We are a nation hidden behind masks and fasting from relationships.
Consider the notion that the masks we wear and the social distancing we do are metaphors for the way we as a society relate to other people. Maybe this extreme fasting of people will awaken in us a desire to take off our emotional masks and authentically connect.
When you think about it, connecting in new ways requires courage. Who knows if the other person will want to connect? Who knows if you will appear foolish?
One day you will take your physical mask off and stop social distancing. When the mask comes off and you draw near to people, you might expose yourself to the toxins they are breathing out. But if you don’t, you will live an impoverished life of virtual reality. The choice is stark.
It’s not too early to practice taking off our emotional masks, but it will require courage.
We need the courage to risk heartbreak and draw near to one another in new ways. We were not made for sterile environments. And we who call ourselves Christians most especially. Jesus was born in a germ-infested manger and invites us to join him in the messiness of abundant living.
Can we give one another the gift of courage? Can we find the courage to try loving others as they need to be loved?
Where do you find courage? We need to pay attention to what gives us courage. How are you encouraged? We need en-couragement to go where our hearts will breathe again.
Good Morning Seth,
Your posts have been resonating with me now more than ever. As you may recall, I didn’t come to Christ until I was 41. I turn 60 in August. What has given me courage, although I view it more as “permission” (for one who has been shushed in life, or scolded, or somehow sensed a dismissal for my zany self…) it is the intersection of purpose and passion. Thankfully, I listened to God’s voice when I sensed it, although it did take me awhile to get the earwax out of my ears…at any rate, that listening has led me to my vocational calling which embraces my authentic personality. God is so creative! I wrote earlier that I am serving as a FA for Southwest Airlines, where my desire has been to be a broker of joy in the skies. But it became apparent very early on that my encouragement was to be focused more on my co-hearts (what we call our co workers) than the passengers, although it certainly applies to them as well.
Long story short, during training, an alter persona, “grace” was born. She is very LI NY, and many people find her amusing. I have been posting daily gratitudes as “Grace” on the SWA Culture web site, and the response as been very affirming as I aim to encourage others.
Creativity, Humor and the intersection of passion and purpose. Those things push any hesitation aside.
Blessings, Kathy
I love it, Kathy. Let’s hear it for creativity and humor as a way of connecting in these stress-filled times.
This is really good!
& even in these times that we are in of social distancing and quarantining we can still create and build relationships with people! That is one thing that social media can be used for! We need to take advantage of this time, which is what I am trying to do!