Lay Down Your Masks

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
     - 2 Corinthians 3:18

In this passage Paul is writing about unveiling our face - taking off the masks that we use to protect ourselves from others. We don't show our true selves because we don't want people to reject us. Instead we show them what we think they want to see. But that's not how we grow "into his image with ever-increasing glory." To grow, we need to take off the masks. 

Author Brene Brown describes this kind of unveiling as the journey towards authenticity. Take a few moments to reflect on her insights and on what it would mean for you to choose to unveil yourself today. 

Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we're supposed to be and embracing who we are. Choosing authenticity means:

• Cultivating the courage to be imperfect, to set boundaries, and to allow ourselves to be vulnerable;
• Exercising the compassion that comes from knowing that we are all made of strength and struggle
• Nurturing the connection and sense of belonging that can only happen when we believe that we are enough.

     - Brene Brown

Start exploring your Enneagram type now:  As part of our sermon series, we're encouraging people to learn about their Enneagram type, to better understand the ways God made you and is calling you to become more yourself. It's part personality test, part spiritual inventory, and it can be very helpful. There's a test that costs $12 HERE or a free version HERE.  Poke around the type descriptions, too.