As I started seeing the costumes and candy corn grace the shelves of Target, I heard a soul-whisper. Accompanied by a cupped hand and straining to make out the hushed voice that tickles the ear, “What are you hiding behind?”

I ponder these words, rolling them around like dice in my hand. Examining them. Counting the dots. Trying to figure out how to make them land with the perfect number combination to take me to the finish square. But it’s impossible–there is no way to cheat with dice.

Later, I hear the voice again–this time a little louder with a slow, gentle tapping, much like a toddler trying to get attention. “Pssst. Did you hear me? What are you hiding behind?” I try to ignore the gentle tapping, not ready to examine the places of the heart that it requires me to notice. I’m content to ignore, but the gentle tapping gains urgency, and I find I can’t brush the question aside any longer.

When I feel like I don’t measure up to the imaginary yardstick, I quietly slip on a mask. When I’m struggling with sin, disbelief, or trusting God’s promises for me, I cloak myself with my “Super Christian” cape. And there I stand…disguising myself and covering up everything I don’t want you to see.

Selfishness

Pride

Jealousy

Anger

Unforgiveness

Discontent

Envy

Depending on myself instead of God

It’s like life is one big costume party and we’re walking around with a mask on, not letting our real self be seen. We force a smile, when deep down we really feel like curling up in a ball on our bed and hiding under the covers. We say we’re fine, when really we’re not. Why? Why can’t we be authentic? Why do we keep masking our true selves?

I know you do it too. Let’s take of the mask and be real. What are the masks you hide behind?

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Ladies, I know this post doesn’t have anything to do with our boys, but I’m wondering if you’re being real. Are you hiding sin in your heart? Are you faking it? Are you teaching your boy to live authentically in Christ or hide behind a Christian facade?