How are you doing?..........

People come up to me asking this question. Immediately I am thinking, "Do they really want to know how I am or do they just want me to tell them what they want to hear." Since, I am a Christian I believe it is a sin to lie. So..... I try my best to tell them "how I am doing" with out making them feel uncomfortable or lying.(Not saying I am great when I know I am anything but.)

Responses:
I am doing ok - means I am bearly keeping it together long enough to get through this conversation.
I am hanging on(with a cheerful smile) - I am holding on. Not crying, but it is just under the surface.
I am just fine - means this is a good day. Sadness under control today.
I have tried telling folks exactly how I am feeling. For awhile it seems they are sympathetic and even prayerful and encouraging. But.....for the most part folks just want you to get over it and move on with your life. It just isn't always that easy. There are good days when you can put things behind you and yes, move on. Then there are days when you are simply overwhelmed with it all. You can not possibly say, "I am fine" and mean it. If I happen to find myself searching for the answer to "how are you doing?" on one of those days, I have found it is best to just smile and say "I will talk to you later".
It will be a year this week since my husband passed away. It may have been longer since you lost a loved one. "Getting over it" takes time. The amount of time it takes is different for each of us. There is no formula for how long it takes. Don't feel "bad" about yourself if you are not "getting over it" in what you feel is the perscribed amount of time.
People who care about you are really sincere when they ask how you are doing. They really want to know. Your family and close friends will be able to tell how you are feeling and "doing" by just looking at you. Seeing the tears in your eyes with emotions bearly under control. These are the ones to turn to on those really bad days. They will always be willing to hold you up when you can't hold yourself up. No matter how long it takes. If they are Christians, they will pray with you and for you.
The most important one asking this question loves you so much He gave His life for you. Jesus Christ. How are you doing, my child?, He says. He knows you are hurting. He wants you to come to Him for comfort and rest. Jesus will lift you up wrapped in the "Comforter", the Holy Spirit. He will carry you when you can not carry yourself. He is the light at the end of this dark tunnel you find yourself in.
PSALMS 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.(Key word to hold on to is "present". He is here in the midst of this present trouble holding on to you. Keeping you from falling completely apart.)