I could start with a trite line such as "I've now joined the ranks of the blogging world," or "So I decided to try blogging since I've never successfully kept a journal," but that doesn't capture my motive for writing. No, rather, I want to use this as an outlet for the many thoughts that reside in my mind. I hope that something I might have to say, now or in the future, may have an impact in someone's life for good. Through this, and other attempts to present my thoughts in a coherent collection of sentences, I pray that you will be encouraged and challenged to live for Christ.
So go on, read, think about, disagree, laugh (at me if you want), and even possibly enjoy what is to follow....
The quote that got me to even consider writing in such a public manner was first spoken by one of the most well-known of the Founding Fathers- Benjamin Franklin. He said this, “Give me twenty-six lead soldiers and I will conquer the world.” Now my ambitions are a little less lofty- I have no desire for the world and neither, I think, did he. His point was the obvious: words have the potential to effect massive change either for good or evil. They can comfort a crying sibling, stir a crowd to revolution or to tears, inflict the deepest hurt, and heal the same. They are used daily, most often without the slightest thought to how they are affecting those listening.
So what does all that have to do with me deciding to begin writing a blog? Everything. I had to ask myself, "How am I using my words, both spoken and unspoken? Do I realize the responsibility I have to use them wisely?" As a Man and as a follower of Jesus Christ, I need, no, I must choose to use each word I have been given for His glory. Here is my choice. God help me.
You may be curious why I chose to name this blog Removing the Mask. Its concept comes from a couple different places. The first is Casting Crowns' song Stained Glass Masquerade which talks about the reality that many (almost all?) people attend church like they would a masquerade ball- hiding behind the mask "holiness" or "piety" or even just "good Christian". People are not willing or comfortable being real and letting all the sin, hurt, and struggles be seen by others. It's a vulnerable place to be and we don't like being vulnerable. This is my attempt to remove my mask a little and let you see the real me- not just who I portray.
The second is "rebellion" against hiding behind the mask of youth, immaturity, and inexperience that most my age wear. I will not wear that mask any longer! Who says I have nothing or shouldn't have anything to say about how my culture is systematically tearing down everything that made it strong? On the contrary, I will speak about the things in my culture that I disagree with! The challenge to myself is to speak truth, but clothe that truth in gentleness, grace, and love.
There you have it, at little about why and what I will be sharing with you in the days ahead. A passion for truth, speaking the truth in love, and loving passionately. All these cloaked in gentleness and grace, nothing more I desire. God bless.
Job 23:10
