The Invisible Man huh? Sounds a little cartoony or maybe straight out of a superhero movie? Well that’s not exactly the invisible man I’m referring to. The invisible man I speak of can be our next door neighbor, our co-worker, the person sitting next to us at church, or even the one we work out with at the gym.
The invisible man can be anyone.
About two weeks ago we were in Orlando on a short weekend vacation. As we were hunting down a place to go for breakfast, we exited the highway and came to a stop light right at the bottom. Now this was no ordinary light. In fact, to call it long is an understatement. We sat at the light and it wasn’t until several minutes later, just as the light was about to turn green, that I noticed someone who had been standing there the whole time. He tiredly held up his cup and just as I took notice of him, Rain asked from the back seat if we could give him some change.
How could I have possibly not noticed him? He was in my face the whole time and I would hardly say he was easy to miss.
But just as Rain filled his cup and he stood at our car window, I caught sight of something even harder to miss than his physical self; the pain in his eyes.
Now, G-d truly has a sense of humor! It seemed that for the rest of the week following that incident, I continued to run into invisible men and women everywhere.
About 2 days later as I scrolled down my FB news feed, I came across a picture of someone I hadn’t seen in a long time. In fact, it had been so long that I had forgotten we were friends on FB. But when I read the post more carefully I realized it was a memorial. How could it be? We taught the same grade level, were classroom neighbors, laughed and had lunch together. What did I miss? Had she always suffered from this depression…the one that would lead her to take her own life?
There are invisible men and women everywhere. Some blend in with our city streets such as this homeless man and yet others blend in with the crowd. Some function in society and others don’t. But the pain is just as real for both. It’s a pain that masquerades itself with smiles and normality, and fears being discovered because of what “they” might think.
It’s a deep rooted, raw pain. One that if left undisturbed will grow and grow and choke the life out of its host.
Its antidote is a well-adjusted mind. The kind that comes only from guarding ours because everything we do flows from it (Proverbs 4:23).
If you are living with this kind of pain today, know it is not G-d’s fullest plan for you. Reach out to those around you and come out of the shadows.
– No matter who they are or where they come from, every person on earth has two identities. The way they see themselves and the way the world sees them. I pray your eyes would be open to the invisible people around you and that you would offer a hand of hope.
Hi, Rosie. I believe this is my first visit here. Nice to meet you. 🙂 Those invisible people walk among us every day…oh that we’d have eyes to see. And, sometimes, we’re even the invisible ones, hiding pain in plain sight. Thanks for this admonition to open our eyes. Great to be your neighbor at Winter’s place this morning. ((grace upon grace))
Brenda, thank you for stopping by. I appreciate your comment 🙂
I wonder if others become invisible to us because we are so consumed with ourselves? I know I am guilty of prolonging this invisible syndrome because I am caught up in my agenda and do not see what might be going on around me. Thank you for your words today.
Yes Mary, same applies to me. I get caught up in my own life and sometimes don’t see the obvious. Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful post Rosie. Yes there are definitely “invisible” people everywhere. I try to ask God to reveal to me those that I can help as I go throughout my day. It may be a phone call, an email. I never know.. It is easy to get caught up in our plans, activities, and goals. I want to be like Christ and help those in need when I’m able. Sorry to read about your old friend.. your post brings to mind someone I need to reach out to today. Thank you for sharing such a thought provoking post. I hope you have a wonderful week and may God bless you and yours!
PS..I was unable to visit the person next to me on link ups today..their link did not work. Glad I was able to visit and read the words God laid on your heart. Blessings
Horace, thank you or stopping by. You have the right attitude…asking G-d to reveal who is in need and allowing Him to use us as his tools is what its all about. I hope you got to reach out to your friend, as sometimes we tend to put that voice that is guiding us to do something in the back burner. Thank you for sharing your thoughts…as always they are very inspiring 🙂
Rosie, Thank you for sharing this. I think we’re all guilty. Living in our personal busyness or with our eyes glued to our technology. Thank you for this reminder that it doesn’t have to take much to make a difference. Sometimes a smile, a kind word, or a few coins can make a huge impact. Blessings to you! I love to have you share this at Faith ‘n Friends Blog Hop on Friday! God bless your ministry!
Yes, the little things make a big difference! Thanks for stopping by Deb.
So true Rosie. Often others just need to be loved on, encouraged, and believed in again. This is so good: – No matter who they are or where they come from, every person on earth has two identities. The way they see themselves and the way the world sees them.
Sometimes we just need truth planted lovingly in our hearts and minds by others who step out to encourage us and spur us on in love. Thanks for the reminder to notice the invisible man. I think we all can be that invisible man/woman from time to time. 🙂
Great to link up with you at #threewordwednesday
Yes I believe we have all been that invisible person at some point. But G-d’s truth spoken into our lives is the only thing that can change situations and adjust our minds. Thank you for stopping by and I appreciate your comment Joelle 🙂
Thanks for this challenge to not look away from the pain of others – to see them and to let them know that they have been seen, by us and by God.
Hi Michele…thanks for stopping by.