Unmasked

Yesterday I read:

Author and journalist Jemimah Wright:

‘At the end of 2023, Pamela Anderson, 56, went make-up free to the British Fashion Council’s fundraiser in London and the reaction was, predictably, huge. It is very unusual for anyone in the public eye to have their naked face ‘unmasked’; exposing the fact that they are actually ageing in front of the world. Pamela, in my opinion, looked beautiful, but very different from the fully made-up version of herself.’

Glamourous Pamela Anderson unmasked…

Journalist Alison Maloney, writing about the death of Kate Garraway’s husband Derek last month, and their daughter’s last words to her dying dad:

‘Brave Darcey told Derek Draper: ‘Dad, if you can’t do this, we’ll be OK. You release yourself if you need to go.’

The 17-year-old, who helped carry her father’s coffin at his funeral last funeral last Friday went on: ‘Don’t worry about us, don’t worry about Mum. We’ll be fine because you live on through us.’

Grieving Darcey Draper removes her emotional mask.

The Buckingham Palace statement:

‘During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement… diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.

‘His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties…

‘His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.’

King Charles removes his confidentiality mask.

Augustus Toplady, taking shelter in a cave from a thunderstorm, writes:

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee…

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless, look to Thee for grace;

Musing… Pamela chooses not to wear her physical make-up mask. Darcey chooses not to mask her emotional vulnerability. Charles chooses to not to mask his cancer diagnosis. Augustus chooses to come unmasked to his God.