How are you today?

Answer: Impatient. Intolerant. Short-tempered. Tired. Overwhelmed. Guilty. Wanting to avoid any effort or discomfort.

There have been times when someone I know well has asked me how I'm doing, and I have responded, "do you really want to know, or should I lie to you?" It's not that I'm trying to be difficult, or looking for an opportunity to whine, but there are times when I truly want to answer that social-nicety question honestly instead of how is socially expected. There are times when I can see pain in another person's eyes, but it is an inappropriate time or place to encourage them to open up to you. And sometimes you don't know how to broach the subject with someone, "Hello there, thought I'd call/stop by to ask you what your secret pain is!"

I think that there is so much pain, uncertainty, confusion, and struggle in even the average person's life out there, I wish there was a way for us to truly support one another and seek to listen. I wish that was part of our social expectations too.

Here are the lyrics to an awesome song that so speak to my soul about human struggle:
"Scarred" Words by Rebecca Poulson, performed by the Christian band "The Pull"

I've found that I live in fear...
I've found that I need you here...

'Cause there's things in my life that I forgive, but I can't forget
They fill up my mind, and they mess up my head
I want to be loved, but I'm still too upset
I know I'm alive, but I feel like I'm dead...

Come here and take up this fight
With you near, I think I just might
Find me a way to get through tonight
Know what is truth, find the way, see the light

I thoguht I'd go it alone...
I thought I'd make it on my own...

But I'm starting to hting that it's true what they say
People may leavey ou, but love will always stay
It's killing me now, bit it's only today
My faith is in tomorrow, so let the music play...

I have healed,
But I've scarred
I can feel,
But it's hard,
It it's real,
Oh my God,
Be with me

If I fail
Don't let go
Life is hail,
Feet of snow
But I still
Gotta know
That you're with me

Come here and take up this fight
With you near, I think I just might
Find me a way to get through tonight
Know what is truth, find the way, see the light