Deceived: Masked people aren’t honest. They present an image they want others to believe, but it isn’t who they really are.

Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.  (Titus 2:3-5)

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Many of our readers are unaware of an exciting fact. My wife, Jane, is a writer. Before taking a year-long break from our writing team, her entries have been read by thousands globally. Well, she’s back! I am honored to post her “welcome back” first article, “Unmasked for Life.” I hope you are blessed. -Stephen Phinney

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UNMASKED FOR LIFE | DECEIVED & DISTRACTED

April of 2022 was my last official quarterly checkup with my oncologist. To my delight, when I arrived at the clinic, I was informed that the covid mask restriction had been lifted.  I could hardly believe it! What a relief to breathe freely, again, at appointments.  It struck me then that because masks were in play for a full 2 years, what used to be normal now felt a little unnatural.

The nurse who completed my intake information shared that they were seeing some patients, full faced, for the first time.  As a result, they were somewhat unrecognizable. They knew each other from the eyes up, so they had to mentally picture the patients masked, to match who they were unmasked. For new patients in those 2 years, it was almost like meeting for the first time.  

As the nurse shared, my mind gravitated toward spiritual parallels. Back in the day, masks had a negative connotation. They were primarily associated with use in crime or use in surgery. Either situation has the potential to spark fear.  So, I don’t think it’s far-fetched to conclude that being forced to wear masks, in daily living, could carry some long-term consequences. As distrust rose to the top during those 2 years, people forced to withdraw became more dependent on themselves.  Emotional/soul separation evolved into a sense of living “lost in limbo.” They could effectively mask their identity.  I still remember the feeling of being robbed of the overall sense of community, even though we had it much better than most.

In like manner, spiritual masking allows people to hide & withhold who they really are—their trials, struggles, insecurities, & imperfections are hidden at will. These masks provide a false sense of security because what is hidden from people is still known by God. As the saying goes, “You can run but you can’t hide.”  Masks let you pretend. But deep inside, you live miserably. And the enemy loves that!

Masked people aren’t honest. They present an image they want others to believe, but it isn’t who they really are. They let you in only so far, lest you might possibly see a weakness or vulnerability to a hurt… maybe even a struggle with a specific sin.  You know the drill. Praying for others is always preferred to sharing personal requests. Because it’s safer that way & it keeps your mask in place.

Some folks are more comfortable with the superficial & prefer you leave your mask intact. Heaven help us!  We might find out what someone really looks like or what their heartaches are.  Throughout our years in ministry, I found that, for the most part, people I interacted with weren’t really interested in knowing the real me. They didn’t want to see me as weak or struggling because they needed to see me in a way that benefited them.  I remember meeting a gal for lunch. When I attempted to “unmask” & be honest about the trauma that was happening in our lives & the effects on ministry, she interrupted me stating, “I know you’re hurting but I HAVE to download today.” And she did. Inside my soul, I checked the box. People just wanted a sounding board. Why open my heart if it would be ignored anyway?

Even though most are more comfortable wearing their self-created masks, it’s no way to live, especially with our heavenly Father.  It’s an illusion to live like you can hide. And it’s a lie to keep yourself masked because you believe He doesn’t care. Because He does! More than any person ever could. At the Cross, Jesus Christ provided redemption for whatever you are trying to hide behind your mask.  And His resurrection life, through the Spirit, allows you to take your mask OFF, completely. That’s a prerequisite for full healing & a new beginning.

FULL DISCLOSURE:

I’ve spent years learning to unmask. I’ll be in that school until I’m Home.  I have had to unpack false expectations…my own, my people-pleasing activities, & most importantly, what God wants & how He sees me.  He welcomes me unmasked. He accepts me because I am His child. Hallelujah! He is my Safe Place. I’ve grown leaps & bounds in living the real me.  I’m breathing easier now, spiritually. I can be real with God’s blessing while still not purposely offending others. That’s what true fellowship is…people unmasking together in Christ Jesus. Unmasking shares love because you give away what you received. It forgives because you’ve been in their place. It hopes in the transforming process of Christ at work.

Do yourself a favor. DARE to unmask in 2023, so you can breathe freely, maybe for the first time.  Do other people a favor. Accept them as unmasked, in Christ, so that they will be encouraged to breathe, too. You have more in common than you think! 

Jane Phinney | Author/Teacher Send a Note To The Author