UNMASKED

Here we are---once again---at the time of year when masks and costumes take center stage.  This little family



has broken their mom's heart.  She is ALL in to family theme dressing--I believe her idea this year included chimney sweeps and Mary Poppins.  The boys--including the three year old are having none of that!  Sadly everyone is going their own way this Halloween.  They have reached the age of individual expression--or better known as not cooperating with mom. 

Mulling over Halloween and masks, I began to imagine what it would be if our masks and costumes matched who we really are.


We all know a Pinocchio.  Those individuals who tell lies to cover up their lies.  Telling so many lies they begin to believe their own fabrications.



I heard a story this past weekend of a Jekyll and Hyde.  Someone who presents one face to those they want to impress and turns into a screaming monster when unhappy with someone not in their sphere of influence.



And of course, there are the Mary Poppins--disgustingly perfect in every way!



Don 't we all know a Scrooge?  Those who can squeeze blood out of a turnip.


Lest we forget, there are the Super Heroes in our lives.  My super heroes are those who fight for our country and the ones who keep the peace here.



Here in Texas, I live in the land of the cowboys--though they do not seem to come to town EVER!

Then I began to ponder the characters I portray--some days I seem to be that silly whirling dervish-the Tasmanian Devil




But occasionally I might give a sloth competition in the art of lazy



I have my good days




And those days when I am not so nice



Some accuse me of wearing this disguise





One thing is for certain--most of the time I would qualify for this crew



The only thing consistent about the character I play and the mask I wear is its inconsistency.  

And still--no matter who I am--how I act or what mask I am wearing---
God loves me----


In spite of me.

What a gift!

"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions -- it is by grace you have been saved." 
Ephesians 2:4-5






7 comments

  1. What a WONDERFUL post today. It is a sermon in itself. Just brilliant.

    I loved all the pictures you posted. Must have taken you ages selecting them and writing the script for each. Thanx Lulu.

    God bless you.

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    1. Do you celebrate Halloween across the pond? Thank you for your kind comments, Victor
      Blessings!

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    2. Yes ... very much so. In the last 5 years or so the idea has caught on over here from America. All the shops are full of Halloween items and sweets.

      Another tradition is on % November when we celebrate Guy Fawkes day. Guy Fawkes (13 April 1570 – 31 January 1606) was a member of a group of provincial English Catholics who planned the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. They planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament.

      Prompted by the receipt of an anonymous letter, the authorities searched Westminster Palace during the early hours of 5 November, and found Fawkes guarding the explosives. Over the next few days, he was questioned and tortured, and eventually he confessed. Immediately before his execution on 31 January, Fawkes fell from the scaffold where he was to be hanged and broke his neck, thus avoiding the agony of the mutilation that followed.

      Fawkes became synonymous with the Gunpowder Plot, the failure of which has been commemorated in Britain since 5 November 1605. His effigy is traditionally burned on a bonfire, commonly accompanied by a fireworks display.

      God bless you, Lulu.

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    3. Sorry - my stupid computer has typed % November instead of 5 November.

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    4. All very interesting, Victor- Thank you for sharing!

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  2. Hi Lulu! What an imaginative post! Wondering what costume to wear that would reflect our own lives...is there a costume of a tornado? That's what I think would fit me best these days. All disorganized and twirling, that's me.
    But as you say, God is with us no matter where we are, or what we do. That is such a comfort in these crazy days. May he bless us both with his power in grace to be the people he needs.
    Blessings,
    Ceil
    PS Fascinating stuff on Guy Fawkes. I have heard of that day, but had no idea who he was!

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    Replies
    1. You could be Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz! Yes---I take great comfort in God's presence!
      Aren't we thankful for Victor educating us!
      Blessings!

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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!