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Lent 2021: Giving Up My Mask by Reverend Thomas Brackeen, Jr.


 

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me.”


-Psalm 23:4

 

March 4, 2021


Giving Up My Mask for Lent

All of us have heard this next phrase at least once over the years: “God is good! All the time!” It is a form of call and response offered to hype the energy during the worship service. For a long time, I learned to come to church and pretend that I had it all together. If I had not, I would be considered an outcast or one to be chastised for not being churchy enough. I learned to portray having all the right answers and looking the part. I started to become addicted to the need of wanting to be needed.


In 2021, I continue to be a recovering “church-a-holic.” I learned to “remove my mask.” I learned to be more transparent as it pertains to anxieties and depression that have plagued most of my life. Therapy has become a normal part of my life. This allows me to acknowledge the goodness of God as I navigate deeper issues beneath the surface where only God continues to give the insight to be what I am called to do.


During Lent, I want to continue with abandoning the mask. I will continue to love on myself and understand that God loves me no matter what and where I am. I challenge you to go deeper this season. Do not settle for church clichés that become a part of the unconscious language of covering up the genuine you.


Prayer: God, Thank You for your goodness. Amen



Reverend Thomas A. Brackeen, Jr.

Youth and Families Minister

 

Lent 2021

The members and friends of Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church

have written their devotions and reflections on the impact of the season of Lent

in their lives. Each testimony in the booklet is a personal reflection of their experiences.


We welcome you on this journey with us as we discuss our sacrifices and hope

that some aspect of the scripture, reflections, or prayers will inspire you as you

experience the season.


Read along with us each day or download the book to read along with us offline. May God bless and keep you throughout this season of reflection.

 

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