Be Real

Our present world is one of symbols and images that are often removed from reality. Social media has photos that are filtered to project a prettier face. A short media post shows a perfect situation but a deeper look reveals a flawed reality.

We are swamped with available information at our fingertips. Much of the information is skewed to project a reality that does not exit. It is like the snake oil medicine of old, that promised to cure everything from cataracts to kidney stones but only gave a taste of medicine in the mouth.

Some things are called disinformation or misinformation not because it can be proved as a lie, but because it does not fit the approved storyline. Talking heads with articulate mannerisms can sound scholarly, but weave foolishness with colorful yarn. Perception is reality to the person who is misled by it.

There are those who talk much and do little. They can make a nickel’s worth look like a dollar with a smile to boot. They boast and do little, as “clouds without water”. To many, the appearance of moral outrage is more important than true morality.

Thank God for those who quietly heal the sick and feed the hungry. We are thankful for those who change the world in their small circle without a trumpet blast or a plaque on the wall.

A quick glance may not reveal who we really are. The true person is determined by everyday living when no one or few are watching. A moment of glory can be staged but life must be lived out in time. The flowering bud is not the harvest but the red apple is what counts.

One day of reading to kindergarteners such as a politician’s photo of opportunity, does not make one an advocate for education. One photo distributing a bag of rice to people of a different color, does not make one a humanitarian. The day-in and day-out struggles to fill the needs and cure the evils of this fallen world cloaks the true heroes concealed in ordinary and unreported lives.

Just listen to these profound words of Jesus. “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven./ Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward./ But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,/ that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly” (Matthew 6:1-4 NKJV).

We all just need to be real, honest, and genuine. I had rather see someone with their wrinkles and scars than with an air-brushed-magazine-cover-image. Don’t feign concern, don’t pretend, just tip your hat, and go; most folks will respect that. Let’s all be real.

If crowds adore you, yet your kids hide from you—you are a fraud.
If hurting people are safe in your care—you are a guardian of lambs.

If the needy all starved, if all were like you—you are a miserable miser.
If an unseen beggar was blessed by your generosity—you are the dew of Heaven.

If others doubt your sincerity and loathe your inconsistency—please step away.
If your friends receive your grace and your enemies your mercy—let me be either one.

Yours on the Journey,

Harry L. Whitt

PathwayOutreach.org