What Goes Unnoticed

I've been really noticing hurt lately.

Not just in myself, but in those around me. 

How can something so big go so unnoticed? I mean, someone could be hurting so much, but no one would ever know. It's so upsetting to me. It goes unnoticed partly because people put up a front. But I think it's mostly because no one takes the time to ask.

The other day, one of my friends asked me how I was doing. I said "alright," but I had actually had a pretty crappy day. Instead of just accepting that though, my friend kept pushing through. I really appreciate that. They weren't overbearing, but at the same time I got the chance to sort through how I was feeling, which was really helpful. 

Why can't we all do this? So many people are just wishing for someone to ask and truly care how they are. How many people have a front they put up? Acting funny, being standoffish, asking all about how you are so that the focus will stay off them? Just think about it. Look around you, even, and I guarantee you'll see it in the faces that are there. 

God wants for us to be there for each other. That's the whole reason He created community: so that we can listen to each other and build each other up and pray for each other. And not only that, but caring for people is one of the things that lets God's light shine through us.

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

-John 13:35

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2