Mirror, mirror

A few years ago the phrase "Mirror, mirror, on the wall..." came to mind. I cannot remember the related fairy tale and that's not what this post is about. It's about what your mirror really tells you - and us.

Proverbs 27: 19 says "Just as water mirrors your face, so your face mirrors your heart." (MSG)

Your face is really how you show up...wherever you are or go. However, your face always  amplifies what's really in your heart (and life). Let me explain..

Do you know the phrase "plastic smile"? Sadly, there are too many people around us with plastic - in fact plastered or pasted smiles. Personally, I believe that plastic, plastered or pasted smiles are a reflection of self-deception versus genuine smiles based on a cheerful and happy disposition of one's heart. The danger and damage of mental health is very real. Even the wisest man that ever lived knew that and stressed the importance of having a healthy spirit.

Proverbs 17:22 

- A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. (NLT)

- A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired. (MSG)

Proverbs 18:14 

- The will to live sustains you when you’re sick, 

but depression crushes courage and leaves you unable to cope. (TPT)

- A healthy spirit conquers adversity, but what can you do when the spirit is crushed? (MSG)

As you go through this week...and the rest of the year, please pay attention to the people around you. I'm not saying you should start assessing people's smiles but the truth is when you look at people with true care you'll know who have more than a care or 2. Make and take the time to reach out, be a listening ear and caring heart and positively impact the lives of those around you.

On the other hand, if you have a plastic, plastered or pasted smile, please reach out and talk to someone, so that true joy can return to your heart and radiate on your face. You are loved.