Right foot.
Left foot.
Smile.
Laugh.
Look them in the eye.
Keep smiling.
Laugh louder.
Finally, they're leaving.
Breathe.
Take my mask off.
No wait, put it back on.
Be the person everyone likes and knows. Knows? No one knows anything about me. They know the person I've created. The person I wish I was. That's not me.
What happens if I can't keep this up? Every piece of me is shattering. My tears are cracking the painted smile on my mask.
I. Can't. Breathe.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
The LORD of hosts has sworn: “As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand," (Isaiah 14:24)
Inhale.
I am on purpose. My hair. My skin tone. My obnoxious laugh. All purposely done.
Exhale.
There is a reason. My quirks. My lack of artistic ability. My talents. All for a reason.
But why? These traits are so ugly. No one will like these parts of me. Why God? Why would you make me like this?
"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:27)
"Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." (Isaiah 64:8)
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9)
I still don't understand. I'm being attacked from all directions.
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Okay, I'll trust you Lord.
Victory in Jesus...but when? I am so tired of fighting. Every day. Every waking minute.
"For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith." (1 John 5:4)
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8)
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
I place it in your hands Lord. Take my worries, my doubts and this mask I no longer need.
"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
Left foot.
Smile.
Laugh.
Look them in the eye.
Keep smiling.
Laugh louder.
Finally, they're leaving.
Breathe.
Take my mask off.
No wait, put it back on.
Be the person everyone likes and knows. Knows? No one knows anything about me. They know the person I've created. The person I wish I was. That's not me.
What happens if I can't keep this up? Every piece of me is shattering. My tears are cracking the painted smile on my mask.
I. Can't. Breathe.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
The LORD of hosts has sworn: “As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand," (Isaiah 14:24)
Inhale.
I am on purpose. My hair. My skin tone. My obnoxious laugh. All purposely done.
Exhale.
There is a reason. My quirks. My lack of artistic ability. My talents. All for a reason.
But why? These traits are so ugly. No one will like these parts of me. Why God? Why would you make me like this?
"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:27)
"Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." (Isaiah 64:8)
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9)
I still don't understand. I'm being attacked from all directions.
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Okay, I'll trust you Lord.
Victory in Jesus...but when? I am so tired of fighting. Every day. Every waking minute.
"For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith." (1 John 5:4)
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8)
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
I place it in your hands Lord. Take my worries, my doubts and this mask I no longer need.
"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)