I learned to live behind a mask,

Hiding all my feelings.

Force a smile, and if they ask,

Pretend I'm not still reeling.

I learned to live unlike myself,

Bending to every wish.

Fading, but you could never tell.

Was it worth the risk?

I learned to live with all formality,

Playing my part with ease.

Slowly, painfully, I forgot reality.

Who was I supposed to be?

I learned to live a dangerous lie,

Where I almost lost myself.

My world was one of compromise,

A pathway straight to hell.

I learned to live behind a mask,

Then one day, You walked in.

You gently hugged me close asked,

"My daughter, where have you been?"

"I've been lost" I replied,

"Broken, hopeless, wandering.

I've gone to far to be revived,

My heart is lost to pondering."

Gently, He smiled and shook His head,

"My daughter, you are loved.

Come to me and find your rest,

You are safe, precious one."

"But how can it be?" I sank to my knees,

"I've betrayed your very trust.

I lost my way and dropped the keys,

The lock to my heart has turned to rust."

But when I looked into His eyes,

I knew he was not lying.

My heart fluttered with surprise,

My attention no longer vying.

I learned to live behind a mask

'Till the day You walked in.

You pieced back together my heart at last,

The lies were caving again.

My mask has fallen to the floor

In a billion, shattered pieces.

But instead of fear, my heart swells more,

You gave my life a reason.

I learned to live behind a mask,

But now I am learning again.

Learning to love, to live, to laugh,

To be whole and strengthened.

I learned to live behind a mask,

But at last, I am free.

So if someday when again they ask,

I'll answer honestly.

If you've learned to live behind a mask,

Leave the lies behind.

You'll find your sight renewed at last,

And the Savior's arms are open wide.