Stained Glass Masquerade

Stained Glass Masquerade
By Casting Crowns

Is there anyone that fails? Is there anyone that falls?
Am I the only one in church today feelin' so small?
Cause when I take a look around…Everybody seems so strong
I know they'll soon discover…that I don't belong.
So I tuck it all away, like everything's okay
If I make them all believe it, maybe
I'll believe it too So with a painted grin, I play the part again
So everyone will see me the way that I see them

Chorus:
Are we happy plastic people…Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness…And smiles to hide our pain.
But if the invitation's open…To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain…On our stained glass masquerade
Is there anyone who's been there…Are there any hands to raise?Am I the only one who's traded…In the altar for a stage.

The performance is convincing…And we know every line by heart.
Only when no one is watching…Can we really fall apart.
But would it set me free…If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person…That you imagine me to be.
Would your arms be open? Or would you walk away?
Would the love of Jesus…Be enough to make you stay?

Chorus:
Are we happy plastic people…Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness…And smiles to hide our pain.
But if the invitation's open…To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain…On our stained glass masquerade
Is there anyone who's been there…Are there any hands to raise?
Am I the only one who's traded…In the altar for a stage.
But if the invitation's open…To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain…On our stained glass masquerade
Is there anyone that fails…Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin' so small.

Today at school we had our small group chapel. Once a month our high school student body breaks into groups of 10 and meet with a faculty member to have devotional. Today I had another group with me, so I had about twenty 9th and 10th graders in my classroom. Our discussion centered on the lyrics of the song by Casting Crowns (My favorite group!). This song hits home with me and probably everyone else too. Wearing masks.

Now, in the comic books and movies, characters like Batman, Zorro, the Green Lantern, Spiderman, and the Incredibles wear masks to conceal their true identities (I did not mention Superman because come on, how can you not tell that Superman is not Clark Kent with glasses!). With concealed identities they could live out different lives and be different people. Some wear masks to conceal physical looks such as the Phantom of the Opera (which also concealed deep his self-esteem and confidence issues). Others wear masks to protect themselves from danger (football players for example). Or to look like someone else (Mission Impossible masks… how cool are those masks! Especially when they peal them off at the end to reveal who they really are after they have caught the bad guy). And of course, Halloween masks.

But is that what Casting Crowns is talking about? As my younger brother used to say as a kid growing up, “It’s the same, only different.” The masks that Casting Crowns is referring to are the ones that everyday people wear everyday. People wear masks, sometimes a lot of them, as they walk around and interact with people throughout the day. Unfortunately, most people have so many different layers of masks on that no one ever sees the person for who they really are. We cover our feelings, emotions, thoughts, actions, warts and all, with perfect little masks, leaving the impression that “things are all good.” Plastic masks. Fake people. And we assemble in our churches with plastic steeples. Fake churches.

So, we enter our church buildings dressed in our Sunday best and shinny shoes and perfectly combed hair. We sit with smiles on our faces and we play our part to perfection, showing all around how “together” we are. And why? Fear? Pride? Embarrassment? Arrogance? Peer pressure? How many masks are you wearing right now? 1? 2? More??? And what are you hiding.

It is hard to be transparent. We want everyone to think that we are a rock, a strong hold, a mighty tower. We don’t want people to know that we struggle. That we are weak. That we are flawed. So we go around with masks, to hide who we really are and to “fit in” with those around us. Who are doing the exact same thing. And in the process we fit in with others doing the same thing we are… being plastic.

In verse 2 it states that the act is quite good and we have memorized our lines. It might go something like this: 2 are walking down the hallway and pass each other. Parker says to Leah, “Hi, how are you doing today?” Leah replies, “Good, how about you?” Parker replies, “Good.” And they continue on their way. They smile at each other, deliver their lines on cue and neither know what is real because all they can see is the masks. It happens all of the time.

Now, I am not suggesting that we share our deepest heartfelt thoughts with complete strangers that pass us by each day, but I am suggesting that we need to become more transparent with those who know us best and share our thoughts and concerns. By removing our masks people will get to know us for who we really are… and we will get to know them too. And that is a good thing. Satan wants us to live in a mask which isolates us from the body of believers. Wearing masks is a victory for him. Transparency is a trait that Jesus wants us to have, both with Him and with His body of believers. Sharing is caring and caring is a good thing. It draws us closer and brings us together as a family should be.

So, unless you are Peter Parker or Bruce Wayne, loose the masks. Satan says you can’t do it. Maybe we need a “I double dog dare you” challenge! Are you ready to give up the stained glass masquerade?

Terry