Masks

 “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples.” John 13:35

 Have you ever worn a “mask”? Not the Halloween kind, or the COVID kind, but the “happy mask” disguise? You know—the “Don’t let people around you know what is going on inside you” kind of mask. The happy mask can be worn by people experiencing deep depression, anger, hostility, or despair, and no one will know.

I have experienced this darkness. I am asking the Lord to help me become more aware of those who cannot ask for help. People who love Jesus can still experience deep despair and unrelenting depression but are unable to explain it or understand it themselves. Sometimes they are resistant or unable to reveal their need to anyone, or just don’t have the strength to try to explain it.

Since COVID, the world seems to be more comfortable being completely masked and staying isolated. We need discernment to reach out to these lonely people who are hiding their pain behind their happy masks.

We may not know them, but we can make eye contact and smile with love. If we are close enough, we can tell them Jesus loves them and cares very deeply about them.

Would you join me in asking God for the courage to follow through, and to reach out to people? When we feel the tug of the Holy Spirit revealing to us someone who is hurting, although they may not look like they are hurting, not to dismiss them, but to obey the tug and reach out to that person. Any gesture of friendship may be appreciated. A phone call, a card, a “Could we meet for coffee?”, or just “You are on my heart. May I pray for you?”

Lord, we want to be discerning people. Give us the courage to reach out with love as You did, to hurting people. Give those who are hurting the courage to admit that they need prayer and to ask someone to pray with them. We want to see through Your eyes of love and act out what You would do. You will give us wisdom and more if we ask for it; please help us to become witnesses of Your Love, by the way we love others.

 When you are too weary to pray

Others who know you will stay

On their knees in your stead,

Alongside their bed,

Until darkness is broken by day.

Please know that you are prayed for and loved.