Don't get me wrong, I try to see the positive, to have a thankful heart and see the good. Nobody wants to be around Debbie Downer all day. At the same time, I can't help but think that social media has contributed to a lie that I've seen lived out in a hurting world. It's a lie that keeps the broken from running to the body of Christ for healing.

The lie is this: You have to have it all together to go to church, you have to get cleaned up first to be accepted. 

It goes against our nature to be transparent and vulnerable. How much harder has social media made it for us to not give "fine" as our response? How can we share our struggles when the rest of the world seems to be celebrating life with each post and pin?

Two things. Two truths.

#1 Nobody has it together.

#2 We all need real, authentic, "here's my crap" connections. 

If we think we're the only one struggling, we've been deceived. If we think someone has it all together, it's an illusion we have created. We do not have a complete picture of someone's life only using their posts, pins, and tweets. 

We must be purposeful in creating real connections with others- real, transparent, vulnerable relationships that run way deeper than pins, posts, and likes. It's in the safety of those friendships that we can share our realities. 

I'll be the first to say that I am not "fine" today. I'm struggling to like my children and wondering how in the world will we survive the summer together. Topped with a big dose of mom guilt. Maybe some moms are soaking up today with their kids. Maybe I will tomorrow. 

We who follow Christ always have hope and a reason for joy. We live, however, in these imperfect bodies in a fallen world and not every day is rainbows and lollipops.

I just want to encourage anyone searching for one good moment to post, but can't find one. It's coming. Just don't go thinking that you are the only one not celebrating today. Call up that friend that knows you best. Share your heart. Let your friend go with you to the feet of Christ and entrust him with it. You are not alone. 

I also want to encourage the woman who feels the pressure to post and pin. To compare and measure up. To fit in. To feel like a "good wife" or a "good mom." From the post and tweets, it would seem your life is great, but you are struggling and lonely. If I could give you a taste of freedom, I would. I've been there- never feeling like I could do enough or be enough. No one new. Everyone thought I was Pollyanna, but I was miserable. Christ came to set us free from that prison. 

...In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world. John 16:33

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:36