Unmasked

I’ve been speaking at a church in Maryland for the past few weeks. Everyone in the crowd wears a mask. As the speaker, I too, must wear a mask, even while delivering a message. Like most folks, I hate wearing a mask. Multiply that tenfold when wearing one while delivering a speech. My friends tell me that I am full of hot air, and they are right.  My face gets hot, and steam rolls out of the top of the device right onto my glasses.  It’s tough to read one’s notes through a fogged lens. It is very annoying. But masks are the right thing to do given our present situation.

 Masks may be useful to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, but they impede personal growth. Covers try to protect our insecurities, incompetencies, and inadequacies.  They shroud our true selves.

 An ingredient to healthy living is facing down your fears by getting assistance from a trusted friend. If you are hiding your true self, you’ll see life through a foggy lens. At the same time, your friends can’t help you because you don’t reveal the real you.

 Invite a trusted friend for coffee. Have an open, honest conversation with someone who will accept you no matter what.  You will be taking the first step towards a healthier you.  You must take the first step.

A lady walked out of the building last week. She took off her mask and said, “I couldn’t wait to take this off. It is liberating. It’s like taking off your bra at night!” Are you hiding behind a veil that clouds your vision and keeps others from seeing your true self? It’s time to get liberated. It’s time to get unmasked.