Game Faces

This weekend held state play off games for a few of our high school’s athletic teams. Our athletes conditioned, trained, studied, practiced and played hard to make it to the top in the state in their division. They are reaping the reward of all their efforts, time and sacrifice. As they go into final games they must ready one more asset – putting on the Game Face.

The Game Face is somewhat of an oxymoron which both conceals and expresses player emotion. Game face comes form any expression held that conceals the player’s emotions. Some players call it the THUG MUG. Others call it the ICE GRILL. Both of these versions use hostility and bravado to block out showing of authentic emotion. And let us not forget the POKER FACE which shows absolute lack of facial expression all together. But is does communicate intention and focus.
Sarah Gerhard (top competitive surfer) said "the winner’s game face is really a mental, spiritual and emotional quest – The minute you get into that zone your whole being, body language, expression and mentality changes. You see that stare, that intensity and the focus."
As I stand still pondering the game faces in these playoff games, it seems obvious that Game Face isn’t solely used as a sport asset. I think people are quite adept at using Game Face in all situations of life:
A leader trying to maintain control throws on the ICE GRILL.
A young person struggling behind the scenes with their home life throws on the GAME FACE in social settings. 
A student is beginning to feel behind – maybe a lack of friends – maybe unsure about the future decides to “man up” behind the façade of the THUG MUG.
A woman deals with changes in relationships with her kids,  friends seem to be distant maybe not quite in the same spot of life she’s in, tired of running on the treadmill of life feeling one step behind on come the POKER FACE.
Each of us has a whole repertoire of Game Faces we could claim.Truth is … Game Faces are bogus. First off – more people that you may realize, as you work so hard to maintain the facade see through it … yep …right through it, clear as day.
Why do we actually compound the weight and effort of maintaining the Game Face façade when it is worthless?
Secondly and more importantly, God has made each one of us uniquely different with our own strengths and weaknesses. He knows exactly who we are. He thoughtfully and lovingly designed every individual with purpose. So Game Face or no – He sees right trough it. He knows you and has confidence in who he made you to be. He uses not just our strengths but our weeknesses.  He gave us others around us to encourage us and support us. He sent His Son to overcome our greatest obstacle and lead us.
Now Stand Still. Look in the mirror. See yourself without any of those faces. Embrace that self. Allow others to know that self; support that self and encourage that self. Turn to His Word for the game plan this self should follow.
His Purpose awaits.






Galatians 6:2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.


Psalm 100:3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his.