open.spotify.com/episode/19U8nOwPzkYLtl9ZOxCP9A

Let’s unpack a little…

As we grow in our faith, we realize that some things must go.  I’ve have had the opportunity to see other christians grow in their faith within the therapy space,  and as I work with them I am reminded of the masks we all wear. These masks have protected us in a number of ways, but I often ask, what happens when we don’t take off the mask?  What happens when we build an identity that caters to the mask and not to our truest self. I believe we begin to live disjointed lives, void of the realty of who we truly are. We begin a game of charades that seems to never end. We become consumed by acting and gesturing for applause. 

This habit of acting and gesturing in body of Christ leads to a dismembering of the body. It causes deprivation to the members of church, in our personal lives and as a collective. Our uniqueness is intentional and necessary for the growth and expansion of God’s kingdom. It is not a mistake yet we find ourselves wearing masks, acting and gesturing in order to present ourselves as a package that is “acceptable.” It is true that we are to “present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service;” (Rom 12:1) remember there is an expectation of honest surrender and submission. God loves the real you. The authentic you.

In the episode linked above I’m sharing 3 struggles that I consistently see believers wrestling with.  These challenges hinder us from living authentically. I invite you to read the poem below by Paul Laurence Dunbar and also  listen to the podcast. I hope you share your thoughts. God Bless.

~Jamie Johnson, LCSW