I Am A Believer, Are You? By Melissa Henderson
“Why are you always so happy?” “Why do you smile all the time?” “Why are you so joyful when there are so many troubles?” These are questions I have heard many times in my life. Sometimes the questions have been asked with sarcasm. Other times with curious intent. Yes, I am generally a happy person. There are times when my emotions change from happy to sad, peaceful to angry, and other experiences. I am human and not perfect. Years ago, when the questions were asked about my reason for happiness, I wasn’t sure how to answer. I had a relationship with God, but I wasn’t sure how to share that God filled me with joy, even when sadness occurred. A friend at church once inquired about my sadness instead of my happiness. “What do you have to be sad about? You’re always smiling.” She did not know that I had received bad news that day. My smile had turned into a frown. I began to answer the woman and share the troublesome news. God nudged me to pause and think before speaking. When I answered, the Lord helped me speak. “Today, my smile is gone because of receiving a troublesome diagnosis for my father.”
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Her face began to cover in light shades of red due to embarrassment. “I’m so sorry. You are always happy. I wondered what was making you sad.” “No apology necessary,” I spoke. Continuing, I placed her hand in mine. “We all have happy times and we all have sad times.” “Do you want to share about your father? I would like to know about him.” The woman spoke with a soothing, quiet voice. I shared precious memories of life with my father and mother. Another time, a cashier at the local grocery store asked why I was always smiling. Once again, I knew the answer but wasn’t sure how to explain my faith and love for God. I knew God wanted me to share about Him. He continued to place opportunities in my path. The more people asked about my happiness, the more I realized what I was being called to do. Share the gospel. Share His love. Let people know about Him.
