Last Tuesday was Fat Tuesday as many celebrated Mardi Gras in various states, me included.
Having had my share of Mardi Gras celebrations, I often wonder what’s behind the mask as I watch the various people throwing beads from their floats.
Every day, we see people’s various smiles and frowns.
Have you ever wondered what’s behind the masks of the people we run into or come into contact with daily?
I know for sure that there is always someone in a condition worse than we can even imagine as they hold back what’s behind their mask.
It’s just that they are not showing it or providing a way to mask it.
How is it that they can mask their emotions so well?
Today, I’m reflecting on my short visit to a local store to pick up some vitamins.
As I walked in, little did I know that the young pregnant lady would demonstrate what was behind her mask without any courtesy.
I never heard the words “thank you” or any response to my informal greeting in the morning when I walked in as the only customer in the store.
Knowing it wasn’t even 10:30 AM, I can imagine how others are treated with her mask off and her full appearance on display, regardless of her outward appearance.
Our parents tell us at times to put our best face forward; I did my best; however, the clerk or salesperson didn’t seem to care about her facial expressions or about being courteous.
I’m not going to discount or excuse her eight-month appearance and disheveled look, because our attitudes about life are up to us.
In that moment, I knew she had nothing to hide as it was out in the open.
I witnessed another mask this past Friday, February 20, 2026, as the television networks were interrupted by President Trump’s reaction to the U.S. Supreme Court decision. It was about the policies imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEPPA) being unconstitutional.
I saw his mask slip when the verdict was “does not authorize the President to impose tariffs” and when he defied those who defied him.
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5748670-trump-attacks-court-justices/
We also heard about the masks worn by the three Justices, Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh, who dissented.
These are President Trump’s new heroes, at least this week.
‘Very proud’: Trump lauds ‘new heroes’ Justices Kavanaugh, Thomas and Alito after tariff dissent
I’m sure it’s not over as it was a major blow to the president’s signature economic policy.
Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s tariffs : NPR
For some, there is no need to wear a mask because we see the true colors every time we meet them.
I’m reminded that there is a specific amount of tact we should all employ, regardless of the masks we wear.
Foreign reaction among 4 issues to watch after tariff ruling
We’ll all have to wait and see how the messaging will change when President Donald Trump delivers his 2026 State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, beginning at 9 PM ET.
Maybe we’ll hear about what language is the President reading in “Section 122.”
Therefore, put on your Be Patient Masks!
This week, I’m reminded of a specific Bible verse as we begin Lent. For those who read the Bible and observe Lent as part of fasting, it’s Matthew 6:16. Take a moment to decide whether the mask you are wearing is telling others who you really are or who you are not.
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” – Matthew 6:16
I’ll close today’s thoughts with these three quotes:
“We understand how dangerous a mask can be. We all become what we pretend to be.” — Patrick Rothfuss.
“Sometimes it’s not the people who change, it’s the mask that falls off.” — James Baldwin.
“Choose your self-presentations carefully, for what starts out as a mask may become your face.” — Erving Goffman.
Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/the-face-behind-the-mask/
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