Off With the Mask

Just as winter turns to spring, and summer to fall, our lives are full of various seasons.

Lately I’ve been going through a season of challenges, but I am staying prayerful and persevering, for I have hope and faith that a brighter day is coming.

But as each day passes, I realize more and more, that I must first take off my mask before ushering this new season through the door.

The mask…it’s something that at times we all wear. We smile when inside we’re really crumbling, we overcompensate to hide our insecurities, compromise who we are just to be accepted, or downplay our dreams because we fear if we really go for them we might fail. Instead of showing who really are, we take cover to hide the truth.

But imagine if we could all be more honest with ourselves and each other, celebrate our triumphs but also acknowledge our struggles.  There is something so freeing, so wonderfully refreshing, when we choose to keep it real and share our life experiences and lessons.

In doing so I think we would find we are all more alike than we imagine, and find comfort in the knowledge that we aren’t making this journey through life alone, but together.

So what part of yourself are you hiding, what mask do you wear? I’m not sure about you, but I’m ready for some fresh air.

For me, my mask serves to shield my fears and insecurities. And while the road will not be easy, I am ready to acknowledge and push past these issues, live a life of greater authenticity. And most of all fulfill the purpose that God has designed uniquely for me.

Off With This Mask

 Off with this mask, I’m done playing this part,

I’m ready to be true to myself and what’s deep in my heart.

 I’m tired of falling prey to fear and anxiety,

Striving to meet expectations, worrying what others think of me.

 I’m ready to deepen my relationship with God, reconnect with the essence of me,

And learn to live my life with true and unabashed authenticity.

 So what does this look like? What does this mean?

And do I really have the courage to step out on faith and chase my dreams?

 I prayed, I pondered, seeking clarity on how to move ahead,

And then God whispered in my ear, and this is what He said:

“Be still, my child, be at peace and take heart,

Trust me, I’ll guide you, you just do your part.”

 So off with this mask, it’s time to be free,

And fully embrace the woman I know God has called me to be!

~CAG