Unmasked

What is the mask you wear
As you act upon the stage of life?
As you play your role
Before an audience of family, friends, and foe;
-And God.

What is the mask you wear
As you act upon the stage of life?
Is it a mask of laughter, of happiness?
And yet, beneath,
Are tears of sadness, of sorrow;
But no one knows
-but God.
Is it a mask of friendliness, of love?
And yet, beneath,
A bitter spirit, hurting, unforgiving
And no one sees
-but God.

What is the mask you wear
As you act upon the stage of life?
Is it a mask of maturity; a spiritual giant,
And yet, beneath,
A child cries out, so lost and helpless,
And no one hears,
-but God.
Is it a mask of peace and serenity,
And yet, beneath,
Is turmoil, torment, fear
But no one understands,
-but God.

What is the mask you wear ,br> As you act upon the stage of life?
Is it a mask of a conquering hero, of battles won,
And yet, beneath,
A defeated prisoner, a wretched soul?
And no one knows,
-but God.
Is it a mask of working hard, of struggling on,
And yet, beneath,
A spirit crushed, tired and weary?
And no one knows
-but God.

And as you wear that mask
Acting upon the stage of life,
You are accepted, even applauded
For being what you know you’re not.
But no one knows
-but God.
Will you dare take off that mask?
For life is not a stage.
You’re not meant to act, being what you’re not.
Will you face yourself, find out who you really are?
For no one knows
-but God.

You do not need a mask
When Christ abides within.
In Him, those hidden depths of private agony
Are healed, restored, forgiven,
In Him you’re accepted, loved, secure
Your life hid with Christ
-in God.
Copyright © Linda Guy 1987