Something Weird Under My T-Shirt

We’re so often clueless about what’s really going on with the people we know.

I made it through my talk. I even greeted some people, though I passed on handshakes and hugs, then raced to the bathroom. I doubt anyone knew there was a problem, and I certainly wasn’t going to volunteer it, but there was something very weird going on under my t-shirt, leaving me anxious and vulnerable.

That’s life in this fallen world. We interact with each other without a clue as to what’s really going on under our t-shirts. Sometimes we should know, but we’re not paying attention. Other times we who have unseen trials should be more honest, volunteering our struggles, asking for prayer, confessing our faults. And other times, yes, a little discretion is called for, and some information just isn’t cool to pass on. Still, one thing we could always use, whether we’re in a place to disclose our private issues or not, is encouragement. Something along the line of, “Hey, I don’t know all that’s going on under your t-shirt, and I’m not necessarily asking to know. But whatever it may be, know that I’m here. I appreciate you, respect you, love you.” ‘

Because what’s happening, though hidden, may not be something as inconsequential or amusing as misapplied hair remover. It could be depression, hopelessness, rage or despair brewing just beneath the surface of someone we know, and for whatever reason they’re not feeling free to tell us about it. I’m hoping more of us take up the challenge to be encouragers, by simply reminding the people around us that they matter. I can’t count the number of times I’ve felt led to say something along those lines, then hesitated, then finally obeyed and blurted it out, only to find the other person breaking into tears saying, “You don’t know how badly I needed that!”

I hope we can all appreciate the power of encouragement, unsolicited and given without any particular reason other than the desire to build someone we love up. Way too often, we’re way too late – too late in realizing someone near us is hurting, or too late in acting on the hunch we had but ignored which told us to reach out, step up, say something. After all, no harm can be done in giving an encouraging word to someone who really didn’t feel the need for it. But how much harm is being done even now, because so many of us are in real pain, while the rest of us are clueless?

Maybe it’s not my fault if I can’t see the hurt someone near me is going through. But it is my fault if I withhold normal and regular affection, even something as simple as a quick word of appreciation. They may not look like they need one, and indeed, they may not.

But then again, even though they’re speaking normally and keeping calm, you never what’s going on under that t-shirt.