I grew up feeling very much like I had to wear a mask. I was (and still am) a preacher's kid. I felt I had to be perfect all the time, always be happy and whatnot. Underneath, I was suicidal for a while and struggled more than I ever have in my life. It did damage, to deal with that while pasting on a happy face. I'm slowly but surely (through God's redeeming patience and grace) learning to not do that and to not only be real with other people, but to be raw and open with God, as well. I used to block Him out (or thought I would, because obviously He knows anyway
) as much as other people from my off days.
We don't need to dump everything on each other all the time, but we as Christians need to learn to be real with each other. Weep with those who weep, laugh with those who laugh. Don't condemn those who are weeping, and don't bring down those who are laughing. Walk alongside each other in love and surely we will grow through our struggles.
Thanks for sharing.