forcing a smile and saying 'amen' while your stomach knots because you're terrified someone will notice your hands are shaking

The Mask Slips, The Light Remains

The smile feels heavy right now. Like a mask glued to skin that is trembling underneath.

You say 'amen' with your lips while your stomach knots tight, terrified that someone will see your hands shaking and know the truth. But the light does not need your performance.

It sees the tremor. It knows the knot.

And it is not surprised. There is light within a person of light, and it lights up the whole world—even when that world feels like it is collapsing from the inside.

You do not have to hold it together for the light to stay. The shaking is not a sign that you are losing it.

It is the sound of the armor cracking so the real you can breathe. The mask is slipping.

The light remains.

Drawing from

Gospel of Thomas, Mark

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