In the last column I shared about digging deeper before judging others by what we see or hear about them, since things are not always as they seem. When we know the truth about others, it can greatly change our opinions of them.

The movie I referred to was “Finding You,” and I shared only the story of an older, bitter woman named Catherine. But there was a whole other story line in this movie that again highlighted the need to dig deeper behind what we see in others’ lives.

The young woman who formed a relationship with Catherine and discovered the tragedy of her life was named Finley. In unexpected events, she was thrown into a relationship with a young man, Beckett, who had grown up as an actor. 

At first glance, Beckett had all that a young man could want – fame, money, a beautiful girlfriend, and a successful career. But again, things are not always as they seem. He was very unhappy in his life, didn’t love his “girlfriend,” and wanted to quit acting and go to college. However, Beckett’s father was also his manager, and had manipulated his life from a very young age to groom him into the famous money-maker he wanted him to be.

But as the story unfolds, God was at work in both Finley’s and Beckett’s lives, transforming their hearts and putting them onto the path that He had for them. Beckett helped Finley to win over Catherine’s confidence, and showed her she had so much more to offer using her gifts and talents as a violinist.

At the same time, Finley helped Beckett take a long, hard look at his life, and he began to confront his father’s manipulation. He was able to overcome the control and make decisions to fulfill his dreams for his life.

But beyond seeing how damaging manipulation can be in a person’s life, especially if it is at the hands of a parent or other authority figure, I also saw how digging deeper played out in Beckett’s life. He was more than a handsome, egotistical actor who had the world at his fingertips. He was a hurting young man forced to live a life he never wanted.

As with Beckett, we all have our public personas, the faces we show to others and the parts we play for the world to see. But we also have private personas, who we are when no one else is looking, the parts we hide from the world.

It’s here that we hide our private pain, broken hearts, wounded emotions, and bitterness of heart and soul. This is where our suffering, worries, cares, anxiety and painful memories that need healing reside, as well as mindsets that need to be changed.

This private part of us that’s hidden beneath the surface in the deepest recesses of our hearts should never be for public display. It’s an area reserved only for us to bring to the light of Jesus, and maybe to one other who loves us unconditionally and is willing to help us through the changes and healing of our hearts. They know the real us and accept us as we are, and like God, will love us through it all.

God is faithful to provide such a one for us, even if for now it’s only Him. So open your heart to the healing power of Jesus, and receive His love.

Hope Ministries is a Christian counseling center, and we are here to help. If you would like to speak confidentially with someone, give us a call at 845-482-5300.