It's not just a Southern thing. In an attempt to keep peace on the streets and not rough up the edges of a newly born or ancient relationship we use kindness as a tool and not the physical presentation of the actuality. It will catch up quicker than you think. I'm extremely guilty of stepping back and viewing the entire picture when someone shares a positive opening sentence to a building conversation. Right away I want to know, "What did I do wrong or what do you want?" Spin that emotion in a different direction. Because I love breaking bread with Christian driven travelers I hear a lot about the way of the word. If what we say in kindness is a mask over the potential of there being a deeper hole dug in the relationship. What is the true identity of the source of energy when speaking openly about Christ? Are we saying, "I'm currently in a storm and as much as I want to speak about it I'll take the trail labeled God Lives Here and hopefully through his blessings you will spot the problem without me having to say it." I'm blessed with the opportunity to sit and share conversation with a lot of preachers and I value their honesty about where they presently stand and why. I just wish the students and or those in the congregation could learn to be the same. I'm not afraid to step into a ministers thunder. I want to hear how they're growing stronger. It's not being covered up with false hopes and promises but rather brilliant approaches at enduring the experience. Watch how you present yourself. Then ask why you said it in the tone and mannerism you chose. There's nothing wrong with approaching the positive path over all things. How are those receiving truly taking it? One of the toughest questions I answer every day is when someone says, "How's your wife?" I honestly look at them and say, "I guess she's ok. I saw her this morning and she was bright and happy. But I honestly don't know how her day is going. I can only hope that she's in a great place." Someone else might have kept it really short and said, "We're brilliant!" I see that as a mask. Are you wearing one right now?