what's behind the mask?

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." Colossians 3:12-14

Masks these days are not just for Halloween, but for every day.  They can conceal our identity and now even help save lives. But some people don a mask for another reason; they desire to hide their true feelings from others. 

Behind the smiles and laughter we see in a person, waves of tears and weariness might exist due to pain, loneliness, fear or hurt.  If we dare remove our emotional masks, what will happen -- embarrassment...dismay... rejection? Or, could there possibly be healing and understanding and encouragement?

Oh Father, how i pray we supply the support and soothing touch of You others need.  Grow our compassion, sensitivity and heart to a godly size.  May we be more like You today. Open our hearts and minds to aid in the healing of our sisters and brothers. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal