I’m honored today to contribute to the Never Beyond Series for the People of the Second Chance. This weeks image is Darth Vader. While not a real person, I think we can all identify with ol’ Darth at some level. I say that because we all have masks. I might even go so far as to say that we especially have them on Sunday morning. Just like Vader, behind the mask is pain, hurt, anger, bitterness, rejection, hatred and scars we don’t want others to see.
Behind the mask we feel safe. We can do unspeakable damage to the emotions, feelings and well-being of others and feel like “The Mask” allows us to do so. Behind the mask we can be the athlete we never were, the success that never happened, the husband we’re not at home and, in the case of Darth, a Father ashamed of his past.
I want to challenge each of you to see behind the mask today. Get past the rough exterior to find the heart longing to be forgiven. Look past the metal and see the soul of the prisoner wishing to be set free. See through the light saber defenses and black cape to see the scars that shaped the person.
Who would you give a second chance?
I love your take on this.
I personally have to deal with scars from my childhood everyday, and this makes your post hit home very hard.
Awesome contribution to POTSC
Thanks Coenraad. I love the concept of “Never Beyond”. It also reminds me that we are never alone. We all have scars. May God continue to redeem and restore yours to make them a place of strength for you. Thanks again for the encouragement.
Aaron, you’re right. Sometimes it’s easier to walk around with the mask and not reveal what’s really going on underneath. I struggled with this and continue to struggle, but have found having others who love me, know me and walk with me while holding me accountable is so important to keeping the mask off.
Thanks Mike. I agree with you. I would even go a step further and say that I can often surround myself with people that won’t call me out when I’m wearing it. Great point in having accountability partners to keep you honest.