I remember very well my first Halloween mask. It was a monstrous thing, and very realistic. When I put it on and passed the mirror, I screamed! I temporarily forgot it was me behind the mask.
As we grow, it seems we get more practiced at wearing a mask, not just on Halloween, but most of the time.
Our perceptions seem to reverse from when we were a child. Now we may think the person behind the mask is scary, and that we need to wear a mask to feel more safe.
We may start wearing makeup for fun, but gradually change into believing we cannot go out into the world without our makeup on. We feel ugly without it.
As the gray starts to show in our hair, we color it. We don’t want anyone to think we are old.
We dress in ways that cover or minimize anything we see as flaws in our bodies.
More than that, we start to act differently in public than in private. What we say and do depends on who or what is around us.
And sometimes when we are alone, we feel truly alone. The reality sinks in. No one really knows the real us. And we want to be known.
Satan is very quick to move in. He whispers, “You better keep your mask on. If anyone sees you as you really are, they would be horrified. They would reject you. They would hate you.”
But your Creator says, “You are made in My Image. You are My Masterpiece. Take off your mask and let My Light shine!”
David said, “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your Works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 139:14
Paul said, “For we are God’s Masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”
Ephesians 2:10
Paul also said, “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to Face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”
1 Corinthians 13:12
God knows you fully. He loves you fully. Look in that mirror again. Take off your mask and see who God created you to be. Then dare to go out into the world as that person!
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate The Lord’s Glory, are being transformed into His Image with ever-increasing Glory, which comes from The Lord, Who is The Spirit!
2 Corinthians 3:18
Thanks for sharing this story.
I had a memory today of going to granddaddy (JB) and grandma’s (Edith) on Halloween. The house was across the street from your parent’s house. Miss Pearl and Grandmama were always sharing various yummy food. Oh what wonderful memories
I hope you all are feeling better now.
Best rega
It is so good to hear from you. I have many happy memories of that time, including times with your Mom and Dad. They were so excited to have you and your brother! Much love to you!