reality

Sometimes, for very real reasons, we have to suspend reality for a bit in order to make it through the next moments. It’s a gift, given by the One who cares for us so tenderly, to let us disconnect for a moment in order to let a moment pass.

That merciful disconnection from reality doesn’t have an objective time limit on how long it should last. But God, in His mercy, He knows how long it needs to last. To let the stress, the horror or the trauma pass over. Sometimes it’s just a breath, sometimes it lingers long.

But what starts as a mercy can become a crippling facade if it lingers too long. If the disconnection from reality becomes the default. If we don’t allow the gentle hand of the Healer to bring us back into the full light so we can experience freedom and healing.

It’s like Egypt. It was originally a place where they could go to find the sweet hand of the Lord caring for them in their time of desperate need. But lingering longer made it a place of bondage that kept them from the fullness of life God had for them. So He delivered them. He set them free.

Have you ever met someone or had a conversation and wondered how they can even have that conversation? We all have blind spots or weak areas, but it’s as if you’re talking with someone who has their eyes open…but literally in another world.

Have mercy. Because your friend very truly may really be disconnected from reality. And not all of the time, but so very tragically often, there is a good reason they have disconnected from reality. And because habits and patterns are passed down from generation to generation, maybe it’s not your friend who has experienced trauma but rather they were raised by or around someone who did. But have mercy.

Have eyes to see below the surface of a confounding conversation. Have eyes to see the question that may invite them into the light to experience a sweeter and fuller reality.

The covering, the hiding, the shame, the talking in circles, the denial, the lack of taking care of themselves, the lack of protecting some and defending others to a fault, the double-talk… It all comes from somewhere. It’s not OK. And it’s not an excuse. But the reality is, it may come from a very hurtful place from which they have not yet walked in healing and freedom.

We all can extend a hand of love in mercy that offers comfort to the brokenhearted while faithfully walking in the light ourselves. To bring healing and freedom.

Rather than ask yourself why they can’t see it… Have mercy and gently invite them to see. Trusting the Lord to deliver in His way, in His time and not force or rush the issue.