To hide or not hide…that is the question
This morning as I sat reading the latest in a long line of books on my “books to read when I get a chance” list, I also spent that time listening to some music. One of my favorite artists to listen to is Casting Crowns. I’ve listened to their album Lifesong numerous times and know the words to all the songs. However, today one song in particular got my attention. So I listened to it again and then read the lyrics from the CD jacket so I could be sure I heard what I had heard. I mean, I know what I heard I just needed to be sure. And so…as I read the words and listened to the song again I had a thought, do I tuck everything away? Do I smile to hide any pain or discouragement? Do I realize the love of Jesus is enough? Do I put on a stained glass masquerade? Do we at times put on a stained glass masquerade because we don’t want others to see us for what we really are, losers (sinners) saved by grace. Maybe we try to hide our faults for fear that when they are exposed we’ll be judged instead of loved and forgiven. The thoughts this song provoked in my mind prompted me to spend time reading God’s Word to examine my own heart. My prayer is that this song will provoke a thought in your mind that will lead to God speaking to your heart through His Word.
Casting Crowns Lyrics
Stained Glass Masquerade
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 heart 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
Brian,
This is an incredible song from an incredible CD. One of my favorites this year. This song and “Love them Like Jesus”, “Does Anybody See Her” and “Love them Like Jesus” are some of the most powerful and challenging lyrics by a Christian artist I have heard. I believe they call us all out to look at our lives. When I heard this one, it hit me hard. I blogged this once, but it’s like we keep this mask on the rear view mirror and put it on just before we walk in the church. Can’t let anyone know that my world is falling a part. Or I don’t have it together.
I have used these lyrics in 2 groups I have led in church. Each time, they delivered a powerful message. May we all get to the place where church is where we can be real, be honest and be broken with one another the way God intended. Great post. Thanks for blogrolling me too! I did the same!
When this CD first came out, I think I was first in line to buy it! I had their first CD and had already seen them as an “opening act”. I have had many, many conversations with our lead pastor, who just happens to be a very good friend, about this song and others on the CD–Mark Hall is an incredible songwriter who really challenges the status quo and it is great! Because of many things I personally have been through, songs like this have helped me see that Jesus is real and not some “hands off, impersonal deity” that can’t be approached and it is awesome!