I need to remember to quit asking people how they are doing.

Why?

Because it opens the door to a one-word answer (which is sometimes a one-word lie): Fine.

It is okay to not be okay.  Nobody’s life is so perfect and wonderful that they have no problems, no struggles, no issues to deal with.

Weakness makes us real.  Weakness is the point where God comes in and provides the needed strength to carry on.

Weakness is real.  And when we deny our weakness, we deny our need for Christ.

Don’t do that.  Be real.  Admit what you’re dealing with and shine the light of Christ on those around you.  Let them see you are hurting and vulnerable, but the strength of the Lord keeps you keeping on.

Rejoice in weakness!  Don’t hide it.  Let others see God working in you, transforming you in ways no one could ever imagine.

Remember that you are loved by Almighty God.

Remember that you are the recipient of magnificent grace from your Loving Heavenly Father.

Remember that you have been saved and forgiven and cleansed and made righteous by the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross.

Remember that you are here to be salt and light to others, not to worry about anything but seek God first and foremost above all things.

Remember that you are not alone.

Remember that you are in His hands always – never abandoned, never forgotten.

Remember that Jesus said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  To which Paul responded, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10  For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor 12:9-10, ESV)

Remember that it’s okay to not be okay.  We are all weak.  We all need Jesus.  And He is with us always, which makes our not being okay, okay.

Okay?