Do you ever feel like you are wearing a mask? With all the social media apps out there, it’s easy to hide behind what appears to be “perfect”. “Perfect” isn’t reality though. It’s these masks that we put on to appear “ok”. And when we don’t live up to that standard of at least “ok” or “more than ok”, it can induce guilt, which in turn erodes us from the inside out. But with Jesus, there is freedom. There is freedom to be real and authentic because He wants us to come as we are. He gives us the freedom to be broken and take off our masks. And He gives us the freedom to be who He made us-who we really are. We don’t have to hide behind some facade with Him. We can be brutally honest about who we are because He already knows and loves us unconditionally anyway.

And not only can we share every piece of ourselves with Him, if there are pieces that need putting back together, He’s the guy for the job. When we’re broken and we reach for Jesus, depending on Him more fully-when we rely on Him, that’s where He places the pieces perfectly, creating a beautiful mosaic of our lives. He gives us the strength and ability to shine and fully express who we really are with the world. It’s in Him where we find freedom because being broken is being real. If we are being truthful, we’re all a little bit broken. And showing that brokenness to Jesus and others is honesty and authenticity. It’s where others can relate and His hope radiates.

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. -2 Corinthians 3:17