How Are You???

How Are You? - You good? You Aight? What's up?

In life we get so bogged down with OUR own circumstances and OUR own situations we forget to ask people: HOW ARE YOU? I mean asking and actually waiting for the response.

We have over- sensitized our emotions and we belittled the feelings of others. Matter fact when they apologize we continue to make them “feel” what they did to us until we are ready to release it. (simulated forgiveness)

This is the downfall of so many relationships. We, at times; refuse to be quiet, process the situation and just let there be peace for the sake of true friendship/relationship/companionship.

During Hurricane Harvey

I did not sleep for almost 3 days in fear that the bayou right behind my apartment would rise and my car would have water damage. (I even did a NO RAIN DANCE)

When I prayed for Houston Friday and Saturday I was really praying for my car, my stuff and my sleep. It wasn’t until Monday night when I joined my first prayer conference call of Harvey it all hit me…I was selfish like a mug. (“Like a mug” a 1990’s colloquialism thtat means: a lot or in abundance)

I mean, I had watched the news, saw the people, and I even cried at all the people I saw stuck out of would they knew as home . Yet, still my prayer was for MY car and MY belongings. I mean in my head I wanted to pray for others, but my mouth could only form to pray for myself. I was selfish ...“Like a mug” Is it ok that I am honest? Yes!!! Because it is my blog. Lol!!!!!

My prayer changed as the sun came out Tuesday and the water began to recede. My heart sunk a little deeper because I wanted to help in someway. I got in my car drove out to the main street…WATER!! I was limited in what direction I could go. I had a full tank of gas and couldn’t go anywhere. Stuck!! What am I suppose to do. My faith had to stretch to work. I still had to pray for the people of Houston and surrounding, but I also had to pray and build a desire for the opportunity to really help. So God gave me the opportunity to sign up for service.

Prayer wasn’t enough. I realize this time away from everyone, few people really care HOW YOU ARE. I mean it sounds genuine. Verbally there were many who asked. What they really hope is that your ok so they can go on doing their own life, their own problems, their own happiness. I mean who really wants to leave peace to enter into your chaos. VERY FEW people.

I heard a quote during my training that stuck with me. “Surprise is the enemy of competency” – Author unkown. I am not telling you to feel bad because few people REALLY care about you. I am saying don’t be surprised. Still love them. Lean on God to be consistent. Rejoice with those few friends who really care HOW YOU ARE. It will not be everyone.

Reading this might have you redefine who your close friends are and who you even define as friends. Don’t be mad or negative to those who do not have the capacity to love you like you need. Continue to show them Christ. Don’t change your love because of their capacity. Just be aware. At the same time don’t dismiss those who are able to love you, consider you, and ask “HOW ARE YOU?”.

Now here is the kicker, YOU might be that friend who can’t love and consider all the people you say are your friends. If your friends treated you the way you treated them would you be satisfied with that friendship? Don't be sly! Well, if you would be happy check this out. You need to be the type friend they need anyway.

Jesus gave us the definition of authentic friendship. In John 15:13 he said, 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. See Jesus knew. He knew/ knows How WE Are. He was still willing to give up His life. His comfortable lifestyle He was willing to give up because He considered our soul rather than His position, circumstance or emotion.

I thought we were made in His image!!!

Friendship is not a biological, psychological or sociological need. Friendship is one of those things that give significance to life.

How are you? This question has so many meanings. Ask it sometimes, consider the person you ask it to, and consider the people who ask you.

I love you!!!!