A city’s gradual emergence from the coronavirus shut down corresponds to a certain atmosphere in its airport. My husband and I took off our masks just long enough to eat subs at a socially distant table, and then, our masks back in place, we settled ourselves near Gate A-3 to wait out the remainder of a three-hour layover in Baltimore.
A pair of uniformed airline employees on their lunch break caught my eye. She, brown-eyed and animated; he, somber and attentive. It soon became obvious this was no business lunch. Their masked interaction at the corner of my eye distracted me from the book I was trying to read.
What in the world would it be like to date with mandatory masking? I wondered. Has Cosmo addressed this in an article yet? I smiled beneath my own mask as I invented titles and tag lines: “COVID-19 Mask Moves: Let Him Know You’re Interested!”
Drawn again to their soft laughter, I looked up just in time to see the young woman lower her mask, unveiling the full radiance of her dazzling smile. It seemed so intimate a gesture. I turned back to my book.
For the last several months, we have all been masked and hidden. We have stayed at home and protected ourselves and our loved ones from infection. At the same time, though, we have cloaked our disappointment as family events and our kids’ milestones have, one by one, been erased from our calendars. We have veiled our loneliness as weeks of lockdown started to make us forget how to function during a coffee date or a face-to-face conversation. We have pulled the curtains on our losses, either too big to put words around or too small to share when others are suffering so much.
Perhaps, in all our safe separation and invisibility, we have forgotten that there is One who sees all, and before Him, we are free to come with unveiled faces. Moses certainly understood what it was to meet face to face with God, but even so, his understanding of the ultimate significance of the Old Covenant under which he lived and labored was, at best, shadowy.
The believer, on the other hand, is privileged with unimpaired spiritual perception: the ability to see the glory of God revealed in Christ — an unobstructed view and an unbelievable freedom:
With that kind of hope to excite us, nothing holds us back. Unlike Moses, we have nothing to hide.
Everything is out in the open with us . . .
2 Corinthians 3:12 (MSG)
. . . or at least it can be, if we’re willing to take the risk.
Whether or not Moses’s veil and the veiled hearts of his Israelite traveling companions prove to be a helpful metaphor, my fogged glasses and my shallow breathing behind a mask testify to the limitations of veiled living. And this warns me of the dangers of damming up emotions, slamming the door on things I’d rather not deal with, and working hard to project an image that does not line up with the me that lives and breathes (and fails and falters) on this broken ground.
God invites us to enter into His presence and to embark upon an unveiled life. Even while we all stay safe behind our masks, we can choose to live with unveiled hearts. “Nothing between us and God,” urges Paul, “our faces shining with the brightness of his face” (2 Corinthians 3:17).
Your brave yes to God comes in everyday choices, both big and small:
- When, with no makeup and no fuss, you greet your friend at the door, with no thought for whatever may be pale or blotchy because you trust she’s come to be with the real you.
- When you raise your hand to volunteer for a job that feels too big, too exposed, but you do it because you believe you’ve been called — and He who calls is faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:24 NKJV).
- When tears flow because prayer is getting close to the bone, but you go there anyway, knowing that God has an unobstructed view of your heart — and you want a clearer view of His.
I have no idea how long we will be masked and socially distant for our physical safety, but this one thing I know for sure: hiding our hearts behind a veil, hiding our true selves from God and from others is the worst thing we can do for our spiritual health.
When we come to Christ, the veil is lifted. Our lives gradually become brighter, and we become more like Christ. The more we see and grow in our knowledge of God’s faithfulness, the more we will reveal the glory of Christ.
What area of your life do you hear the voice of the Spirit saying,
“Trust me here. Lower your mask. I see you.”?
[bctt tweet=”God invites us to enter into His presence and to embark upon an unveiled life, where there’s nothing between us and Him. -@MicheleDMorin:” username=”incourage”]
Leave a Comment
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Michele,
So wonderful to be reading your post here at (in)courage this am! What a beautifully uplifting reminder that we are truly “seen” by a loving and compassionate God. Praise that we can come before him, unhindered and unglued, and find rest for our weary souls. The cork popped out, and my dam burst into a furry of tears the other day. We can only keep things pent up for so long. Thank you for the beautiful invitation to raise the veil and let God and others in. COVID dating…I think I see an article here, Michele?!
Blessings sweet friend,
Bev xx
Michele Morin says
“Unhindered and unglued”: how wonderful that he takes us as we are, and meets us more than half way. I love Scripture’s imagery of the veil–the one Moses wore and then Paul’s urgent invitation to come before God with unvelied faces. What a great gift!
Mary Geisen says
I love reading your words, Michele and seeing them here at (in)courage is the perfect way to begin my day.
