Paul Lawrence Dunbar says it best in his infamous poem “We Wear the Mask,” depicting how African Americans would hide behind false smiles and grins to hide their hurt, disgust and pain.

This isn’t about race or slavery, it’s about people hiding the Truth of  who they are and what is really happening in their everyday lives. Dawning beautiful falsehoods to hide the pain, hurt, and brokenness that they face every day, but not just the hurt, they hide the Greatness as well.

I asked myself, “Why doesn’t anyone hear my cry, can’t they see the pain I’m in?” Then I realize that I’ve been wearing the mask too long. That I have become accustomed to hiding myself from the people who really care for me. I have hidden myself so well that they don’t recognize me any more and I don’t recognize my own true self, the person that God has created me to be. It’s difficult to be honest and true to others when you won’t be true to yourself.

It’s hard sometimes to allow oneself to be vulnerable and transparent with people, but how can God send someone to help you if you never remove the mask. The mask that once protected you now has become the very thing that hinders you. Remove the mask, let the person that God has created you to be Shine and be a light unto those who need you, and stress beacon to those you may need.

Stop lying to yourself, the mask is no longer protecting you, it is consuming you……