Faces | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Faces | Previous Challenge Entry
By Marlene Custer
11/18/20
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I think one of the most detrimental consequences of this current pandemic is not being able to see faces. Our faces reveal so much of what we are feeling. I was recently thinking about the facial expressions that have so much meaning to me.

Whose heart hasn’t been touched by watching the expression on a new mother’s face as she cradles her newborn and gazes into his or her little face. A few years later that gaze portrays pride as a school-age child performs in a music recital, makes an astounding play in a sport, or receives academic honors.

Then there is that expression seen on the face of a mother watching her child move into a dorm room, especially if the campus is some distance from home. A plastered on smile that is masking efforts to hold back salty tears.

Not long ago my four grown and married daughters were together. They hadn’t seen each other for awhile, so the stories were flying thick and fast. The conversation turned to reminiscing about some of their teenage memories and escapades. It wasn’t long until one of them said, “Oh, no. Mom has ‘the look’!” I’m not real sure what ‘the look’ looks like, but it must have gotten their attention.

Recently, as I was reading in Proverbs I was reminded that faces usually mirror what is in the heart. The writer of Proverbs stated, “As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.” In another place he says, “A happy heart makes the face cheerful.” It seems to me that having a pleasant expression on one’s face starts with a heart that is filled with happiness and joy. The best way I know to make my heart happy is to turn to God’s Word. As I think on His words and spend time in His presence my problems and concerns seem to fade. The Psalmist promises, and Luke repeats it in Acts, “you will fill me with joy in your presence.” As my heart is filled with joy, my face reflects happiness. Perhaps the mask mandates will be lifted soon so we can once again see those sweet expressions.

NIV Proverbs 27:19, Proverbs 15:13, Psalm 16:11, Acts 2:28

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