As a former counselor and teacher at a boarding school, there are certain red flags which students indirectly raise in a given week. If you are not paying attention, these obvious signs can be ignored. While body language often reveals someone’s mood, subtle responses like “I’m fine” sugar coat the truth.
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free,” John 8:32.
On one occasion near the end of the school year, one of my students threatened to kill another. During a heart to heart, I threw his bunk bed across the room. This act of frustration served as a break through causing him to reveal the reason behind his threat. Breaking down in tears, I learned his parents were alcoholics and he’d rather go to jail than endure another night in that environment.
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come, John 16:13.
At this moment in time, I sensed the Holy Spirit beginning to speak through me. Yet, today there are countless adults, neighbors and students who continue to reply to daily conversation with the words I’m fine or okay. Unless you take the time to reach out to needy souls, healing will never come. Therefore, don’t be afraid to reach out, lend a helping hand or break through the superficial to enable hearts to heal.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 