There is a crowd breaker that I have used in the past. Really, it is more of a tool. The purpose is for someone to share who they are with another person. Ultimately, it is for the individual doing the sharing to become more acquainted with themself. This is how it works. For a designated amount of time—3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes—one person asks the other one question, over and over. The respondent must answer with a different answer each time. The question? “Who are you?” After the designated time, they questioner becomes the respondent.  The longer the time frame, the more difficult it becomes to answer.  And yet, the deeper the understanding.

​

Play along just now, with the safety of not having to share your answer with anyone else.  Who are you? Answer one. Who are you?  Answer two. And three. And four. And five. Fairly simple, but this probably only took about 30-40 seconds. What would be your 10th answer. Or your 20th? 

​

It is a very interesting process.

​

In today’s climate I wonder if we need a new question, but the same process. What question am I suggesting?  “How are you?” Answering the first time, we might reply, “I’m fine.” 2nd time, “No really, I’m good.” How many answers would it take for us to get really honest about how we FEEL about the war in Iran, the divide in our country, the arguments with our friends and family members, the concern for sick loved ones, self-guilt about past experiences. We might even FEEL good about children and grandchildren, a trip with our spouse, financial decisions, a favorite sports team…you get the idea. 

​

It is important to FEEL.  And to be honest about our feelings.  At least with ourselves.  Too often we deny our feelings.  This usually causes us more conflict than we realize.  

​

How are you?  Answer one.  How are you?  Answer two.  And three.  And four.  And five.

Easter would be a good time to ask ourselves both of these questions as a way of reminding ourselves of aliveness of faith:

​

Who are you?  I’m a Christian, a follower of Jesus!

​

How are you?  I am happy, because I am unconditionally and eternally loved!

Jesus is alive.  And we are to live for him and like him in this world.  And if we do, we will FEEL better about who we ARE.

​

Hope to see you soon!

Peace,

Kelly