Its black claws rake my soul, its hunger unsatisfied. It demands more of me, roaring , shrieking. It sucks more of my soul away, refusing to be sated by all I have given it. It demands more of me, never giving anything back, but promising that next time it might. All is darkness.
I try to satisfy it, giving it all my spare energy. Still, it is not enough. It takes me in its talons and and raises me towards its gaping maw, intending to consume me. I struggle but I cannot break free of its crushing grip.
* * * * * * *
That is hatred. It takes everything, gives nothing back, and then demands you to sacrifice yourself to it. It is an all-consuming darkness inside the soul. It is a very personal demon that does not leave easily.
It and I used to be friends. I was an angry teenager, angry at certain people who had used and bruised me, though I kept it under wraps around my friends and family. I tended to my spiritual, infected wounds in private, not letting anyone else see them, and sometimes letting Satan inflict more on me.
Finally, almost one year ago, I couldn't survive any longer. Hate was drowning me. I was in utter despair every time I allowed myself to dwell on my hidden scars.
But God helped me and gave me a gift I know I didn't deserve but desperately needed.He gave me true friends, people with whom I could share my burdens. With their help, I was able to move beyond the hatred to find healing for my wounds. I found forgiveness for those who had hurt me. God showed me Love, and it is far greater than any form Hatred can take. It is empty, always feeding on those it can ensnare, but it can be full. It longs to be filled, but eats away at the soul, knowing that it can never be filled.
Love is full. Overflowing, in fact! It gives to the Beloved and doesn't ask for anything in return. It is full because it comes from God and needs nothing because everything it wants comes from Him.
* * * * * * *
Before the Beast can consume, it turns toward a sudden ray of light. It shrieks again, not in demand but in pain. It drops me and runs, trying to escape the light and its Source. I lay face down on the ground, bleeding and in pain, unable to move. The light grows brighter.
I hear movement near me and try to call out for help, but can manage only a weak groan. The light grows stronger, almost blinding me. Then I sense someone kneel next to me. Hands grab my side and turn me over. Now I can see only a figure enshrouded by the light. I try to speak but no words come out.
"Shh." He tells me. "You're safe now." The light dims and I see a Man with a kind, bearded face looking on me with a fatherly Love. He pulls out some ointment and gauze and starts to bandage my wounds.
"Who are you?" I ask weakly.
"I am Love, and I will care for you."
"Thank you for rescuing me. He would have killed me!"
"Yes, he would have. But he has no power over you. Not any more."
I could feel strength returning to me. "I promise to repay you--"
"The only payment I ask for is that you go and tell others about Me and bring them to Me. Rescue others from the Darkness as you have been rescued. That is all I ask. Now rest."
"Thank you, again."
"Oh, one more thing."
"Yes?"
"Never forget you are Loved."
* * * * * * *
Holy is He and most worthy of praise.
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