During my years as a preacher’s wife, I mastered the CHURCH SMILE.
You know the one where you can turn from quietly growling at a child and suddenly, “Oh heeeeeeey, sis! I’m so happy to see you! How is your mom? I’ve been praying for her.”
I know you have done it.
Most of you, I’ve witnessed you do it. 😆😆😆
But WHY do we do it?
Because in a lot of settings, it is not SAFE to FEEL.
We can’t say, “I’m blazing PISSED and I don’t any to smile.” Because as absurd as it is, most people don’t think HONEST EMOTION is godly unless it is all roses and sunshine.
But is that true?
Do you feel separated from God when you are justifiably angry?
If I can share anything of value, I hope you hear my voice as you read this:
God gets angry. So God is not bothered when you are angry. In fact, God can even handle when you are angry at Him.
Life is hard and sometimes it takes us farther than we feel capable of going. Horrible things happen. And it is infuriating when you KNOW God and trust His ability to change the circumstances. God is not mad at us for being angry. And God is not insecure. So, much like my mini-hothead daughter’s tantrums don’t stress me, mine don’t make God push me away either.
God came especially close when I was in a fury and blamed God for the devastation in my marriage. And I felt safer than ever, even in my rage.
“Be angry and sin not”
But just know that it is not a threat. It’s wisdom. Definitely a good advice. But it doesn’t mean that God can’t handle it.
So let’s change this.
Instead of putting on the fake smile next time, just be honest. Tell HOW YOU REALLY FEEL. 💛🫂