Hiding Behind Masks

At one time or another we have all worn masks to hid our true self from others. Some of us smile to hid the sadness and pain that lurks within us. While others are just afraid to be themselves, fearing rejection. In silence we wear the masks to cover up what is really going on in our lives.

Paul Laurence Dunbar wrote a poem entitled "We Wear the Mask" to express why he believed people of his race wore masks. He stated, "We wear the mask that grins and lies...with torn and bleeding hearts we smile" He clearly expressed why masks are worn, but no specifics are provided on how the mask can be removed. However, if you read closely, there is a clue in the poem that might help the reader to begin removing the mask, when Mr. Dunbar states, "O great Christ, our cries to thee from tortured souls arise."

Is Christ the answer to help us remove the masks that we wear? Yes, I believe that He is the only one that has the power to help us remove the masks. Only with His help can we begin to become the person that we were always meant to be. The scriptures encourage us to lay aside the old man and to step into His marvelous light because whom the Son has set free is free indeed. As we grow spiritually in Him, the masks we have worn begin to come off because in Him, we find the acceptance that we have longed for and the masks we wore are no longer necessary. Allow Christ to help you remove the mask and allow the real you to emerge.