Poetry

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I was in my early 20’s when I found it.
I stumbled across it really.
I put it on before I even knew what it was.
It fit beautifully.

When I looked through the eyeholes of my new Mask,
I became acutely aware of possibilities and how to achieve them
I could also see consequences and the most clever ways to avoid them.
My Mask made me feel smart.
And it seemed to bring on the admiration of others.
My Mask was power.

But I was deceived.
I didn’t realize the mockery of the Mask for a very long time.
I was blinded by the same eyeholes that had given me such sight!
The pride and easy successes of my youth
Fed the flames of my desire to keep wearing it.
I was fooled.
Disaster loomed.

In my hunger for power over my life,
In my desire to master my future,
The view from my Mask guided my choices.
Soon the pursuit of power brought great weariness.
No longer in control - but controlled.
I was trapped.
I could not free myself.

My faithful Father did not leave me captive.
Though saddened by my stubborn, hard heart,
He allowed me to feel the painful results
Of my self-guided attempts to be god in my life.
Each time I suffered, my eyes opened more
To the ugliness of the Mask I wore.
So I took the chance –
I ripped off my Mask!

Desperation had led me here,
To the point that I took the chance.
At that moment I could feel God reach me
I surrendered to his Sovereign design.
True peace and rest at last were mine.
So simple, why hadn’t I seen it?
But of course –
It was the Mask.

Since the day I tore off the Mask of Control
I have struggled to retain true sight.
My Mask still looks appealing at times.
Now and then I test to see if it still fits.
But my Savior is faithful to teach me,
And he doesn’t let me wear it for long
Before I am reminded that it’s only a lie,
No one controls
But God alone.

Jesus knew that this Mask would fool us.
It’s a trap, not just for me, but for all.
Jesus taught his disciples not to burden themselves
With things that this world holds so dear.
He said, “You worry yourselves, and carry such loads,
These burdens weren’t meant to be yours.
Learn from me to be gentle and humble in heart,
My way will bring rest for your souls.”

The Mask is a lie from Satan himself.
Don’t allow him any more victory.
Cast off the Mask and turn to Christ Jesus,
Walk full-sighted in his way and rest.
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