Let’s talk about masks. A timely topic, don’t you think?
If you’re old enough to remember The Lone Ranger, you may recall the ending of each episode: as he rode away, someone would ask, “Who was that masked man?” Today, that line feels almost ironic. In a world where we carefully manage our image and hide behind curated versions of ourselves, we’re all masked men and women.
During the early days of mask-wearing, I left a trip to Costco feeling unexpectedly sad. Eye contact was rare, casual conversation had disappeared, and suspicion seemed to fill the air. No one knew whether others were safe, and “social distancing” became more than a guideline—it shaped the atmosphere. The whole experience felt heavy.
Masks. We are wearing them now because either we choose to, or someone else chooses for us. We are wearing them now because someone has told us they will prevent us from either spreading disease or contracting disease. And these masks are as varied as the folks wearing them. But one constant is that they are all visible.
Let’s talk about invisible masks. A mask is anything that hides our true character or feelings—a pretense. Many of us wear these invisible masks out of fear or shame. If you really knew me… If you knew what I was feeling. Over time, we may mistake the mask for our true identity instead of recognizing it as a cover for the parts of ourselves we fear others won’t love or accept.
In 1 Corinthians 3:18, Paul says…and we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory,which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
One of the amazing results of Christ’s sacrifice for our sin is that God put the wrong on Him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God (2 Corinthians 5:21).
The good news is: We can come out from behind our masks! The process of maturing in Christ coaxes us out of the many ways we are hiding.
God knows what exists behind the masks, and He loves and accepts us still.
Taking off the invisible masks we wear can feel frightening because it makes us vulnerable. There is risk—but there is also the possibility of genuine connection. Being fully known and still loved brings freedom and healing. With safe people, removing our masks can be deeply transformative. Schedule and appointment with an Envision therapist today to begin that process.
