Wearing a Mask.....

Do you ever pretend? Most of us do, whether we mean to or not.

We pretend to be someone else. We wear masks. We hide behind behaviors not our own, slipping in and out of a persona like trying on new outfits at the Mall.

For whatever reason, we believe (consciously or subconsciously) that being another person is superior to being ourselves. Or we choose to act differently to live up to what others believe gives a person value. And where does the God who made you fit into that picture?

I’ve been thinking about that lately after reading a historical novel titled Masquerade Marriage by Anne Greene. Sometimes we choose to act like someone else, but what if we didn’t have a choice? What if our lives depended upon “being” someone else?

Masquerade Marriage takes place during a tumultuous time in Scottish history beginning in 1746 after the Battle of Culloden. The blood of Scot fighting Scot soaked deep into the killing field at Culloden and the scars have not healed. 261 years later, Kary and I walked that field, touched by bits of stone and heather left in remembrance on signs marking where their ancestors fell.

Much like our Civil War, a country was divided and being on the wrong side meant certain death. Unless you could escape by becoming someone else.

But what is the price of pretending?

Megan MacMurry hatches a plan to save a warrior wounded at Culloden by marrying him. Oh, it’s not wholly altruistic. Doing so thwarts her overbearing father who wants her wed to a man that will up his own estate’s value. That the man is cruel doesn’t bother her father. Megan is merely a pawn in the politics of a Lowland Laird.

Brody MacCaulay is a hunted man. Though he survived the battle of Culloden, his father and brothers were not so fortunate and he knows if he is found, his mother and sister are doomed as well. When Megan chooses him to save him, he is willing to sacrifice his identity to save his family, but he soon learns there is a price. He is a Highland warrior, not a Lowland Noble.  

Vows are made. Though the marriage is not birthed from love, the vows are spoken before the God that both believe in and have promised to serve. Does making the vows while pretending make them any less binding?  You’ll have to read Masquerade Marriage to find out!

Both Megan and Brody pretend to be someone else….partly from necessity and partly from their humaness and need to protect themselves from pain. So much like us. That is one reason I love Christian fiction that realistically portrays the human condition and our need for God.

Today, I am delighted to interview award winning author, Anne Green, so that we all can learn more about the faith and story behind Masquerade Marriage. 

Kim: “Welcome, Anne! I loved Masquerade Marriage–the history, the epic story, the love story and the unforgettable characters. Thanks for being gracious and answering some questions for us.”

Anne: “Thanks for having me on your blog.”

Kim: “I’m always curious what writers are reading? What book is on your nightstand?”

Anne: “I  am judging RITA books at the moment, so I have several books I can’t mention at this time. These are books from Romance Writers of America’s biggest contest. I also have several books from fellow White Rose Publishing authors on my to-be-read list. I’ve found White Rose authors to be some of the best Christian fiction writers that I’ve read. I’m proud to be one of them.”

Kim: “I think in writing historical fiction, the research is fascinating. What is the most illuminating thing you discovered in researching Masquerade Marriage?”

Anne: “I loved delving deep into Scottish history. I am both Scotch and English as are so many Americans. I know my American history, but my knowledge of Scottish history was pretty spotty until I began researching for this period. I loved weaving the information I gleaned into the fabric of my story. So many heroic people lived during that tremulous time. I love reading and writing about courage. In fact, a reader can find that theme in every one of my books.”

Kim: “I hadn’t thought of the theme of courage in the story but it certainly is there. Now I’m curious, do you identify with any of your characters?”

Anne: “Absolutely–I have to become one with each of my characters. Just as an actress takes on the character of each person she portrays, so a writer becomes the character in her drama.”

Kim: “I understand that as a writer and dramatist, but sometimes actresses find it hard to get into character. Which character was the hardest to get “right?”

Anne: “I don’t try to get my character right. I become the character. She/he tells me what is happening inside and what she plans to do about it, and then I just let her/him do it. That is what is so much fun about writing. I live each journey, each adventure of each character.”

Kim: “That does sound like fun, but your books also have a deeper meaning because of your faith. What is the “take away” message you want the reader to find in Masquerade Marriage?”

Anne: “That God is in control. No matter how awful the circumstances in a person’s life. God doesn’t let anything happen to you outside of His perfect will.”

Kim: “Amen. You portrayed that beautifully in this book. So what’s next for you?”

Anne: “I am working on a sequal to Masquerade Marriage, as well as a number of other books. So just keep your eyes open for books written by Anne Greene.”

Kim: “We will! Anne, thanks again for visiting KimZweygardt.com to answer these questions. I’m looking forward to the sequal to Masquerade Marriage as well as anything else you have coming out!”

(Keep up with Anne at www.AnneGreeneAuthor.com   Masquerade Marriage is available at www.Amazon.com as well as Barnes and Noble, other fine bookstores and from her publisher, www.whiterosepublishing.com )

So what about you? Are you wearing a mask more often than not?

Anne writes about courage and God being in control despite our circumstances.

Do you pretend to live a life not your own because of fear? Fear of what other’s think? Fear of getting hurt if the “real you” is discovered? 

Deuteronomy 31:6 says “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified because of them for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you.” 

That is a good Word….encouragement to have courage and depend on God despite my circumstances. Strength to be myself–the person God made me to be–to refuse to wear the mask of what I think the world wants to see in me. Instead, I can depend on God knowing He delights in me. I can be the woman He wants me to be knowing He walks with me through my circumstances.

Are you willing to journey with me?