My husband and I went through a tough time about a year and a half ago. (Not a tough time between us, a tough time we went through together. Had to make that clear.) Anyway. I was talking about this time recently at a meeting I was leading and I started to cry just remembering the hurt and anguish. I considered faking it, ("Sorry, my allergies are acting up") and ignoring them.

But I ended up just talking through them because they illustrated perfectly what I was talking about. Which was how thankful I am for friends in my life that I don't have to use masks with. I have a circle of women (and a few men) that allow me to be authentic and real. I don't worry about what they think of me. They know my secrets (well, most of 'em), and they love me anyway.

And because I haven't tried to hide behind any facades, when the tough and embarrassing times come (and they always do), I have the freedom to let them see my hurt and suffering.

If I was busy trying to appear like I had it together, I couldn't risk letting anyone see the real me. The hurting and scared and mortified me. The me who cries when talking about real life and the disappointments in life.

Thank God for friends without facades! They've supported me, loved me, cared for me, and helped me get through life. You know who you are. Thank you.