Hiding Who We Are

Do you see me? I’m hiding

Do you see me?

I’m hurting

When I see you, I see me

When we see each other

a connection begins that leads to healing

Prior to mid March when the Coronavirus took over American daily life, I personally was learning to enjoy each day of my life as much as I could by embracing a gratitude mindset. It started when I woke up and would snooze my alarm (because I’m not a morning person) and while I lie there I‘d think of all the things I’m thankful for before my feet touched the floor. I still practice this daily and it helps me connect to the Divine from the beginning of my day and even in the discomfort of waking up when I don’t want to. During this season, I also practiced smiling and making eye contact with strangers while walking the hallways and outdoor spaces at work and in other places I’d go. I practiced being fully present to others and took time to notice the beauty all around me, in the trees, the fountains, the sky, the squirrels, birds, butterflies, and other human beings. I’m so glad I noticed ...

Because no longer can we smile at eachother when we walk down the hall and have that smile reflected on the face of the one we pass. This lack of connection hurts. It’s depressing and sad. I understand the reason most of us are wearing masks in public spaces during this time, however I felt compelled to write about how thankful I am that I enjoyed these ordinary moments while I could. We can still walk by and say “hello” but I see more and more people wrapped up in their cell phones as they walk the halls. Often times I smile at someone while wearing a mask and my smile goes unnoticed and unreflected. We are still searching for connection. We’ve just found new ways to do this. Connection with unexpected strangers helps me feel connected to God. No wonder this lack of feeling connected would cause me to feel sad and maybe even distant from my creator. I’m reminding myself today to think of every interruption (and I have a lot of those with 3 children!) as a reminder of the Holy Spirit’s eternal presence always breaking through.

I see you

Do you see me? I’m no longer hiding

I’m ready to be seen

I’m no longer hurting

I’m healing

I can’t wait until we can all walk around mask free and feel safe again! I can’t wait to sing worship songs with my faith community in person and partake of the Eucharist together. Oh what a holy day it will be! To be united in body and spirit is our call. Time will pass and things have changed but God’s love is the same. So even if you are physically wearing a mask, I ask ...

will you stop hiding? Will you reveal who you are? The world is ready. Your neighbor needs to see your Authentic self. So let’s let our hair down and shine more brightly the light of who we truly are!