I was thinking tonight about people amd masks. I wonder how many people are wearing one and don't even realize it? I don't mean a mask like you would wear to Mardi Gras, or to a Halloween party. I am looking at the mask on the inside. The one that you put on everytime you are with a person, people, or in whatever situation that you feel the need to hide.
mean, face it, I think we all wear them at one time or another in our life. Maybe it is over something silly, like you want to ball your eyes out over the movie you just watched (Message in a Bottle) and you just can't let anyone know you are that type of person. Truth is, they are probably feeling the same way, hiding behind one of those masks as well.
I think we also refer to these as walls. We build walls. We wear a mask pretending to be what we aren't. We build the wall around us so high that people can't really know us. We are afraid of truth. We run as far as we can from it.
Then, there is the other side! A small part just wants to be heard, to be who you really should be. Fear keeps you from it all. Fear, I think is one of the most intense feelings. Fear. Fear keeps you from being the friend you could be. If you shared that ... you just don't know. And that fear makes you have to wear the mask. You have to be the head held high, smiling, laughing person that you are. You have to have that wall up so high that no one would even suspect other wise.
Life is crazy, to say the least. Wouldn't it be nice at times if you could say ..
I feel like sh** and not have to worry about it, to feel like you have that freedom.
Here's the sad part. I'm sure that we all, well most of us, have that kind of friend. We just have the wall of protection built so high. A wall that once might have saved your life. It's just not necessarily needed anymore, and taking the wall down brick by brick is so hard to do.
We already have that friend. We do have the Lord, Jesus Christ for one. "There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24). "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on Him in truth." (Psalm 145:18). All we have to do is call on Him. We also have friends, and sisters and brothers in Christ who are there to aid in the way. Will we let them? God shines through people. He uses people to sometimes!
The question is, will we?
I have had this on my mind for a few days and thought I would share. I'm looking in the mirror this time. I'm not preaching at anyone but myself. If this thought helps you, then I am thanking the Lord.
I'm the one who hides behind the mask. I pretend so often. I pretend almost daily, sometimes. I'm on that kick of pretending again. I pretend that life is the greatest thing, and honestly deep inside I just feel like crap. Ya know? Sure ya do, we all do! It's not even an all day thing, just when the mood hits, it feels like utter despair. Helpless. Hopeless. Endless.
We serve a God who cares. I pray we never loose sight of this wonderful truth. I'm simply saying tonight that I am human. I am a greatful believer in the Lord, Jesus Christ, but I am also human.
"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on Him in truth."
(Psalm 145:18).
Posted by tech4Him on 2008-02-06 00:07:38 | Rating: | Views: 306
Yes , I believed I used a mask couple of years ago. The good mask. The mask that people saw me as happy and no problems, a smile all the time. Deep inside I was hurting feeling sad, but tried not to show the world. Now I dont' wear a mask, people see me as I am, a bit unhappy and just always pondering. Good thing I have a good sense of humor. We wear masks so many different reasons but in the end I believe we will get tired of wearing them and parts of our true selves will be exposed that's just my opinion.
(I think this is in response to Jenn)
I work in an environment were a mask is a must. Sometimes (key word) I think its appropriate to keep your personal feelings and the not so great things that are happening in your life to yourself, but never forgetting that there is always a balance. (There is a appropriate time for open-ness and vulnerability, and there is a time to be a leader set a part)
But there is a trick to all this. The trick is being able to be open and vulnerable before the Lord so that He can do His best work in you. To many times we turn to man to help us through our hard times, when maybe we should be turning to God.
Sometimes we can dwell on the negative things in our life so much that we keep focused on ourselves, rather than putting God first...hmmm thats starting to sound preachy...... The end. :o)
I agree with all of you; especially what Jennifer said. My walls came tumbling down and that was all she wrote. I've occasionally wore a mast like teffygirl is talking about in a work place and professional environments. There's a time & place for everything.
I agree about the workplace, it is a must. Being open to the Lord is the most important thing you do, and it is often times hard. Thanks for the comments everyone, something to think about!
I spent my entire life wearing a mask...building up walls to keep everyone and everything out. I still have that wall it comes down in pieces, but it is still very much there. This reminds me of a song "Stained Glass Masquerade" by Casting Crowns. Once again great post.
I have the song mentioned Stained Glass Masquerade on my blog post to remind myself to not be afraid as long as the Lord is there and Goes before me with each step....Thank you for being so honest about the mask we all wear...........
I have a closet full of masks, so many, I have no idea from day to day which one I'll need.
You know how people say you should get rid of stuff in your closet if you havent worn something in a year, well, I cant throw out any masks, who knows when I will need a certain one.
Sometimes, I have to carry a big purse so I can change masks mid day.
Seriously, this was a very good post and thanks for pointing out psalm 145, that was a "wish I had a V8 moment for me" I hope you are old enough to get that?
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