Open Your Eyes

There's a girl standing over there, in the crowd. Do you see her? She's smiling and talking to people who approach her. Her confidence and friendly attitude impress you, don't they? She's got it all together; she's mostly calm and polite but has a little spark of energy and wildness. People like her. She's popular. 

You would never think that she's an island. Of all people, she's connected to everyone; got a finger on the heartbeat of those around her. She listens because she cannot shut off her ears and she feels everything because she cannot close her heart. She's there, with everyone. 

But she's not really there. 

She listens with a heart that cannot speak. Can't you tell? Look at her when she doesn't have to smile. She's alone. 

This girl that everyone loves, the one who so easily makes friends and connects people together is a loner. She can't stand being around people. Watch her. She's about to leave, now. 

She's gone.

Can you hear her?

You wouldn't believe how silently she  cries. You could almost be right beside her and never realize. 

She's struggling to breathe but you'll never hear a sound. 

She's learned to stay quiet. After time, any heart would silence itself...

She can see the sadness in others and reach out to them. She has given herself over and over again, listening to and feeling the hurts of others. But her own heart is crushed...and no own notices. Can't you see? 

Her ability to hear the soundless screaming of everyone else haunts her. She can't handle the pressure very long without running away to be alone, the very place that traps her. 

Watch her. She is struggling to comprehend what she and no one else is capable of understanding. That girl you just saw feels completely alone, uncared for, voiceless, and incomprehensible. But she just saw a glimpse of hope in remembering that Jesus knows what it's like to be alone, to listen but never be heard. Maybe no one else is listening; maybe even Jesus isn't, but at least He can understand... 

...

Do you realize there are people right next to you who are literally dying on the inside because they believe no one cares? 

Do you understand that when you interact with people, you are interacting with Jesus, too? 

Can you hear His heart breaking? Are you listening? 

Can you see His silent tears? Are you watching? 

Or have we made Jesus an island because we were too busy being Christians?