Some people appear to have it all together. Their life looks like it is near perfect. They believe in the right things, do the right things, and are blessed abundantly. These people have happy marriages, intelligent and spiritual kids, and always have time for their friends. Whenever you see them or spend time in their presence, you wish your life was more like theirs.

I am here to tell you that it is all an illusion. Smoke and mirrors. Sleight of hand.

After 30 years of being a Church leader, I have found that everyone, including myself, is struggling with something. Some people hide it better than others.

If I know anything about people, you are hiding something in your life too. There is that one topic you never mention. You avoid those places and those people with good reason. You have locked and bolted the door to that area of your life so the outside world does not see your struggles.

Admitting that other people might have issues is disappointing because we want the illusion to be real. If other people are perfect, people may assume we are too, and no one will ask questions. That way, we can ignore our problems and not take the necessary steps to solve them.