Old-fashioned stores sometimes had a facade that made the building appear to be larger than it actually was. It had a false front. That term could also describe those who pretend to be someone they are not, who put on a false front. The Bible calls them hypocrites. A scary word.
Here is another psychological and interesting fact: caught unaware or in a moment of sincerity, a person’s eyes are apt to tell the truth. I believe the eyes truly are windows of the soul and many times let us glimpse what is behind the facade and see what is real.
It is fun to turn off the sound on my television set and just watch facial expressions, particularly people’s eyes. Enlightening. Frightening. Puzzling.
I saw a picture several years ago of two politicians meeting each other for the first time (they shall be nameless). One man’s back was to the camera and the second man’s face was captured close up. I don’t know what words passed between them; that doesn’t matter. The look in the second man’s eyes said it all. They told what he was thinking.
Another thoughtful biblical term for those who pretend to be something other than what they are: whited sepulchres. Hmm. Not a pretty picture.
Here is another point to consider: just as we shutter our windows or pull the drapes to hide what is inside the house, people have learned to shutter their eyes. It is only occasionally that the blinds come up, the curtains are parted and we glimpse truth.
This is not true of children. Their eyes mirror their feelings. They are honest. They don’t try to hide behind practiced gazes. It is only as we age that we learn to dissemble.
The Lord said, “Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Luke 18:16).
Honesty. It is of tremendous value.
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Remember that the gift card from Amazon contest is going on all this week, until Friday, in fact. Just tell me which of my four cozy mysteries you enjoyed most, The Cemetery Club, Grave Shift, Best Left Buried, Moonlight Can Be Murder, and why. Send to manosmeadows@sbcglobal.net or blanche@myopicjazz.com. I’ll enter your name and randomly select a winner. Thanks to all those who are entering. I enjoy meeting fans of Darcy, Flora, and Ned.
Excellent insight
Thank you, Helen.