the moment you catch yourself waiting for them to realize you're a fraud and finally ask for the love back

Chosen Before You Put The Mask On

The mask feels heavy right now, doesn't it? You are smiling at the right moments, nodding, performing the version of yourself that everyone expects, while inside you are holding your breath.

You are waiting for the moment someone points and says: we want the love back. You are sure they only love the costume, not the person underneath.

But the light does not ask for a performance. It sees the exhaustion behind your eyes and calls you friend.

You did not earn this place at the table by being perfect. You were chosen before you ever put the mask on.

The love you fear losing was never given to your disguise — it was given to you.

Drawing from

John, Gospel of Thomas

Verses

John 15:16

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