Hiding The Ugly

I just got home from a board meeting for a ministry I love. PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel) has been my lifeline and my passionate focus for so many years now. I recently accepted a position on the regional board called Regional Training Coordinator, which means I coordinate training for the 20+ military installations within the southeast US. However, that's not what I'm writing about.
This is the second time I've gone to a new place sporting a lovely band aid plastered across my face, hiding the ugly reward of growing up in sunny Florida. Albeit a benign cancerous spot, it is still an eyesore.
I've nursed the spot and continue to cover it when I'm in public. As soon as I reach the safe confines of my home, I am quick to remove the band aid and let the wound breathe. The band aid is aggravating and uncomfortable. It sticks to the sore and to my skin and is painful to put on and take off.

After the second day of being at this board meeting, and discussions about being real and transparent were swimming in my mind, I decided to go to the next session "real and transparent", with no band-aid.
I have to admit there was a sense of freedom in not having to hide my wound. And I have to believe it aided in the healing process as well. I felt accepted and perhaps a little more secure knowing that I didn't have to hide the ugly.
Proverbs 28.13  People who conceal their sins will not prosper, 
      but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.