Originally posted in my old newsletter, “It’s Hard Being Human,” on August 20th, 2021
I used to wear a mask. It looked like self-righteousness — a nice, humanly knitted mask that convinced me of my goodness.
I never do anything wrong, so I’m a good person, a “good Christian.” I don’t sin, so I don’t need to ask for forgiveness, because I’m a “good Christian.” I do this and I do that. I have a place here and I have a place there. I’ve been here and I’ve been there, so I’m a “good Christian.” I know all about spiritual warfare and prophecy; physical healings and evangelism. I know all about the Great Commission and missions and what it takes to be a leader — I know all the right answers, so I’m a “good Christian.”
Then the mask wouldn’t stick anymore and began to fall away, and what I thought was good and righteous and “kept together” was really just rotten decay.
Whatever happened to Faith?
She came once, like rainwater;
Fresh, torrential, with power.
Her presence filled the space between us, and Love had won my heart.
I thought.
Whatever happened to the Child?
She was given a mask and told to pretend.
It sealed itself to her face, and I haven’t seen her since.
The mask is peeling now and she is worn. She is rotted.
“What is real? What is true?
Who am I and who are You?”
She questions.
Is she the one with the muffled screams?
Who’s been clawing to be seen?
Acknowledged?
Known?
Free?
Free to be honest and wild and innocent?
Who’s been grasping to be?
Little girl. Your name is Pure. Did you know?
Look out. Faith will come again.
And with Her, Hope and Love will win.
He promised.