take the mask off!

I read a book last month- devotions for dating couples by ben young and dr. samuel adams. It’s directed at serious courting couples than casual dating. And lemme chip in that casual dating by the way is a total colossal waste of time. And nope, I’m not courting…yet. ;) found the book on a thrifting expedition and decided to give it a read and prepare myself for what’s going to be gradually imminent. Doesn’t hurt, right?! ;)

via

Ok, lemme stop blabbing already. So, there’s this part of the book which struck a chord with me. it talks about something I’ve long observed. Here goes…

“we live in an “I’m okay, you’re okay” world. When we ask people how they are doing, we don’t necessarily expect an honest answer. A simple “I’m fine” will suffice. Most of us fear letting others know what is rumbling deep inside our souls. We suspect that if people really knew what was going on with us on the inside, they might reject us. Too many of us walk around wearing masks, smiling on the outside but hurting on the inside…acting as if everything is fine.

The truth is, many times I’m not okay, you’re not okay, but that’s okay. Jesus died on the cross for folks like you and me, sinners who have broken God’s laws time and time again. Remember what saint Augustine said, “the church is a hospital, where everyone is trying to get well.” However, you cannot get well unless you are willing to admit you are sick.

Some of the greatest spiritual breakthroughs in my life have occurred when I took off my mask in the presence of a trusted friend and said, “hey, I’m tired of hiding. I’m tired of living a double life. Here is what I am dealing with.” And to have that friend listen to me and affirm that I am forgiven because of what Christ did for me on the cross is an extremely cathartic experience. As a pastor, I have had the incredible opportunity to see many people experience the freedom from guilt, shame, fear, and addiction because they had the courage to confess their sin.

If you are living in fear that someone is going to find out about the real you, do not hesitate to get help. Call a fellow [trusted] member of your church, a pastor, or a counselor, and deal with that issue today. Ask God for the courage to take that first step.”

And as you may have observed, I almost always have a song to go with my content. This song by tenth avenue north encourages me to always open up to God and get real with Him. it especially spoke to me when I was in the tender stages of becoming serious with my walk with Him a couple of years ago. I was a wrecking ball headed for disaster. But I’m so, so glad I opened up to Jesus and laid all my cards down and He saved me from me. I look back sometimes and wonder how I could have been so foolish in my ways in the past. I thank God for redemption! You might be battling to give control of your life over to the Author and Redeemer. you may be fighting to truly surrender every bit and piece of your life to Jesus…imagine Jesus singing this song to you…

Any other way~ tenth avenue north

 Don’t say goodbye, don’t say hello

We’re just standing on the surface.

Don’t say alright, don’t say I know

I promise it’s not worth it.

I want to know who you are

Even if you’re falling apart.

Reach in and touch your scars

And all the shame you’ve kept in your heart

Cause it’s not enough, it’s not enough

Just to say that you’re okay.

I need your hurt, I need your pain

It’s not love any other way.

Let’s not pretend, stop your parade

Trying to convince Me that you’re alright and everything’s ok

Yet, do you even know Me?

Cause I already know who you are

and all the things that kept us apart.

So reach in and touch My scars

And know the price I paid for your heart.

A broken and contrite heart, I will not despise

Come as you are and I won’t close My eyes

I won’t close My eyes

I won’t close My eyes

I won’t close My eyes

Cause it’s not enough, it’s not enough

Just to say that you’re okay.

I need your hurt, I need your pain

It’s not love any other way.

Cause it’s not enough, it’s not enough

Just to say that you’re okay

You needed My hurt, you needed My pain

It’s not love any other way, it’s not love any other way

Yeah, it’s not love any other way.

 a lil background to the message of the song

“brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” Galatians 6:1-2

“but if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 john 1:9

“therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed…” james 5:16

“my sacrifice, o God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart You, God, will not despise.” Psalm 51:17

If you’re hiding the real you underneath a façade of phony smiles, be brave and open up to Jesus in prayer. Admit your struggles to Him, let Him into your heart. Let His warm and gentle ocean of grace thaw away the glacial lake frosted around your heart. Talk your struggles over with a true, trusted Godly friend and your hurting heart will begin to find healing. You may be dealing with drugs, alcohol, fornication, lust, stealing, lying, adultery, gossip, emotional trauma, suicidal thoughts…whatever it may be, find healing in Jesus. His Word in revelations 3:20 says to you: here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Are you going to let Him in or what? Cmon, and let Him in. :)

xoxo, gen delali.