What’s In A Word a.k.a “The Church Facade”

Perhaps this is apro-pos that tomorrow is Sunday. Or, in “Inge” language: “Nice Timing!” In fairness, I did not come up with the phrase “Church Facade”. This came from my Pastor, who shall remain nameless for the moment to protect his anonymity – and my hide!! (Joke – sort of!)

We’ve all said it – when we’re on “autopilot”; in some semblence of “sleepwalking”; or so “befuddled” that we don’t know what else to say. It’s the four-letter “f” word that lets people politely pass by, yet acknowledging you anyway. Yes, I said “politely”, so the word you’re thinking of probably isn’t the one I’m talking about! It’s the answer to the one question all of humanity has in common. It’s the response to “How are you doing?” If you’re honest with yourself right now, 99.9% of the time the answer is “I’m fine”. This lets the person who’s asking you off the hook – usually with a huge sigh of relief – and lets you stay “polite” as you answer the same question.

It’s not just in Church that this question comes up. It pops up on the telephone or in texting; with your neighbour in the hallway or in the street; with your pastor or postman; in business or on the bus; when in a crowd or content with two; the list is endless. In fairness, you definitely can’t listen E – V – E – R – Y time you ask the question, nor will you always be in a position to answer in detail to the same question. There are times, though, when someone really needs a sympathetic and caring ear, just as you sometimes really need to be the recipient of that same ear.

What am I getting at? W-W-W-E-L-L-L>> Keep this in mind: the next time you ask someone how they are doing, the LEAST you can do is stay in one place long enough to hear the person’s answer, and maybe, just maybe, you might find a pair of kind and compassionate eyes that see deep into yours as YOU silently scream “I need to talk!” Or those same pair of eyes might be the ones making the silent scream: “I am the one in pain!” As always, though, the ball will be in your court – whether question or answer.

Until next time,
Inge