done completely in isolation, because even in our aloneness we are in relationship with God.  We live as part of a family and families know each other's business.
A simple question is often anything but.  When “Peter said, 'Tell me, were you given this price for your field?'
'Yes,' she said, 'that price.'”  (Acts 5.8)
She (it could have easily been you or me) told Peter and her soul far more than she realized.  Her confidence was palatable, strong enough that Peter could feel the deceit buried within the words.  Often, our bodies know truth.  We can feel it, getting stronger in truth's presence, weaker when we are in Evil's.  Even as I remind myself of this reality, I find myself trying to manipulate, control, and manage the perceptions of others.  Even as I reflect on the stories others tell me of their lives, I find myself falling into the traps that they easily reveal.
Today we will face a wide range of questions.  Our response will tell a story.  I hope, pray, and commit that my story will be one of transparency, compassion, and love.  Whatever happens, I will learn with God.