We're all just trying to figure is out.

It’s inevitable.
You see pictures? You make assumptions.
You scroll through stories? You string together a story you know nothing about.
You hear about advancements, victories, promotions, answered prayers, etc. and you place the unfair banner over them of, “They have it figured out.”
The problem with this thinking and concluding is that it’s simply not true. It’s unfair to them and you, because as you build a wall and elevate them, you devalue you and inherently isolate.
Sometimes, IT IS NOT EVEN A CONSCIOUS DECISION OR EVALUATION!!!
It sounds a little like this: “Well that must be nice…” or “things just seem to fall into place for him…” or “They got exactly what they predicted and prayed for…”—all the while, slowly placing judgement on yourself and not allowing them to speak their story, share their struggle, or supply context for the “picture” presented.

If I had to guess? Because they’re human and because you are and we all are?
They had to fight to get there. They had to pray and war through hardship and say no to things they wanted and say yes to things they were scared of. They had to fight their own personal demons or strongholds and reclaim authority in places they felt defeated.
And if I had to guess, they’re still doing all of that. Behind the smiles and the experiences and the memories are hearts that are still doing what you’re doing—navigating the unknown, holding the hand of the Father as they walk deeper in the water and shakily whisper, “I have no idea what I’m doing.”

Isn’t it interesting how after spending five minutes with someone asking them what God is doing in or around them, you realize there’s always more fight involved? More grit? More mustered up strength than the pretty picture could captivate?

So…maybe we hold that close and ask the questions before we assume the story. Maybe we let these conversations bring us courage that builds bridges of connection instead of walls that cause isolation—because truthfully, we are ALL just trying to figure it out.

Eliminating the pressure to seem “put together” provides permission to show up with exactly what you have, where you are and to try + try again 🤍 that is a life worth living.