THE MASKS WE WEAR

We all wear masks. We wear them to hide the pain, insecurities, and fears. We may also wear them to make ourselves appear more important, influential or more superior. Maybe we wear the masks not to fool other people, but to fool ourselves into believing we are something we aren’t.

Masks are there to protect us from the cruel cold realities of this world. The masks are there to hide our flaws or to accentuate or strengths—either real or imagined. While the masks we wear are not literal, I can’t help wondering how much Plaster of Paris it would take to create the real masks some of us wear.

Maybe we wear masks to protect those we love. Maybe we don’t want them to see the ugly that is underneath. What if our masks were to crack? What if our mask were to fall to the ground and crumble into a million pieces? Would those who truly love us love us any less? For if they love us, shouldn’t we let them know who we really are?

What if, just briefly, the masks came off? Would we find freedom or scorn? What if, by simply removing the mask we were able to truly able to articulate who we truly are, the emotions, the fears, and frustrations that have until that moment been hidden? What if, for a moment, we are able to love ourselves more deeply? What if we start being honest not only with ourselves, but those we profess to love gain a new love for us?

Here’s my confession: I wear a mask. There’s the public mask and the private mask. Usually, though, I believe those who know and love me find the masks pretty transparent. I want those who are part of my life to know me, to be able to tell what I’m feeling, what I’m trying to hide and call me down for it. I hope you, my friend, will consider removing your mask, if only for a moment. Take a look in the mirror—look at the beauty God has created in you. It’s there. You may have to scrape away the remnants left behind by the mask. God is love. You are God’s. Remove the mask. Share the love.