open invitation

“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

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

"Run into us, we are safe." Those words, spoken to us by our pastor, obliterated the stained glass masquerade I've known and experienced my whole life. Are you wearing a mask? Do you facilitate mask-wearing? Do you corporately practice masquerading? "Run into Him, He is safe" ... hear those words and shred your masks. Once you remove your mask, you'll feel naked. Run to humble people. Don't listen to those who send you scorn.

Sin is ugly.
Everyone has sin.
Therefore everyone is ugly.

God uses messy people.
God uses the mess of messy people.
The Bible is full of them.
Every
single
one
of
them.


God is just that big. He's working a bigger story than just you or I.

Our successes or failures can't throw off His plan.

Embrace one another.

It's freeing to do it. It's healing to receive it.

Do not wait.

Someone needs your embrace.