Love’s Light

She took a bite, knowing that tonight’s high would soon become the next morning’s regret. Was it an apple? A pear? What does it matter? The fruit was forbidden, and it would lead to sure death. 

Feeling small and invisible, she grew up believing that love could be earned with awards and trophies. Scrambling to succeed, she quickly learned that the top was an insatiable place, for no accomplishment could ever satisfy the Law’s demands.

Her striving filled her home with accolades, and yet it remained void of love and validation. Holding tightly to her trophies, she continued to feel the lashes of Pharaoh’s whip. Lazy! Failure! Not good enough! People thought that she was greedy for success, when in reality, she was hungry for the warmth of a hug.

Wearied and alone, she became vulnerable to love promised with seduction’s touch. Drawn to sweet words promising princes and palaces, her heart was lured into pits and graves. Of course, you’re unlovable, you’ll never be good enough. The Accuser’s voice was loud and relentless, but he remained her little secret. After all, Popular Girls don’t get rejected. Class Clowns don’t cry. 

With her heart broken and buried, darkness became her closest friend. By day, she masked the pain with tacky make-up and cheap jokes. By night, she lay intoxicated in the arms of strangers. The world kept telling her that quick love would quench her thirst, so why did each drink taste like petrol dashed with fear?

In the search for answers, she found her story in the pages of God’s word. Sharper than a double-edged sword, His divine eye pierced through every pretence. Exposed and empty-handed, she was dragged into the temple courts to be sentenced, but instead of being crushed by hard stones, she was shielded by the tenderness of Love’s mercy:

“Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”  John 8:11

In faith, she inched her way out of the darkness and into the warmth of Love’s light.