Opus 2015-99: Masks

Which is the real person and which is the mask?

Are either one genuine?

What masks do I wear?

I just attended what you might call a “farewell dinner”.  It was a very pleasant time with a lot of praise and pats on the back.  Everyone left feeling wonderful. 

So why am I not satisfied with that?

I think it is a thirst in my heart for honesty.  I experience so many moments in my life that I run into cognitive dissonance.  People stand up in public and make statements that are designed to make the listeners feel good but are radically different from what I have heard them say in private.  I am not talking about being diplomatic or tactful.  I understand that I can’t, or should not, tell you what I think of your dress. 

I am talking about going out of your way to make statements that conflict with what you say in private.  The topic could be avoided.  It could be ignored.  Instead, statements are made that are not consistent.

We are all familiar with the statement, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”  We need to hear more of, “If you can’t say something true, change the subject.”

I see it at school, praising student “talent”.  I see it at church, promising to pray for people.  I see it in politics, talking about “serving the American people”.  I would probably see it in myself if I was not locked into my head.

Lord, protect me from masks, particularly on my face.

homo unius libri