Image Maintenance
We all have an image to
uphold, a facade we must keep in place lest someone else see our pain. We don't
want anyone to have a clue that all is not perfect in our world. We don’t want
to give away the fact that our faces are covered by more than make-up. No,
there is a major cover-up going on, a mask firmly in place.
“For I know my
transgressions, and my sin is always before me.” (Psalm 51:3 NIV)
I was reminded of a poem
by Ann Weems in her book, Reaching for Rainbows. This poem is
titled, “You, sitting in the pew next to me.” It is about how we seldom know the people we sit with in church each and every Sunday. We are strangers who smile and shake each others hands, but we don't allow more than that.
Ms. Weems’ writings point out how valuable it is to be real with
each other, to allow a few people into our personal space. To give
permission to a select few to know the real you. It is time we allow our
‘cracks’ to show, because those cracks will let the light shine through.
I read this book during
a time in my life when no one was allowed access to my heart, to my hurt. It
took years and a number of books like this, the Bible, and God’s people, to
show me how to be real, to be open and willing to share my life. How about
you? Set yourself free - remove the mask and see if don't see the world different when you know you
are not alone.
This was such a sweet memory for me that I went online and found a copy of this precious book and just ordered it. There is much more to this story, but perhaps I will save it for another devotion on the topic.
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