I love a Hallmark movie, don’t you? They’re always predictable and happy. You can watch the beginning and know how it will end. The characters may face a dilemma but by the time the credits roll, everyone is smiling and in love. And, the fashions they wear are just.too.cute. (Cue the cute puppy, too.)

But life is not a Hallmark movie so why do we try to portray it as such? If you look at social media, you would think we all live in a Hallmark movie. But, most often, life is unpredictable, and there are times we’d rather cry than laugh. We don’t always look cute, our dilemma sometimes goes unsolved, and at times there’s no happy ending. So, let’s get real!

Do you know your experiences can help someone who is struggling? Too many people think that their problem is unique and they are the only one who has faced it.  Our stories can encourage someone who is going through something we’ve been through in the past. We need to be able to say “Me too, I understand!”.  They need to hear that we made it through and they will too.  More importantly, they need to hear of God’s faithfulness in our trials.

Our stories of God’s faithfulness in the past will help others trust him with their present and their future.

Don’t try to hide all the bumps in the road, don’t try to cover all your mistakes and failures and pretend to live the Facebook and Instagram perfect life. Others need to know that your life, just like theirs, isn’t a Hallmark movie!

© 2019 Robin R King

 

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.

Hebrews 10:23-25 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

²³ Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us watch out for one another to provoke love and good works, ²⁵ not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.

Zephaniah 3:17 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)