I have not thought of the connection between our veiled eyes and veiled hearts. There is so much I could keep tucked away, but God gently pulls me toward him, giving me the courage to unveil and draw closer to Him.
Thank you for your words today.
Michele Morin says
Isn’t it amazing the events and circumstances God uses to draw us close?
I’m grateful for the way you allow him to work in your life, and the way you share the record of it.
Lynn D Morrissey says
Michelle, what a gifted author you are. I want you to know in ALL I have read in the pandemic, this is hands-down the most beautiful, transparent, and significant. I’m putting this in my journal. Thank you. Going through a tough time and needed to read and take it to heart.
Lynn
On FB while back I wrote a little piece, signifying that we often hide behind masks of pretense (and our need to remove them). What I love about what you did here is connecting this to both OT & NT and the veil. Just breathtaking.
Michele Morin says
I am humbled by your comments, Lynn, and have to tell you that I got a lump in my throat when you spoke about that gorgeous connection between OT and NT truth. I’m working hard these days in my teaching and my writing to hack through the imaginery barbed wire our minds have stretched between the testaments, and you are right. The Story in all its glory is just breathtaking.
Subi Wilks says
Beautifully written and layered piece. I’m saving this one to “chew over” some more. Thanks you for your insights.
Michele Morin says
Glad to be processing truth alongside you, Subi!
Zahairah Bengazi says
Hello Michelle,
This is beautifully written, this is the type of relationship that the Lord wants us to have with him. It’s so sweet, because he knows everything, and we cant hide anything, but he is still asking us to fully surrender and grow closer to him.
What a beautiful thing we have in Jesus to be able to come to him, to receive salvation!
Michele Morin says
Isn’t it just amazing?
When I consider all that God knows about me–the toxic mess of insecurity and pride bubbling in this heart are no mystery to him–and yet he pushes aside the veil and says, “Welcome!”
Incredible!
Barbara says
So beautiful, thank you!
Michele Morin says
Thank YOU, Barbara, for reading!
Martha Jane Orlando says
Fantastic analogy, Michele! Yes, may our hearts and true selves always be unveiled before our loving God.
Blessings to you!
Michele Morin says
Thank you, Martha, I’m always blessed by your encouragement!
Mandy Farmer says
Ah! Such good words. I, too, had not thought of the correlation between our veiled faces and veiled hearts. Oh that we will allow God to come fully into our heart and lives. He does see us and oh how we wants totake control of our outof control lives.
Michele Morin says
Yes, and I think our present day veil of choice may be fear as we look into the unknown. The word “unprecedented” has been worn out as we try to express exactly how out of our depth we are in the midst of pandemic, and yet God creates a place of safety where we can bring the fear and be fully known.
Dawn Ferguson-Little says
So so beautiful said. If we read in the book of Job Chapter 1 verse 21 Job says. Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked shall I return there. So true. The Lord gave and the Lord taken away Blessed be the name of the Lord. So that tell me. God see us from the minute we come into the word until we leave it with nothing on and with clothes on. It the Lord who gave us Life and the Lord who take it away and nothing is hidden from him. So we can hide nothing from God. Our lives our an open book for God when we get saved to make into a lovely story. Plus show us a nicer way to live than we had been living before we got saved. Our old lives are left behind and we are nice new lives in Jesus. That is why like Job we can say Blessed be the name if the Lord. As we are free and all that sin we used to have in Gone. We are new creations. As that songs you get on YouTube say I am a new Creation no more in Condemnation. I say Amen to that. Thank again for another excellent reading Michele love you and all incourage. Love Dawn Ferguson-Little xx
Michele Morin says
The past few months, I have continually reminded myself that the sovereign God who could snuff out the coronavirus in a moment’s time if he chose to is walking sovereignly with us THROUGH this difficult time.
Nothing can separate us from his love.
Thank you for reading and for taking time to respond.
Becky Lowmaster says
Michele, This quite the story in our unprecedented time in life. I remember reading about Moses wearing a veil after he came down from Mt. Sinai. Told by God to do it. Jesus to earth, we see Him. Unveiled. He walks earth to love us. People he created to believe in Him and come to heaven to live with. Jesus wept at times. He was compassionate for others. We need to be that way now and always.
I have a face shield that helps me breathe much better. At times I feel stuck inside it due to lights that reflect on it, especially when I wear it at work all day. Better to keep self and others safe. Even though this past week hasn’t been the best for me, I’ve kept my eyes on Him and felt the presence of Holy Spirit in my mind and heart ❤ . Smiling. Unmasked at home.
Michele Morin says
Unmasked in his presence, too, Becky.
I’m sorry to hear that you have had a difficult week, and I hope things improve for you soon.
Thank you for sharing this Mt. Sinai backstory. I wonder if things would have turned out differently for Israel if they had allowed themselves to look upon Moses’s glowing face–evidence of his connection with God–rather than fearing the brightness of His glory.
