JOB 33:4 NIV | “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.”

Angela and John met each other at a Beautiful People’s event. The connection was instant. Especially because they shared similar fascination with the Rev’s messages.

Today, they had run into each other at a cafe in the mall, and were now hanging out with the City Coordinator, Comfort. She happened to drop by.

Gradually, the conversation drifted to the previous morning’s Prayer Connect.

“I was shocked when the Rev said he wrestles a lot with depression,” Angela said, biting her lower lip. “Who would have imagined that man had any problems at all,” she mumbled.

“What do you mean?” Comfort asked. “Isn’t he a human being like everyone else?”

“I know,” Angela insisted. “But it still helps to know that I’m not the only one with issues.”

“I agree,” John added, looking straight at Angela. She stared back blankly at him.

He continued. “Like, every time I think of my dad, I feel very bitter. I find myself all the time blaming him for my secret struggles. I know I shouldn’t be doing that.”

“I can relate to that,” Angela started. “I’m forever condemning myself for hating my looks.”

Comfort looked stunned. “How is that? You’re more beautiful than most women I know,” she interrupted.

“Of course,” Angela replied.”I dare not say what I just said. After all, God made me and I should be thankful.” Her sarcasm was unmistakable. “Yet, the truth is that every time I stand in front of the mirror, I wish my legs were longer. And each time, I hate myself for even thinking that.”

“I feel you sister,” John concurred. “I don’t even want to go there.”

Comfort sighed. “You know,” she said, leaning forward and resting her chin on clasped hands, “The fact is I don’t always feel good about who I am.”

“Really?” John and Angela exclaimed, almost in chorus.

“Who would have thought?” Angela said smirkingly.

“Yep,” Comfort responded. “And it’s not always easy to be thankful. Sometimes I even struggle to believe God cares. How can one be grateful in pain?”

“Which was why I agreed with Angela earlier,” John muttered “We all have issues.”

“Since yesterday,” Angela confessed, “I catch myself every now and then in my mind replaying what Rev said during Prayer Connect. Frankly, I feel better knowing I’m not alone.”

Comfort took a deep breath. “I must admit that I was moved when he said he didn’t like everything about himself. That he had struggles he dreads to share. Lots of thoughts too painful to bear.”

“For me,” John added, “It was the questions that really got me thinking.”

“You mean the concluding part?” Angela asked.

“Yes,” John answered. “The part where he asked: Who gave us this life we have? Who designed our bodies and stories? And if truly God’s Spirit made us thus, isn’t He then responsible for all we are?”

“That’s some food for thought,” Comfort whispered softly, with a glowing smile.