Masterpiece Behind the Mask

“The makeup and mask will soon come off” -Laneen Morgan

Take the Mask off W.O.W conference was not only filled with laughs but also tears! It was a conference where women shared testimonies and relationships were built. This conference made me realize that I used to wear a mask of perfectionism, but I am grateful for grace and mercy. The only one who is and will ever be perfect is Jesus.

Day one of the conference was filled with laughs! When the mask comes off, don’t be afraid to laugh and be bold in your statements. I was seated in the front row among women of worth, engaging in discussions on various everyday topics. The key takeaway was the importance of being authentic and providing honest responses when revealing your true self.

During this conference, I attended two classes. The first class was called “I don’t look like what I’ve been through” and the second class was titled, “Walking out with Christ.” Both blessed me more than I could have ever known! Lord knows I was thinking I should I have signed up for “I don’t look like what I’ve been through” class, but I’m glad I did. I was thinking I haven’t been through that much, but God showed me that I had. This beautiful person you see today has been through mental bullying, losing a father, helping take care of a grandpa with Alzheimer’s disease, and more. Although our problems might not be as big as others, it’s a blessing that we don’t look like what we’ve been through. Please remember everyone you see has a story and don’t be so quick to judge others.

Walking it out with Christ session left me blessed. During the session, the speaker told all of us to get up and start walking! At that moment, I felt like a lot of stuff was falling off of me. I remember going through highs and lows while walking with God but walking with God is powerful! He protects me along with his grace and mercy. This class taught me the strength found in staying connected to Jesus.

After all the sessions, it was time to celebrate! The Masquerade Ball was exciting! I haven’t danced that much in a long time. I was no longer afraid of what others would think or say. I let my hair down and released a-lot of excitement! I not only looked good, but I felt good too! the mask was off and we celebrated all night.

 
The closing of the conference was our all white Pentecost Sunday service preached REV.Cokiesha Bailey ! The guest singer was Crystal Aikin and she was amazing! After church, I thought about how having the mask off stops be from trying to always be perfect and let all of my authentic self be released. I was also able to meet  a lot of amazing women along the way.

Don’t be afraid to take the mask off queens. It’s time to thrive being your authentic self!