Masks.

I own many of them.

I have one that I wear called “The Performer”. This mask is a favorite. I wear it often because it gives me an identity. It is one that is safe, that is well-respected by those with whom I come into contact. It is one that I have worked on for many, many years. It has become like a second skin.

I have another mask I refer to as “The Wall”. This mask is impenetrable. Once this mask is on, NO ONE can remove it – sometimes, not even me. This mask pops on when I have been hurt. Or misunderstood. Or both. This mask allows me protection from,
well,
you.

I have other masks – the wife one, the mother one, the daughter one, the friend one, etc. I use these masks often to make up for where I am deficient.  I use them to project the image I want you to see – a combination of who I really am and what I believe is needed for you to like me.

The thing I am finding is this.

The masks aren’t working.

I think I may have the faulty models.

Why do I think this?

Well, it’s the moments.
As I meander through my daily life, and I greet you through my mask, and you greet me through yours, I leave that interaction feeling wanting.

I leave it feeling lonely.

And in that moment, I can’t help but wonder if the mask is faulty – if I did not read the warranty clearly enough – if somehow I got swindled.

In that moment, I can’t help but wonder if the mask is actually hurting me and my relationships with those around me, instead of providing the protection and the conservation of the image I have worked so diligently to construct. 

So, I stand before you with a proposition.

If I remove my mask, will you remove yours?

Could it perhaps be that ALL the masks are faulty?
Could it possibly be that we’d be better off without them?
Could it possibly be that, although it would be scary without those masks at first and QUITE vulnerable, we might actually grow closer?
Could it be that our friendship might actually be AUTHENTIC?
Could it be that we might even be able to fix that which is broken between us?

I am willing to try if you are.

Are you in?

We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don’t maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don’t twist God’s Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see and judge for themselves in the presence of God.
2 Corinthians 4:2 (The Message)