Masks 🎭 OFF!!

 

Lately I realize, I am great at putting on my ‘everything is wonderful’ mask when I am all torn up on the inside. We often feel the need to hide our brokenness, sin, pain, imperfection and suffering behind a mask of happiness and perfection. We conceal our true selves out of fear. The masks we wear become so comfortable and familiar. They become part of us and we would feel naked without them. In those moments when our guard is down and we remove the mask, we feel vulnerable and exposed. As I get older, I realize most people have become experts at hiding behind a facade of perfection when in truth they are masking a jumble of emotions: anger, hurt, fear, and bitterness. Somehow projecting an image of perfection has become the norm and we almost do not know how to go about without our masks. It is ironic that it doesn’t bother us even lying to make both ourselves and others believe that the mask we wear are the true ‘us’.

1 Cor. 12:25-26 says, “There should be no division in the body, but .. its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it.”

I desire for a day where we come together as people who are not afraid to take off our masks; not afraid to deal with others’ imperfections; that brokenness in others’ do not make us uncomfortable but we are molded in Christ likeness to wash others’ dirty feet. That our arms are open to dry tears and pray together for comfort. I pray that we become vulnerable people and accept and expect the same from others. That humility will start with us taking our masks off. I desire that we provide a haven for people to come and receive grace and love no matter what their story is. In desiring to stand for the kingdom and doctrines, we don’t forget that Jesus called us to love like he did. Jesus always looked for the underdog – and not for the respected person in the society. He reached out to the woman with the issue of blood, His heart went out to the widow who lost her son, to the woman who was caught in adultery. Jesus was not afraid of their imperfections and showing favor and compassion to them publicly. He was not afraid what that would do to His reputation. 

We have been called for such a time as this. It's time to wake up, rise up and put on our strength. Now is the time to pray like never before. Now is the time to show compassion and love on people. God is looking for women and men who will intercede for their homes, neighborhoods, cities, country, world. He is looking for prayer warriors, intercessors who aren't lazy to pray and fast when needed. It is time we stand firm and build our walls; it is time our hearts wept seeing broken walls and when we see them,  we do not stand in judgement but we are willing to wear our swords and help rebuild the wall with our very own hands. Rise up men & women of God! Rise up people of purpose! The horn of your calling is blowing ever so clear. We are to grow, provide stability, be useful, flourish, bear fruit and be a huge threat to the enemy! This is where true worship begins. Heavenly Father, help me to worship in a way that truly takes all of me. Help me love you with not just my words but with all my soul, my mind, my strength and my heart. Let me never be content with lukewarm worship but allow me to fan into flame the glow of the Holy Spirit that is placed within me.

Written by: Anu Varghese