According to Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, the definition of a mask is "a pretense, a disguise, something that serves to conceal something from view; to take part in a masquerade."
There are all kinds of masks. Some, such as a painter's mask and a gas mask, protect us from harmful substances. Surgical masks protect against disease, and an oxygen mask is beneficial if needed. A ski mask protects the skier from harsh wind and cold, and a cosmetic mask nourishes the skin on our faces.
Other masks, such as a costume party mask, theatrical mask, Halloween mask or a witch doctor's mask, is what we usually think of as soon as the word "mask" is mentioned. Something scary or grotesque to hide behind.
Then there is the "poker face" mask, a mask to hide the truth from others, a face void of expression. We have internal masks to hide our emotions or beliefs. Why do we wear emotional masks? I believe it's because of fear: fear of being ridiculed and rejected, of emotional and psychological damage, or sometimes fear of incurring physical harm, as in abuse situations.
The face says a lot about a person; our feelings and thoughts register on our faces and in our body language. The face reflects the heart. Do we want to cover our hearts?
How many times have you asked someone, "How are you?" The expected standard answer is "Fine. How are you?" And then each moves on. What if we really stopped and told someone exactly what's going on inside us: our struggles, needs and fears? Would we truly want to hear it? Would it be refreshing? Would we feel overwhelmed, ill-equipped to know what to say? Would the person who asked you the question keep right on walking without waiting for an answer? Would you do the same? We are such creatures of habit, and I'd like for us to think about that. To develop an attitude of caring and genuine love for others.
Among our family and friends and in our church circles, too many of us "put on a front," and hide our true feelings and beliefs, afraid to truly let anyone inside. It's like we close a door to any perceived threat. And sometimes with good reason. If we have been hurt and "stung" before, we are cautious and tentative. The result is that we close ourselves off from people and are crippled in our friendships. Or people may perceive us as not genuine, of having a hidden agenda. And we create inner tension for ourselves as we hold in our feelings. Inner tension and stress can cause sickness and disease.
It takes a conscious effort to allow oneself to trust again. But the benefits of allowing others to see the real "us" is that others will trust us to be honest and genuine. We'll also feel better physically and emotionally.
The flip side of the coin is this: emotional masks are not always bad. Wearing an emotional mask can protect us from inappropriate expressions of shock, disappointment, laughter or anger. I think of how a psychologist or counselor or pastor may have to wear a "poker face" mask to avoid alienating the person he's trying to help.
I'm currently reading a book titled "Dreams and Visions: Is Jesus Awakening the Muslim World?" by Tom Doyle with Greg Webster. A "poker face" mask and careful answers can save the life of a Muslim who's converted to Christianity. And there are many.
We in the free world have no idea what goes on in those countries unless we read a book like the one I'm reading. We take our freedoms for granted. And really, compared to what our Christian brothers and sisters have to endure in Muslim countries, we owe it to ourselves to get rid of our thin skin and fear of being judged by others. We owe it to ourselves and others to take off our masks of fear and rigid control and let freedom, honesty and love shine out from us to others. Let's be bold to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with our neighbors and in the marketplace. Let's speak the truth in love, as Jesus taught. Let's unmask and open our hearts. Scary? Perhaps. But remember Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me."
Copyright © 2012 Elaine Beachy
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