Why do we put on masks if we are created in the image of God? I did not grow up going to church. As such, Halloween seemed a harmless annual opportunity to amass delicious chocolate treats. I will never forget one year when I was six years old. My mother worked for weeks sewing the Halloween costume I asked for. Finally, the long-awaited day arrived. Mom dressed me in my full-length black witch costume, painted my face green, and topped it all off with a big, black pointy hat. I was so excited! I could hardly wait to see how I looked. Mom made some final touches and when everything was ready, she let me loose. I ran straight to the bathroom where I took one look in the mirror and burst into tears.
Why do we put on masks if we are created in the image of God?
Bewildered, mom came rushing to my side, âSweetheart, whatâs wrong?â
Sobbing uncontrollably, I stammered, âMommy, Iâm ugly!â
She didnât remind me that I had asked to be a witch. Mom didnât try to talk me into liking the costume she had worked so hard to create. She didnât even scold me for the likelihood that this would make us all late. I only remember her tenderly bending down to ask me one question. âHoney, what do you want to be?â
âA princess,â I sniveled as she wiped away my tears.
Performing a mental inventory of all her sewing and craft supplies, she looked back down into my tear-swept face. âHow about I make you into a beautiful bride?â To this day, I still donât know how she transformed her black-capped, green-streaked, sad little witch into a white-laced, blushing, flower-laden bride.
What puzzles me more is why do we, as adults, still suffer from these same struggles? We spend our days trying to conform to the image society tells us is acceptable. Then we’re miserable, trying to live a life we were never designed for.
Deep, deep down – if we’re truly honest with ourselves – we all grew up with a dream of being a prince or princess, hero or heroine. Men who fight for justice and protect the innocent; women who long to be cherished and loved.
What Does the Bible Say About Hiding Behind a Mask?
But somewhere down the road, we put on the masks, trying desperately to fit into a world that no longer resembles the one God intended for us. When sin poisoned the human race, the world, and everything in it, turned upside down. Right became wrong. Wrong became right. And only through the eyes of a six-year-old could we see that a little girl is just not meant to be an ugly witch, but rather a beautiful princess-bride.
Why Did God Create Us In His Image?
When we look in the mirror and no longer know who we are, it is because we have forgotten in whose image we were created. “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27). It is only when the mask is removed, that we can finally see clearly.
“⌠whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken awayâŚ[and]âŚthere is freedom. And we all, with unveiled faces, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord…” (2 Corinthians 3:16-18)
So take off your mask and embrace the person God has called you to be: His own beloved child. And as a child of the King, you truly are His prince; you truly are His princess. And that, my friend, is no fairy tale.
Portions of this article are excerpted from my Bible study, TAMAR: Rediscovering the God Who Redeems Me, based on the powerful story of God transforming the abused and prostituted Canaanite Tamar into the first woman listed in the lineage of Christ. Winner of two literary awards, TAMAR is a Bible Study you don’t want to miss!Â
Shadia is a passionate Bible teacher, author and speaker who has a heart for seeing lives transformed by the power of Godâs Word. She holds a masterâs in biblical and theological studies from Western Seminary and is author of several books and Bible studies.
Thank youso much. Just then inspiration and confirmation I needed for training the mentors tonight. Blessings on you Shadia.
I am so delighted the article blessed you!
Thank you Shadia! So important to be reminded that we were created in God’s image and to live each day through Him.
Amen, Angie! So important, indeed đ
So glad it blessed you! Thank you for your encouragement!
Oh, this is beautiful! Thank you, Shadia. đ
I’m glad you enjoyed the article!
What a brilliant way to tell this visual story because we can all see the witch costume and then also now see he transformation as a “princess”of the King! đ
Thank you, Liz, for your encouraging words!
Shadia, you are and continue to be a remarkable reminder of what God can do. Thank you for continuing to be a voice to the many young girls trying to find their way in this world that was not of their making. To each God has granted a special place in His kingdom. Be blessed, my sister theologian.
Amen! God has a beautiful purpose for every soul He created. Such a glorious and tender God we serve. Thank you so much for your kind comments! Bless you!