Masking the inside (Part I)

For centuries in various cultures people have worn masks for different functions and purposes. It can be used to change one's identity, transform oneself into a new character, and for protection. So you see we have become quite acclimated to the mask system and may I point out that its not often you hear somebody speaking out against it. You know why? Because we love the concept of "wearing a mask." I mean how cool is it that we can actually pretend, and go into our own fantasy world and hide what is going on inside. So why would we want to take off the mask and actually live in the real world that is oftentimes painful and difficult to face.

I think it's fair to say that we all put a mask on at times, it's just easier. Who really wants to clean out their inward closet, it takes honesty and looking in the mirror at ourselves to realize things are not as they seem.
So, the question for all of us would be, "How big are our closets?" If I were to walk into your house (inwardly speaking) would you have a walk-in closet full of different masks, or do you just have two or three masks that hang neatly on the coat rack in the hallway? Some have been wearing a variety of different masks for so long that they have fooled even themselves into believing that their "false" reality is the "real" reality. And some have overwhelmingly fooled even the society that they are in close proximity with that they are this perfect person.

(3 examples of professional mask wearers)
1) They blame everyone else for the way they are and have chosen to wear the "victim" mask to the point that it's become who they are, always the victim. It seems to work for them since they have learned to manipulate those around them. They watch as their friends and loved ones jump hoops for them and now cater to them to a fault! It's now at the point where it's no longer about helping them but instead they enable the manipulative person who wears the "victim" mask.
2) What about the person in a relationship who is hiding the hell that is going on at home. The abuse and the sticky web that their spouse has them in has messed with their mind so much that they are now in a tug-a-war struggling with suicidal thoughts, low self-esteem and at the same time longing to fly free. The love they once had has now turned to hatred and anger. Now that mask I can relate to having been there in the past.
3) The minister's wife looks the part...She looks concerned-then smiles and gently tells the person who just rambled for an hour to her about their problems that they are going to be just fine. But at the same time she is asking herself, "Am I going to make it?" Can I get through another day?" Maybe its for different reasons-she feels vulnerable, in a rut, or maybe her husband is married to his ministry and has no time for her. But then maybe she is tired of living everyone else's dream and wants to pursue her own. She feels stuck, dead inside but yet she has become so good with masking the frustration and anger inside that nobody has a clue that this wonderful lady is about to croak and call it quits.

So, you are saying that you have never been like the (3) examples that I have mentioned? Well unfortunately and sadly I must confess that I have been at least one of them...So maybe that is why I'm writing about it because I have experienced it first-hand.

Have you ever been hurt? Has someone talked about you and tried to assissinate your character? Are you estranged from your parents, child or someone you love? Are you divorced and don't know where you fit in? You long to be loved but opening your heart again to someone else scares you to death. Were you abused when you were a child but yet you still have never faced it head-on and sought counseling/help? Have you forgiven those who have hurt you? Do you still blame God for the pain in your past? Are you in a difficult situation that is tearing you apart? Do you feel dead inside but smile on the outside? Are you tired of always pretending? Okay so I could keep going on and on with this...I think anybody reading this can relate to one of these if not you will one day, since we live in this world called, "Life."
If you said yes to one of the questions above then I think its pretty fair to say that you most likely are wearing a mask to cover up what your face is revealing. moment. I'm not saying to let it all hang out and tell the whole world but you do need to face it at some point in your life and quit procrastinating. First off, God is the coolest one to talk to about it. I mean I have poured my heart out to Him, cried buckets of tears and then have sat quietly meditating on His word. Secondly, Counseling helps to fix what is going on inside, and as I've heard my husband say many times, "Counseling helps bring the scum up to the top and then Jesus takes it all away." Surround yourself with someone/s who can be trusted, can give sound advice and who will listen instead of doing all of the talking. Also beware of friends who think that they are the ruler over your life and act as your guru. Being in that situation for too long is not healthy. There is a difference with giving sound advice and then someone making your every move as if you are one of their pieces in their game of chess. So not cool!

Trust me I know all about wearing the different masks. I may have to revisit my past, and pull out the chest that is buried in the cellar. Then pick out one of the books, wipe off the dust and read you some of the paragraphs that are in the chapters called, "my past."