Many times in our life we find ourselves struggling and keep it to ourselves.  Someone comes to us and asks,  “How are you?” and we respond, “Fine,” when we really aren't.  The word itself is meant in a very de-emphazied manner, a small word with little meaning of truth. 


My mother-In-law, God rest her soul, had the perfect acronym for the word “‘FINE’ - Frustrated, Insecure, Neurotic, and Emotional.” This acronym, I believe fully describes the emotions most of us are truly feeling when we respond to others, while inside we are really struggling. 

Most people accept the response without question, that you're doing OK. It is rare when a person questions it as being the truth. They accept the response as either you are ok or you just don't want to talk about it. 


Often we ask people how they are doing in passing, or while in a rush.  So, it is evident that we aren’t really interested in the truth or a conversation. In this world people don't take time out for others, we are to BUSY. 


What a different world it could be if we actually took time out for others.  Truly taking an interest in their well-being and feelings, questioning their “FINE”, with “Are you sure?” I recently had a friend basically call me out on my “FINE” in this wa; she stopped and intently listened, which showed me she was truly interested in my well-being and cared, and asked, “Are you sure?” It put me on the spot but gave me the opportunity to vent, but even more…it was a demonstration of God's love which we as God's children are called to do. Love is rarely demonstrated in today's world in this manner. 


John 13:34-35 - “I give you a new commandment. Love each other just as much as I have loved you. For when you demonstrate the same love I have for you by loving one another everybody will know that you're my true followers.”


1 John 4:19 - We love because he first loved us.


1 John 4:9-11 ‘ This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 



So my question to you is when you feel “FINE”, are you just feeling like you don't want to talk about it; don't want to bother others; or feel like they really don't care for the truth. 


My mission to you today: Be intentional and ask someone “How are you?” Take the time to be engaged in a conversation, and if you question their “FINE” call them out on it, be interested in their feelings, even if it is just a venting.



Food for thought: BUSY has an acronym also - Being Under Satan’s Yoke. Are you to BUSY today?