Having never considered myself an artist, I was stunned by Beth Moore’s statement in So Long, Insecurity:
Insecurity’s best cover is perfectionism. That’s where it becomes an art form.
She prefaced her statement with this:
Some of us never seek healing from God for our insecurities because we feel like we don’t fit the profile. We think insecurity only looks one way–mousy, maybe even inept–and that’s not exactly who we see in the mirror. At least not once the mascara’s on. And it certainly is not the woman we present to the public. (p.19)
I knew I had some insecurities, but I never realized that most of them were hiding behind the mask of perfectionism. I’m not certain that one consciously thinks these thoughts, but through our actions {through my actions} I was living these beliefs:
If I could look just right, then I would be noticed and accepted.
If I could say the right things, then no one would become angry with me or reject me.
If I could earn the highest grades or excel at my work, then I would be praised.
If I could be perfect, then I would be loved.
Living behind the mask, I wallowed in insecurity. Always seeking the praise of men, instead of the love of God. And like a cheap plastic mask that blocks the wearer’s vision, the mask of perfectionism kept me from seeing the sin that was at the root of my perfectionist insecurity.
From my statements above, can you see what it was? {I’ll share it tomorrow.}
Are you hiding your insecurity behind the mask of perfectionism?
In hope,
Shelli
About Shelli Bourque