just below the surface…

     Appearances can be very deceiving.  I captured this image (left) on a recent flight into LAX.  Based on what is visible, one would have no way of knowing this is a photo of Los Angeles, CA.  Approximately 30 seconds after taking this photo, my plane passed through the thin layer of clouds.  I could see clearly the landscape of Los Angeles to my right and the Pacific Ocean to my left.  It is amazing what can exist just below the surface.

     I find the same to be true about people.  On the surface life appears to be intact.  Successful career, nice house, attractive family, plenty of everything – that’s what others perceive.  However, just below the surface…

Broken relationships, fear of being discovered, haunting memories that invade the present, loneliness, insecurity – these are just the tip of the iceburg. 

     Consider children.  They feel pressure to maintain the appearance that all is well, but just below the surface is their reality.  They don’t measure up, they are yelled at, they fear rejection, they get in the way, they feel alone, they are abused – and if they dare speak the truth…

     The appearance is much more attractive, but we were not created to maintain an appearance.  We were created to be authentic.  Authenticity requires a willingness to look below the surface and face reality.  It is often unpleasant, especially with regard to self, and requires courage a warrior would envy.

     Are you willing to go there?  Are you willing to honestly look at what is just below the surface in your life?