Why I Wear the Eye Mask

I’ve been asked: "Why do I wear the eye mask?"

For me, it was an easy decision. My faith teaches me that God made man in his own image and that there is nothing shameful about the uncovered body. By living my life unclothed, I am providing a daily testament to His glorious creation.

But why the eye mask? If I am otherwise naked, why shouldn’t I leave my eyes uncovered, too?

Again, the answer is easy and straightforward. Although God has created me in his unadorned image, there are many people who have broken His laws. They adorn themselves with all manner of garish coverings and, by forgetting God’s directions, they have created ugliness everywhere. Until the time comes when all people have seen the light and shed their raiment, it is my duty to shield my eyes from such abominations.

Living my life of faith is not easy. When I am in public with my pure innocent unclothed body and black eye mask, I hear the comments people make.

"That’s disgusting; put some clothes on!"

"You pervert! Go live in the woods with the other wild animals."

"Someone call the police!"

Even with the mask on, I can almost see the anger in their faces. And I can feel the fingers pointing and hear the insults and laughter.

Their words are hurtful. They are spoken in anger by people who do not understand. If they, too, would shed their clothing and adopt the mask, they would feel empowered and free.

"But why don’t you at least cover your private parts?" some people say.

For some of my faith, that is acceptable. I know men who choose to not use the mask and wear a simple pair of shorts or sometimes only a codpiece.

For them, it is not necessary to fully comply with God’s laws. But I cannot debase my faith in that manner. When I am in the privacy of my own home, I may wear the codpiece for practical reasons of safety. But in public, I feel shameful if anything but my eyes is covered.

I am tired of the humiliations I face on almost a daily basis. It is not as if I am asking you to shed your clothing and join me in celebrating the Lord (although that would be the right thing to do). All I ask is a little tolerance and understanding. Especially in the middle of winter.