Tis the season for little kids running around the neighborhood in cute costumes. We went from living in the country where we had no visitors on October 31st to having our doorbell ring constantly at our new home. Selena, Isaac, and Isaiah would run to the door – some children they recognized from their school; others they didn’t because of the makeup or mask that the children were wearing hid their identity.
It made me think about how much we cover up in our daily lives. In my HR profession, many times, leaders and employees will come to me to discuss not only employment issues but their own personal matters. I remember one executive telling me that I was like his priest – he could talk to me in confidence about things that were weighing on him. Others refer to meetings with me as their personal counseling session. I jokingly say that I need to have a couch in my office and charge the rates of a psychologist. But, honestly, so many people are getting up each day, putting on their best face, while they are masking pain, hurt, despair, anxiety, abuse, and sin.
Undoubtedly, all of these matters that we “mask” from the world only causes us inner stress and turmoil. But, the GOOD NEWS is that we serve a God that doesn’t want us to have to worry or fret about the cares of this world.
So, how do you “unmask” and effectively cope with such things as pain, hurt despair, anxiety, sin, abuse, etc.?
- Acknowledge what you are dealing with and be honest with yourself. “Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.” – Psalm 51:6. If you want to be free from something, you have to be truthful with yourself and acknowledge that you are dealing with these issues.
- Pray and read the Word of God for encouragement! My Mom always quoted the words of a Bishop we all loved dearly – when you don’t know what to pray, just say, “Oh Lord, Help Me.” I remember during some of the hardest times of my life, that is all I could utter to God through the tears of hurt and rejection. Immediately, I was visited by His sweet presence and comforted by His Holy Spirit!
- Seek Spiritual Counsel from your Pastor or someone in Church that is trustworthy and you have observed as having a close walk with God.
- Laugh & enjoy life! “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24. We don’t have to wait until Sunday to rejoice and we don’t have to wait until our breakthrough happens. We can and should rejoice always! It’s good just to be ALIVE – enjoy life and laugh a little!
- AND ABOVE ALL ELSE – TRUST GOD!
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strenthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” –Isaiah 41:10
So, take off your mask, trust God and live a life of freedom that He promised to us all!
A Little More Faith 