Facades

Thanks to Hollywood and more recently the power of the computer, our imaginations continue to be stretched beyond belief.  The “special effects” of yesterday have been surpassed, taking our virtual world into places our parents parents could never imagine.  When you see something today, what is real?  When you experience something today, is it just in your mind?  When something bad occurs in front of your eyes, is anyone hurt?
 
The facades of our mind are very powerful.  It is hard to know what is real versus the virtual.  The false fronts come in colors and textures which feel real.  A surface examination rarely reveals the void beyond.  Decisions are shaped, actions taken, and relationships touched, all by something not real.  Even as we search to know and understand, some are pushing what they know to be a myth. 
 
It is hard, often near impossible to know “truth”.  The quest requires one’s full attention and the help of others in the community.  When those “helping” us in our quest are pushing an agenda the process becomes beyond impossible!  To live, really live, one must trust the people in the community.  Utilizing the experiences of others, tapping into other’s insights and observations, and sharing life’s loads dramatically changes how, where, and why each step is taken.  If one cannot trust, reach out in faith, or journey with another, the result is simply that life becomes a shell of its full potential.
 
To those building the facades we find in our lives a curse applies; “Doom to you who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness in place of light and light in place of darkness, who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5.20) 
 
To those struggling to be agents of hope, I want to extend my prayer and wish for continued strength, patience, and endurance.  The invitation to be part of this special community is open to all – you and I included.  Perfection is not required, merely a willingness to make a difference.  Hope burns within us all.  Today is our window.