I Feel So Embarrassed
The finest branches of our skin’s arterial system respond quickly to changing conditions as they work to maintain a constant body temperature. However, these tiny blood vessels are equally responsive to emotional stimuli, and can quickly cause us to blush. Usually this happens when we wish it wouldn’t, because we’re in an embarrassing situation. When the small blood vessels supplying the skin widen to increase the blood flow, we often feel a burning sensation in the face and even a tingling feeling. In most cases the blush passes quickly, often within a few seconds.
Blushing is an unusual effect which isn’t fully understood. It seems to be a uniquely human response. This is likely because humans have a well developed sense of self, and an ability to judge ourselves from the viewpoint of others. But since we’re the only primates with exposed facial skin, we may be the only ones in which blushing is visible.
Blushing is one of the few body changes that’s triggered directly by the conscious mind. It’s not necessarily associated with doing something wrong - a compliment can induce a blush as easily as a faux pas. Just telling someone they’re starting to blush often induces one. p>So next time you’re embarrassed, take heart. Blushing usually produces empathy in others rather than hostility.
Emotional response is one of the most endearing of human character.
Who could do without a sympathetic tear from someone who cares for them? Or the flush of happiness on a loved-one’s face? Or the look of delight on a child’s face after opening a longed for gift? Or the look of surprise when a cherished friend visits after a long absence? Emotional responses are what make us human. Without them we may as well foster a relationship with a block of wood, or a marble statue.
Of course, not all emotional responses are pleasant. We are capable of anger, resentment, contempt, and many others that are negative or unwelcome, all showing themselves on the face or revealed by body language. A welcoming smile can be false or genuine. A handshake can be limp or firm, indicating the relative sincerity of the individual.
Nevertheless, whether the emotional responses we receive on a daily basis are pleasant or otherwise, we would be much poorer without them.
Those who have experienced the love of God know where their emotional responses come from. God, Himself expresses pleasure, anger, compassion, and the whole plethora of emotions we are accustomed to with humans.
How does God’s emotional nature benefit us?
It means we can have a relationship with Him, just as we can with anyone else. Indeed, a relationship with God can be even more intense - and satisfying. One Bible writer said, “We make it our aim to please Him.”
Have you ever wondered whether your life is pleasing to God?
David Humphreys and Christopher Shennan
© August 2004
