August 9 – Fake It, Till You Make It
August 9, 2018 sdlieb Leave a comment Afraid, Confused, Depressed, Faith Bites, Happy, Helpless, Strong
221 – Fake It, Till You Make It

#faithbites #faithjourney fake

Today was water park and hotel day on vacation. A time for playing with the kids, interacting with people, and having a great time. Inside though, I didn’t feel happy. I felt a bit depressed, anxious, and nauseous. (Let’s just say getting old and having motion sickness on water slides suck). At the same time, I was feeling down, I also know that my attitude can impact those around you. If I was down and grumpy, that would be contagious. Likewise, being happy and enthusiastic could help others too.

So I faked it, till I made it. I felt better in the afternoon and enjoyed the day. I’m not saying that you should bury your feelings. If you are sick, you sick and need help. Sometimes though, a bit of faking it, will help you and others to have a great day. Those great days, may turn into a great life. I liken this to worship as I don’t know what I’m doing. Each day, I am learning, acting, and believing. Hoping that one day I make it. I know Christ knows I believe, and that is good enough because I am becoming a strong Christian and a better person through it.

Scripture on Faking It Till You Make It
  • Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” – Mark 5:36
  • I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. – John 16:33
Reflection

A good friend of mine introduced me to Merton’s Prayer

My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you
does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road,
though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always though
I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.
This prayer along with the scriptures above say it all. Don’t be afraid, believe. The Lord gives us peace in our lives and even though we think we might be doing it wrong or “faking it”, we trust that he will guide us and help us. 
Tonight while we were hanging out in the lobby, I heard a little boy, 2 or 3, singing a song I recognized. It was from this year’s Vacation Bible School. Then we started talking to their family, school, and more. If I was quiet and into myself as I was feeling, we wouldn’t have made that connection and shared a bit about faith. 
 
There are times when I can’t fake happiness or enthusiasm. In those days, my prayers become more intense, and so far, God has helped me overcome my mental and physical sickness.
Charge

We can’t all fake it till we make it. In the Lord, we have already made it, we just have to believe. On those days, when you aren’t quite yourself, saw a prayer for strength so you can show your true self to those around you. 

Lord, help me to find the strength overcome my mental and physical weaknesses to share your love with others. 

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