Between Lines
by Elzai Marnelli
In school, we were always taught about theories and skills.
After graduation, we were taught about how to connect and mingle with others.
In life, we are taught about life lessons and its reality.
In our spiritual community, we are taught to lean on God and surrender our lives to Him.
I remember a good friend when I was starting my career as a Nutritionist Dietitian who also wanted to be like me and follow my career pathway. Let me call her Mae. I met her when she was about to enter college. She has always been an achiever. She would do everything just to be on top. She’s also a scholar and makes sure that she maintains her grades being the eldest in the family. Because she’ll soon be the ally of her parents. She would even engage herself in extra curricular activities in the university. Oh, she loves dancing! Really really does! Dancing has always been her passion. She also loves to make herself look like a doll. But yeah! She’s as gorgeous and as talented as a doll! Aside from being on top, joining activities that she likes, she is a true servant of God. She makes sure she goes to church, reads her daily devotions, and lives a life that is pleasing to the eyes of the Lord and to others. She serves in their spiritual community as well. Hence, her beauty shines. Her smile and heart captivates anyone that makes her an apple to the eye of most men and even the people around her.
But despite all her achievements in life, who would have thought that she would cry out to bed at night thinking she wasn’t enough. At times, she would fall asleep with tears in her eyes and hurt in her heart because she still can’t please her loved ones — her family. That despite the fame and the excellence she does, she still can’t figure out why things are always apart. She still can’t figure out why things are always out of sight. She still can’t figure out why life is always empty even when she always does her daily devotions. She still can’t figure out why she’s facing some silent struggles that only Mae and the Lord can figure out. She still can’t figure out why.
When I knew her life, I then realized that despite the happy faces people radiate, we do not know what that person is facing right now. I thank the Lord for knowing Mae because I can see herself in YOU. I can see how you also try to do everything just to please the people you love. Because maybe, just maybe, the things that you do and achieve might make them happy. Maybe it might make you happy.
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You might be Mae.
Mae might be you.
Mae might be your best friend.
So whenever you see Mae, may you read between the lines.
May you be the light in her life.
If you’re experiencing any silent battles, I recommend you join a light group.
Ask the person who invited you how to join the Feast Light.
You may also sign up to join the Feast Light.
You might just need a listening ear to help you ease the burden.
You might just need someone who knows how to read between the lines.
