Raw and Real

In becoming involved in any church there are certain wisdom "isms" that we have coined and used in describing something about life either personally or in the church.  In Florida we had some great "Ron-isms" that when mentioned today, Lynnette and I will call it just that.  Now in our environment at Faith Promise, we have coined some "Chris-isms".  One was subconsciously stated in my dream last week, when I finished my dream prayer with, "And All God's People Said. . .  Amen".  Another one I like is that we need to be "Raw and Real" which brings me to today's thoughts.

I like to call this being transparent in every aspect of our lives.  Yet this is not easy since we have our masks that we wear every day with everyone we meet.  Our church leaders and all our public figures seem to wear some really exotic masks to hide what is really going on in their lives.  S0 . . What mask do you wear and where do you wear it?

Work Mask - Growing up in a corporate environment, I was taught that you never let your co-workers know your personal life or failures because when it comes time for a promotion, they will use your weaknesses against you and take that promotion even though they are not qualified.  (Peter principle- which is another day's thought)  Nevertheless, we hold our personal thoughts inside and just do our work.  It is a shame but I still see this today in that people do their work and leave the office without ever really letting people know their weaknesses and volubility. Which actually shows strength!

Social Mask - When someone says, "How are You today?", they really are just saying something to fill the air.  Have you ever said, "Not doing well today?"  People pause because they really did not want to know how you were doing and have a hard time responding and to dig further.  This drives Lynnette crazy, but I play this game when in a department store.  The clerk walks up and says, "Can I help you?"  My response is always, "No thank you, I am beyond help."  Then I watch the clerk's eyes and expression as they are speechless.   They are just doing their job and really are not seriously interested in helping you.

Church Mask - We walk into church and we have our mask in place.  We may have had a fight with the kids or our spouse before getting in the car, or in the car, or getting out of the car in the parking lot.  But our mask goes on and we all go hand in hand into the church smiling all the way.  Our mind is not prepared for worship, but we go through the next hour or two and wear our mask well.  A few weeks ago, I was talking to a young woman at church and as I looked into her eyes I saw pain and hurt.  She gave me all the smiles and pleasantries expected until I said, "How are you REALLY doing?"  Tears immediately came to her eyes and she began to tell me her story.  I gave her a hug and said a little prayer for her situation.  So how many people do you see that you do not look into their eyes and see their pain behind the mask?

Home Mask - Our home is to be our castle where we can "let it all hang out".  Yet many days we put on a mask to just get through the day.  Then the days become weeks and on to months.  We will not show weakness around our family?  Appear to be strong in every situation is how our parents taught us.  Growing up I never recall seeing my parents show any weakness and that was expected of me.  In times of my youth, I would show emotions and my dad would only let me cry for a few moments and then say,  "Stop crying or I will give you something to cry about".  I would swallow the tears and block my emotions.  That was what was expected then.  Can you learn to get rid of the mask you wear at home and be "Raw and Real" in every aspect of your home life?  Not an easy task!

Spiritual Mask -  This mask is the strangest one of all the masks we wear.  We reason that God is so busy that we can handle things ourselves.  We rush though our prayers to get them done and move on and never really open our hearts to the One who sees inside, behind the mask. 

First and foremost throw the Spiritual mask away first.  Be raw and real transparent with the creator of the universe.  He accepts you for who you really are and loves you more than anyone else.  When you do that then you can begin throwing away other masks and really be the person God created.  Love each other in a new way that can be dangerous, yet more rewarding than you would have ever dreamed.