I love old film comedy classics. In particular Laurel and Hardy, Abbott and Costello, Red Skelton and others like them.

I happened to catch one of my favorite movies featuring Laurel and Hardy, titled “Way out West.” It makes me laugh every time I see it.

I realized after all this time that Hardy uses a technique that has become common today in film and television.

He often pauses and looks right at the camera.

I mentioned that to my son, Keith and he said, “That’s called breaking the fourth wall.”

I never heard of it before.

The simplest explanation is when one is watching a play on stage.

There are three walls on the set and we, the audience, are looking through the fourth wall.

The television show “”Modern Family” uses that technique alot.

They pause in the middle of a scene, or quickly glance to make a point.

Who can forget the deadpan look of Jack Benny? It’s what made the moment even more hilarious.

Of course, this got me thinking.

There is another dimension many of us have a hard timing seeing.

I call it “Breaking through the ceiling.”

We tend to think we can handle all of our own problems. Some of us think that we have no one to turn to when we are faced with life’s big moments.

The actor looks out at the audience and brings them into the story.

The audience feels a part of all that is occuring at that moment.

We need to break through the ceiling and turn to God when we feel alone. Doing so brings Him into your story, acknowledges that He is a part of it all, too.

Maybe you’ve been building walls around yourself thinking that they will protect you from life. In reality you are most likely shutting everyone out and wondering why you are so lonely.

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is a part of God’s plan. He created us all to support each other, help each other as representives of His Love.

There are no ceilings in God’s House. There are no walls keeping you out.

Look up and look out. Break through the ceiling, break down the walls. What you need He has.

Bob Perks