Stepping Stones: When Laughter Ends

Transformational Tip
Most of us have some degree of trouble admitting our true feelings and being able to express them, especially if we are struggling with life-interfering behaviors or life-controlling addictions. We keep placing mask over mask to hide or anesthetize what’s really going on in our hearts and minds. But throughout the Bible, God encourages us to know our feelings and not keep them hidden inside. Jesus set an example for us: He had emotions and he expressed them. He cried. He got angry. He was sad.

We often hide the way we feel behind a defense to keep our real self from showing through. Inside, we may feel fearful or angry or sad, but we hide or escape those feelings by joking…or acting superior…or being silent…or employing some other defense. We may try to cover our sadness with laughter…but, we can’t escape these feelings. When the laughter ends, the grief remains.

Hiding our feelings gives them control over our lives. Unexpressed anger or fear or guilt can have a destructive influence on everything we do. Hidden shame and sadness are roadblocks to hope and healing.

Today, Has your "cover-up" helped? Or have you learned first-hand that when the laughter ends, the grief remains? Admitting your feelings can be a turning point.
Be honest with yourself…and with God…and then with a friend. Being real will open the door for healing. Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your thoughts on being real with your feelings.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I realize that I have been wearing a mask over masks. I've been hiding my feelings for a long time, but I know now it's time to be honest. Help me to be real. Help me to share my real feelings with You and my loved ones. Set me free, Father. I pray in the name of the one who came and died to set me free, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!

The Truth
Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when laughter ends, the grief remains.
Proverbs 14:13
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Romans 12:14
But Hannah answered, "No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation." Then Eli answered, "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him." And she said, "Let your servant find favor in your eyes." Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.
1 Samuel 1:15-18