For some strange reason many seem to covet the ability to mask their true feelings.  Wear a smile and hide what you're really thinking!  Many call it having a "poker face."  The point is, never let 'em see you sweat!  Why?  One possible answer to this is - options.  If we keep the real concealed, then we can be whoever we want to be.  Or better put, we can be whoever we need to be for that particular moment.  By the way, I believe the correct term for this condition is called "politician."  Could it be that there is a real us and then a pretend us?  My grandson loves to put on his Spiderman costume and slip into that make-believe world where mama is the evil villain and papa must save the day by throwing her into the pond.  (I'm not sure whose make-believe world that really is.)  All of that's OK for three year olds.  But as "mature, saved adults" trying so hard to keep our real selves locked away doesn't sound like the Christ-like way.

I love real people, don't you?  Not harsh people, nor rude folk, but individuals who really are who they claim to be!  It puts one at ease knowing where you stand.  Now I'm not so naive as to believe there aren't those rare occasions when we need to be on our guard.  Like when that proverbial question is asked of a husband or boyfriend, "Does this outfit make me look fat?"  (Never hesitate - that's critical - just say, "You're stunning!")

Although, if it's communion with the Most High God that your seeking, then learning how to be real and transparent is vital. Because the problem with "poker faces" is that we have a tendency to use them on ourselves first.  Learning to lay yourself bare before God is kinda like an "extreme sport" - it can hurt while you're learning.  But learn we must!  Because without that education we'll never experience anything beyond a surface relationship.  And when you know there's a deep end, wading around in the kiddie pool is never satisfying!  So let your guard down, be real and go deep!

-Dale