U is for...

       is for undercover.




Last weekend while visiting home, Dad and I decided to have a little outing to go see The Dark Knight Rises, the new Batman movie.  I'm all girl and love a sappy chick flick with the love story and happy ending, but I did grow up with a brother who loved all things action and boyish so I've developed an appreciation of many types of films.  (I still have a fond memory of one birthday when I went to the movies with Clay and Dad.  Obviously I got to choose so we saw Pride and Prejudice.  I'm pretty convinced that they were bored out of their minds, but I personally can't understand what's not to love about Mr. Darcy...)  So anyhow, this was a movie that Dad and I were mutually stoked about seeing.  I'm fascinated by the idea of superheros, characters who often hide their identity from the public they serve.  I also noticed a marked difference between Batman in action and the much more human character of Bruce Wayne.  In full suit and cape, the Batman roamed the streets of Gotham fighting those that seek to bring harm upon its citizens.  Back at the mansion, however, Bruce Wayne leaned heavily on a crutch depending on its assistance to move from one room to another in his mansion.

(Source: www.mtv.com)

I loved the movie and totally recommend that you go see it.  Let's be honest though, Hollywood isn't always so realistic when it comes to superheroes.  There's no way that a guy walking with a cane can suit up and do work at this level of intensity with such extensive injuries.

 

(Source: www.entertainment.time.com)

But then again, maybe it's not so far-fetched after all.   It's what many do day in and day out.  I'm coming to find that people who are broken and hurting are putting on a mask, pretending that everything is fine, and going out into the world undercover to face yet another day.  How do I know this?  I've been there before.  You probably have too.  I certainly can think of several close friends who are facing challenges and struggles that put on a brave face for the crowd.  It's just easier for them and it doesn't make others around them uncomfortable having to recognize the pain that another is experiencing.

How do we get beyond the mask and what should we do for our fellow man?  Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)  Stop pretending yourself and thus forcing others to do so.  Be honest and real with the people you trust.  In turn, let's learn to become people who don't expect perfection from ourselves or others.  For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)  How are we to be honest and seek support and love from one another if we can't lay judgment aside?  We were never called to be the judge of others.  Instead, be in community.  Amongst a number of definitions, Google defines community as "a group of interdependent organisms of different species growing or living together in a specified habitat."  Interdependent.  Relying on one another.  Spurring one another on in hope and love.  Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5: 11)  Above all else, let us become prayer warriors for one another and lead the hurting into the warmth of the promises of God.  I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)  

Life is certainly a dance in which we learn new steps each day.  Let us not come dressed for a masquerade ball with a need to cover up and hide our struggles and pains.  May we live in love and encouragement, a people no longer undercover.