Taking off the mask

As early as childhood we learn to wear a mask. Whether it be a superhero mask, a favorite character, or one of our own creation we veil ourselves to hide our true identities. After a month long dive into cycles of exposure, students were asked in review week to identify various masks they've worn or are currently wearing and why hiding behind those masks are more comfortable than revealing their true identity hidden below. Masks ranging in variety from perfectionism, to false portrayals of happiness, to street/thug facades, to lone wolf personas, each patient carefully and meticulously detailed their unique mask and displayed their perception of its appearance in a beautiful creative display for all to see.

Like our winds of change patients, we too have learned to wear a mask. Pride, thirst for success, anger, apathy, etc., are all examples of masks prevent among people we know and love. Identifying the mask is the first step to recognizing change or healing must occur; being brave enough to identify the insecurity or area the mask was designed to conceal is the greatest challenge. What mask do you wear? What makes your mask more comfortable than your true self? Are you brave enough to let the mask come off and your natural self shine through? God already sees underneath the mask. He is not deterred by who you are. Trust him!