Masquerade

Sorrow.  Despair.  Self-pity.  These things often define our hearts.

Many times, our hearts may be torn and bleeding, yet very few people know... because we hide the pain behind a mask.  We go through life as if it is a masquerade ball ~ smiling, laughing, dancing ~ but all the while, we have deep, hidden sorrow.

I'm reminded of the poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar entitled, "We Wear The Mask."

We wear the mask that grins and lies,

It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes--

This debt we pay to human guile;

With torn and bleeding hearts, we smile,

And mouth with myriad subtleties.

Why should the world be over-wise

In counting all our tears and sighs?

Nay, let them only see us while

We wear the mask.

We smile, but oh great Christ, our cries

To Thee from tortured souls arise.

We sing, but oh the clay is vile

Beneath our feet, and long the mile;

But let the world dream otherwise,

We wear the mask!

Yes, there are many times when I feel discouraged or sad ~ but each of those emotions lend themselves as examples of God's grace and provision through trials.  Through them, I can proclaim to the world how God is working in my life and changing me into His image.

So, I should not hide behind my mask, and I cannot continue in this masquerade.  I don't want to be hindered or rendered ineffective by pain ~ rather, I want to overcome it in Christ's strength.

God, I need Your help as I continue to walk
One step at a time...
Rachel <><