Dear Reader

Are you wearing a mask? Are you smiling behind it?

As the pandemic mask mandates continue, I find myself strangely fence-straddling. The two sides of the fence can be categorized as

“Oh, my! We’re in a pandemic, so we need to do everything the ‘experts’ tell us to do and follow all government mandates to save lives!”

and

“No way! I’m not giving up my right to live independently just because some ‘expert’ says so.”

There is a lot of room on the continuum between these two extremes, so I’m stuck between my general dislike of government overreach and my desire to protect the weak and elderly.

My in-laws are both nearly 90 years old, so my family is pretty careful about exposing them to sickness of any kind. But on the other hand, I understand from scripture what the writers of the U.S. Constitution understood, that governmental authority is properly limited to specific areas, and a government that reaches beyond those ordained powers is likely to become despotic.

The most recent mask mandates in the state of Ohio are an example of government overreach. The most troubling part of these rules is that they force retail establishments to be agents of the state’s health board, and make them accountable to anyone who decides to call the Department of Health, whether there is any proof of violations or not.

My Reasons

As a Christian, I understand that my health and life are ultimately under God’s control. I also know that my liberties should not infringe on the spiritual safety of another person. (1 Corinthians 10:23-24)

So I will wear a mask in stores and businesses, not because I believe they are effective, and not because I believe the government has proper authority to make me wear it.

I will wear a mask in stores and businesses because I don’t want my liberty to cause that business to close.

But since I am wearing a mask, I will also use it for God’s kingdom, and so can you.

The Opportunity

Have you noticed that masks are now a fashion statement? People are coordinating their masks with their clothes, and some clothing manufacturers are starting to produce outfits with matching masks. People notice each other’s masks. A few days ago I heard one lady complement another with “I love your mask!”

I don’t wear fashionable cloth masks; I wear disposable masks. You can’t be stylish wearing one of those blue paper masks. But you can make a statement with them. Here’s how:

Think of your mask as if it’s a bumper sticker. Use it to make your point. It’s easy to write a message on your mask with a permanent marker. If you write across the top fold, just below the nose bridge, it will be visible to others just below your eyes.

I chose to write scripture excerpts on my masks. The first message I wrote was “Jesus holds all…” with the reference Colossians 1:17. I also have masks with “Trust in the Lord with all your heart...” (Proverbs 3:5) and “It’s by grace…” (Ephesians 2:8).

The first cashier who commented on the “grace” mask caught me off guard because I didn’t remember what was on my mask. Then I remembered, and I asked her if she knew the verse. She did not, so I quoted it for her (For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.) I had an encouraging conversation with a cashier in another store later that day. These quick interactions showed me the potential of message masks.

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The Challenge

Here’s my challenge to you: Use the bridge of your nose to reach others for Christ. Inspire, encourage, and evangelize. If you have an evangelistic heart, use your mask to start spiritual conversations.

If bold evangelistic messages are not your style, try simple questions or statements. People cannot see your face behind your mask, so try something like

“Are you smiling? I am.”

This will get them to smile under their mask whether you can see it or not. Or use this to start a conversation:

“Ask me why I’m smiling…”

The Cost

This is not an expensive challenge. The ink may eventually run from the moisture in your mask, or your used mask will need to be replaced, so you can switch verses or messages. An ultra fine tip Sharpie markers is less than two dollars, although you probably already have a permanent marker at home. You can buy the paper masks by the box for less than twenty cents per mask, but a lot of businesses have free paper masks available for customers. Remember to print clearly so others can read it from a distance.

Here’s a note of warning, though: You will have to get used to people looking at you strangely and intently as they read your mask. And if you are making a point, you should be ready to defend it.

So get your mask ready. You can also carry a gospel tract for those who show interest in your mask message. And be ready to answer anyone’s questions, like Peter says,

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear, 1 Peter 3:15 (WEB)

So let’s do this challenge together, use your masks to reach others.

Send me your Mask Messaging stories. Email me at dean@familiesfromthebeginning.org

By His calling, in His strength,

Dean

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My next book, The Story Farm, will be published soon. Final editing and illustrations are almost finished. Here's one of the newest illustrations by Deborah:

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Our first book is available on Amazon: Families from the Beginning It's currently free on Kindle Unlimited.

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