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It didn’t surprise me that Pastor Gates, who opened and closed each Vacation Bible School day with magic tricks, chose my younger son as his assistant. David, though barely a teenager, had already shown leadership in his Boy Scout troop, demonstrating his comfort in leading programs for large groups. When the pastor’s wife, who had worked as a clown for parties, offered to teach David how to apply and remove the makeup necessary for him to look like a clown, he accepted his role as an official VBS clown.

Outfitting David as a clown was a delightful task for both of us. We visited second-hand stores and finally found him a wild, multicolored sport coat. We were directed to a magic store in Houston where we bought a bright red nose, his makeup, and other necessities. (This was before our ever-present cell phones of today. Hence, this is my only clown-picture of David, showing him relaxing with his dog before he had removed his clown-face.)

VBS went well as David clowned his way through being the magician’s assistant each day. He was a big hit with the elementary and younger children in the audience. A week after the closing assembly for VBS, David—without clown face or costume—was standing at the back of the sanctuary talking to the pastor when some children squealed and rushed to him. 

As a mother watching this, I thought he seemed surprised and a bit uncomfortable with young fans suddenly swarming him. Apparently, they recognized his voice and connected the “masked clown” with the “real” person. However, from my perspective as a parent, it seemed that David wanted to distance himself from the clown role he had previously played and now simply wanted to be the “real” teenager he was.

Strangely, my memory has connected David’s clown-face picture with an incident where I discovered I also had been wearing a mask. It happened around the time David’s older brother, Charles, entered school. Charles had drawn a picture with his crayons and came to get my opinion. His drawing was appropriate for his age, so I praised and complimented him for the good job he had done. Then he stood very straight—stretched to his full height in front of me—looked me in the eyes and solemnly asked, “But, is it YOUR GOOD?”

His question hung in the air—mocking me. Immediately, I realized he knew I had a much higher standard for myself than I did for others. I had reasoned that it only affected me since I didn’t hold others to the same standard I did for myself. I thought I hid it well, but my mask had apparently slipped! My young son recognized my double standard and wanted to know if his work had met “MY STANDARD OF GOOD.” That’s when I realized I needed to start working on my own perfectionist tendencies because I certainly didn’t want to place that burden on my children.

How many—like me in that moment—wear a mask and think they’re fooling others? The mask could be hiding our prejudice, or racism, or …. But the real you may slip out from behind the mask and influence others without you even realizing it. I’m grateful my young son recognized my mask and called me out.  It forced me to start examining my self-imposed rules. I realized my work didn’t have to be perfect; I could allow some weeds in my flower beds or have an area of messiness in the house.  Since relationships and family have priority, I needed to learn to relax more and “smell the roses” with them.

As I sit here writing this, my mind thinks of many ways people hide behind masks. In our current technological culture, it’s easy to pretend to be someone different online. But masks also show up in other places. What about when we hide behind the mask of deceitfulness, convincing ourselves we are not at fault when there is a problem or disagreement, or when we take delight in the misfortune of another? We may even manage to convince ourselves that our personal sin is not so bad because, after all, it is not as awful as what someone else once did. 

When I read how we are heirs of grace in scripture (Titus 3:1-7), it seems to me that until I see my own sin or shortcomings, I don’t even realize my need for grace. However, I’ve learned over the years that I most certainly do need God’s amazing, forgiving, and transforming grace. It feels so good to strip away the clown-face or mask and be real before God and others.

Have you noticed how Charlie Kirk’s assassination has stripped away many masks? Have you also noticed the recurring theme from those who actually knew him? They were impressed with his authenticity and lack of a mask. Yes, this young man had grown and changed over the last dozen years in the public eye, but his love and priorities for God, family, and country remained clearly visible. It wasn't an act or a facade; it was real. 

Mr. Kirk worried that if people with differing opinions stopped talking face-to-face, violence would break out. The fact that he cared deeply about people learning to communicate despite their differences was consistently highlighted in testimonials from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of their race, creed, or politics. They repeatedly noted his authenticity and absence of a mask. Whether you agreed with his beliefs or not, he was genuine and wanted open dialogue.

God didn’t design us to be alone. We live in a community and reach out in love to help or be present for others in their times of need—even if we disagree on some things. What can we learn from this moment in history when so many seem to be in turmoil? 

First of all, who is the real you that you would want others to remember someday when they describe you?

Secondly, how do we face or help others face the tragedies and stress that come in life? I constantly remind myself that God is still in control, no matter what it looks like. It’s like Psalm 46:10a states, “Be still, and know that I am God.” That same Psalm begins, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear,” regardless of what happens in life.

Fortunately, we aren’t expected to dispel our anxiety through willpower alone. This is where we, as Christians, follow the instructions of Philippians 4:4-9. We are told to rejoice in the Lord and not be anxious or worried about anything, but to bring our concerns to the Lord in prayer—with a thankful attitude—so that we can experience God's peace. Yet, that passage goes on to acknowledge that we don’t simply shove the anxiety out and leave our minds empty. We need to actively replace our disturbing thoughts with plans or remembrances of the true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy. By doing our part, we can trust God to handle the rest. His peace will guard our hearts and minds. However, we should also put on the full spiritual armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18, since we are engaged in a spiritual battle.

Finally, we need to pray earnestly for God’s guidance and influence in all our lives, especially regarding what we are witnessing now that many masks have come off. It seems careless or dishonest sources have misled many, and social media is trying to stir up violence. May the Lord bring His light to this, and may He use even this to bring forth His will on earth.

Hebrews 4:13 (NIV) “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”