Diane McElwain says
These are very encouraging words, Michele. At the moment, I feel like our new changes are too big for me. I constantly question God, and have doubts. It’s difficult to jump into an unknown future. Thank you for these words.
Michele Morin says
You have had way more than your share of adjustments and jarring realities to absorb in the past few months, Diane, so it’s no wonder you are feeling tender around the edges. So grateful for the privilege of knowing a bit of your story and walking with you in prayer through this present adjustment.
Bette Stevens says
Wise words and an important message!
Michele Morin says
Hi, Bette! Thanks so much for the visit! It’s always a gift to hear from you.
Nancy Ruegg says
What a delight to see you on the platform of (in)courage, Michele! You referenced one of my favorite scriptures, 2 Corinthians 3:18. I marvel at the the privilege God has given us to reflect his glory! But we must “enter into His presence and embark upon an unveiled life” in order for that to happen. Lord God, keep me on the right path that will lead to a transcendent, unveiled life!” (And thank you, Michele, for your inspiration!)
Michele Morin says
Joining you in that prayer, Nancy. He is the one who holds us in faithfulness.
Thank you for reading!
Jen Howell says
Michele! Thank you for capturing our new normal with beauty and truth about Gods Word. Loved this!
Michele Morin says
Oh, Jen, thanks for encouraging words!
Linda Stoll says
I just love seeing you here, Michele! I was especially drawn to your 3 specific examples of how to live out this ‘brave yes’ unveiled life we’ve been called to in the midst of all that’s swirling around us.
Only by His grace, His energy, His wisdom …
Michele Morin says
That’s so encouraging, Linda, because I want the thoughts I write about to impact readers (And myself!) with life change at the heart level. And you’ve put your finger on the true power source.
Blessings to you!
Susan M Shipe says
Michele, your words always deliver Truth. I wrote a blog a very long time ago about the masks we wear. Ironic, eh?
Michele Morin says
We are certainly learning these days what it’s like to live behind the mask, and I hope we never make the transition to living spiritually hidden and cut off from God or from one another.
It’s always good to hear from you, SS–and I always appreciate your input.
Lisa notes says
Unveiled faces – what a beautiful thought and reality that we live in. I had my first haircut today with a mask on. It was a weird experience, but I suppose this is our new norm. On the outside anyway! So thankful we aren’t living that way in the Lord’s presence.
Michele Morin says
This is such good training for us that our outward reality does not have to impact in a negative way on our inner reality. Of course, Paul wrote extensively about this, but I don’t think we’ve ever experienced it so up-close-and-personal here in North America!
I have a feeling that people will be very happy finally to have haircuts under ANY circumstances!
Laurie says
Ha! Maybe you should write headlines for Cosmo, Michele! 🙂
What a beautiful post. I have a family member I need to show this one to. God knows our hearts even when we don’t. Putting up a veil to obstruct our own view is dangerous to our emotional and spiritual health.
Michele Morin says
I have a funny feeling that my writing style might not be what Cosmo is looking for. 🙂
And I agree with you 100% about the danger of living emotionally veiled. I hope the post will be helpful to your family member, and I’m praying for wisdom and discernment for you as you share it.
Beth Williams says
Michele,
Love your writing. Glad to see & read your post here. I read a sign on a church “there’s no social distancing God.” He sees us in all our “glory- warts & all”. Most of us have never lived in situations like this. The news media seems to be adding to the fear. I feel it is time to unmask ourselves. Show the real you to the world. Unburden your weary souls with friends & family. Quit hiding behind a mask of pretend or pretense. “God invites us to an unveiled life-where there’s nothing between us & Him.” God knows us intimately. He understands us too. Why try to hide anything form Him? Go ahead & unmask yourself heart mind & soul.
Blessings 🙂
Michele Morin says
Thank you, Beth, for this affirmation of the truth that God is always calling us into relationship, to draw near to him. I love that he never changes — even when everything else is in flux.
Stacey Pardoe says
What a gift this post was to me today, my friend! I had not made the link between the veiled faces and the masks, but this touched my soul in a Spirit-filled way! You are such a blessing to me!
Michele Morin says
Those passages in both Old and New Testaments have always fascinated me. It was a blessing to spend some time digging in and soaking in that truth. God’s desire for intimacy with us and his provision for it… it always just blows me away.
Barbara Harper says
That song comes to mind, “Nothing Between My Soul and the Savior.” It takes a while to feel safe letting people behind our outer veils. But we can fully rest in the fact that God still loves us, even though He sees all.
Michele Morin says
Incredible!
Risk free intimacy is unheard of apart from the Lord. And he loves us in spite of all our faults.
Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts, Barbara.