For my birthday, I went to Branson, MO for the weekend.  I know, I know - why Branson?  To be honest, I just wanted to see the World’s Largest Titanic Museum (which I highly recommend to anyone with the slightest bit of interest in the Titanic). 

While I was there, however, we visited The Butterfly Palace.  You’ve probably heard of these types of places before.  You go into a large room in which hundreds of butterflies fly around your head.  At times it was both stunning and frightening (coming from someone with a distinct dislike of bugs).  Many of the butterflies were absolutely gorgeous, full of vibrant color and life.

Then there were the others.  They sat with their wings closed tightly behind their backs, showing various muted shades of gray and brown and black.  They gave off this fierce image as if to say, “you don’t really want to mess with me.  There’s nothing here worth looking at.”

If you watch them closely, however, eventually they will part their wings to take flight.  It was then that I saw how truly beautiful these creatures were.  As their wings spread, the most beautiful shades of blue appeared.  It almost took my breath away.  Such loveliness they had hidden away.

Perhaps some people are like these butterflies.  On the outside they hide from the world - with extra weight, baggy clothes, body language, or however else they want to say to the world, “you don’t really want to mess with me.  There’s nothing here worth looking at.”  While on the inside is hidden this beautiful radiance.

Why is it that we’re so afraid of people really seeing us?  Is it a fear of rejection?