I have known several people who have become very busy in the aftermath of being divorced. They have joined several different single’s groups and have done the internet dating scene. They work full time and spend quality time with their family. They also serve in their church. To other people you would think that they had it all together. They appear to be happy, yet it seems as if their smile may just be a mask.

I know these people because I was one of them. Someone who was running from loneliness. In my frantic run I ran right into the arms of many different men who said that they loved me but I knew better. They loved the mask. They didn’t even know me, how could they love me?

As I have matured and worked through the pain of divorce, I have shielded myself from people who want just the mask. Those people are not comfortable with me when I speak my mind and tell them that they are wrong. They have a controlling and manipulative nature. They want me to put the mask on again and again. In the process, they demand that I support them in wearing their mask.

They love what they see on the outside when they look at me but they don’t have the courage to unwrap the inside. As I gain courage to take the mask off, I find that I am drawing people to me who like what they see on the inside.

These people say I am a wonderful person who is kind and loving and they don’t try to manipulate me. Some of them are men and some of them are women. They are all my cherished friends. When they say that they love me I know they really do because they have seen the pain, despair and the corresponding healing and joy that is hidden deep inside.

As friends do, I have seen their mask drop down also. Sometimes the mask has been that of pain and I knew there was joy to be found behind the mask. Other times there was arrogance and I sensed insecurity lurking in the depths. I have seen their pain and their triumphs. My love for them deepens as I see them courageously brave the elements of life without the mask.

There is something about confession that brings to mind the dropping of a mask. When we confess our sins we are ripping off the behavior or actions that we may have done which now seem to be so wrong. It is in this admission that the process of repentance and healing happens. For if you don’t confess that you have done anything wrong how can you change it?

As our mask drops in the process of confession, being open and honest with God, I imagine He has the same reaction as I do. His love deepens and forgiveness rains down like a gentle mist from heaven.