PRETEND

"I don't pretend." Ever heard anyone say that? Have we ever said that?

While pretending is often discouraged, it's proven to provide benefits and blessings.

Pretending is highly recommended for reducing stress.


In her timeless classic, "The Little Princess," Frances Hodgson Burnett's delightful Litte Sara was thrust into an unfortunate situation.

Instead of dwelling on how her life had dwindled from riches to rags, Sara took another approach. In the midst of her terrible circumstances, she pretended.

Realizing everything--and so much more-- that she'd pretended had mysteriously manifested before her eyes, The Little Princess happily declared, "I never pretended this good before!"

We, too, might be surprised what "good" pretending will do. Even if what we pretend never surfaces for us, we'll benefit from de-stressing our mind.

"I can't!" Some folk insist. "I just can't pretend."

Ma'am? Sir? With all due respect, there are times when it pays to pretend. Sometimes we are so pressed and depressed, struggling through stresses, that we're grateful for an opportunity to pretend.

One primary effort linked to our pretending is simply to "believe." See, that's the whole idea; hoping and believing. Don't stress over the fact that it's pretense. Relax and release those stresses.

It may sound a little silly, but seriously, pretending has its advantages. Let's think of it as a prelude to prayer. After all, If we can CONCEIVE IT, we can RECEIVE IT!

Peace I leave with you . . .