A Walk!

The hanger swings on the back of the bathroom door as she slips into the little black dress, her soft pale skin pricked with freckles looks almost like rich cream against the dark fabric. She surveys the damage in the long mirror in the bedroom. “This will do,” she thinks as she steps into six inch pumps, her tall frame heightened by the arch of the shoe.

Hair gathered high, warm ringlets encircle her round face, soft make-up, black mascara, and ‘fire-engine’ red lipstick finish it…she is well preserved. Her eyes light up like emerald fire found deep inside the ocean depths…this is the only window to her still kicking soul. She surveys her masterpiece once again in the mirror.

“Ah, Yes! This will do nicely, a perfect disguise to hide my self!”

“But…”

“Hush now. No protesting. It is better this way you know.”

The hearts cry silenced under the weight of perfection.

She feels good, wondering if anyone will notice, ashamed that her insecurity will show under flushed cheeks should someone really dare to take a glance.

She heads out the door almost forgetting the half ton bag waiting in the living room. This will prove to be quite a balancing act with the height of the heels, but she is determined to pull it off. The bag is full of wood and stone and the first tug causes her side to hurt, there are others that might be willing to lighten the load, but she is determined to bear this burden alone. The pack safely secure on her back she precariously begins her balancing act. She is afraid the weight will bury her, but is resolved to keep a smile on her face.

She once again turns for the door, fake smile on, not realizing that in the process she has streaked her red lipstick up the left side of her cheek. A few steps forward and the unthinkable thing happens; her right heel gives from the weight put upon it and she falls to the ground, the half tone bag weighting her to the floor…



…She must have blacked out for when she awakens the smell of honeysuckle and lavender touch her nose, awakening a feeling within her she had long forgotten. She struggles to right herself, but the damage is done and she is seriously stuck. Stubborn and resolute to make this work she continues to struggle with her situation, never once opening her eyes until she hears her name.

The first flutter of lashes sends blinding light through her pupils, it is all she can see. The sound of rushing water and a faint humming like the swell of a tuning orchestra can be heard in the distance. It is as if the strange melodies are carried on the wind and hover thick and vibrating all about her. Terrified, she closes her eyes tight and begins to chant, “This is only a dream! I must have hit my head! Wake up stupid! This is an important night! We can fix this! This is only a dream!”

The voice calls her name again. It is a strong male voice and it too is in the wind. The richness vibrates, resounds, and infuses every other sound and sense as if all things were derived from it to begin with. It quickens her heart and ignites her soul and the cold grip of fear sits heavy in her stomach like a weighty meal. Her arms begin to flail and she madly tries to right herself, thrashing and kicking up tufts of sod, the sweet smell of earth reaches her nose, hot tears begin to trickle black as she realizes the futile attempt to escape. She doesn’t remember the last time she has cried and the tears come out choked, hot, and angry. She hears the horrible shrills of an animal, as if its foot is caught in a trap, only later when a hand brushes her cheek, stifling her tears, does she realize the shrills are from her.

The wind seems to still as if holding in its great breath and all becomes quiet around her. The humming subsides and she can no longer hear the water bubbling over smoothed stones. The strong and powerful voice whispers her name again. He is no longer calling from a distance, but she can feel his breath on her ear as He forms her name on his lips with a soft and soothing tone. In that moment she recognizes His voice and the tears of anguish fall full and deep. These tears are drug from a well deep within, a well that has been sealed for a long while, for she knows her Lover’s voice. She had run fast and sure away from His safe dwelling long ago into the black wilderness where she felt secure and could make the rules. She had refused to hear His calls and hid herself each time He came searching for her. Finally, He no longer called or looked for her, and she felt a sickening relief in her new found independence. Now, He had found her again, and she had forgotten what dwelling in His presence was like. Had He really been searching for her all this time? Where was she? Why now? Oh, she was miserable with the thoughts that flooded her mind. Her limbs were aching from the fight, and her soul ached at the thought…

“No, He couldn’t still…”
“Oh, if only…”
“I’m too foolish to hope.”
“He has probably come to punish me for running away.”
“But…”

She dared not let her mind wander any further. If she sat very still and didn’t move a muscle maybe He would just go away. She waited for what seemed an eternity, but through it all she could still hear His steady breathing and feel the steady rhythm of His warm heart. It was as if every thump resounded a love song for her and she began to choke back another surging pool within. Finally, resolved that she could hide no more she once again dared to open her eyes. The soft brown eyes of her Lover were filled with tears of His own as He peered down at her. His mouth trembled with a smile, and she could almost hear Him say, “…at last!” The tears broke free and she began to sob uncontrollably. His strong calloused hands gently sat her up and removed the heavy burden from her back. He took her into His loving arms and began to stroke His fingers through her rich hair. “Oh my rich and beautiful dove, my precious daughter, I have so missed you, I am happy you have returned, hush now all is alright, I love you more than the depths of the ocean, you are my splendid creation, beloved, oh how I do love you…” Before she realized it she was sitting quietly in His arms, her arms wrapped around His waste holding on for preservation and hope, drinking in the richness and truth that was felt by each word He spoke. “How can this be?” she thought. “There must be something He isn’t telling me, this is too easy, and I know how deeply I have hurt Him. He must be very unhappy with me. Why is he showering me with such love?” Confusion and mistrust gripped her heart and she realized why she fled in the first place.

“I have to go back.” She hadn’t realized she had even spoken the words aloud until she felt His grip loosening pushing her shoulders back so He could look into her face. “What?”
That confounded look in His eyes, it sent a shiver up her spine and she found herself stammering over the words that flooded from her mouth.
“I h-h-ave to gooo baack! I-I-I haave important work to do, people depend on me, i-t it is how I make my living. Its how I SURVIVE!” A rattle of emotion shook her body and she sucked in air to quite her nerves, exhaling deeply she once again closed her eyes trying to regain control.

When she dared to open them she saw that His eyes too were closed and He was deep in thought. He drew in air deeply and calmly let it out before He returned His soft yet penetrating gaze back on her. Her heart quaked under this gaze and she averted her eyes to the grass that her fingers had been nervously playing with. He cupped her chin in His hand and once again turned her gaze toward Him. “Look at me child!” It was a command and her eyes stubbornly obeyed. Almost as if in a whisper He said, “You cannot go back. I need you to follow me. Where I lead you will not be an easy journey, but I will be by your side all of the way. There are things that you need to learn. I desire for you to be my wife as I am your husband. I have been faithful to you while you were gone and I have waited patiently for your return. You are back beloved! Please, come with me.”

As He talked He had risen and stretched out His hand to her. He was beckoning for her to follow and somehow she could not resist. She solemnly shook her head as she slipped the broken shoes from her slender feet, taking His hand she followed Him away from the lovely field she awoke in. “Oh, um, stop, please. I need a few things from my pack.” His grip strengthened and she gently turned back to face Him.

“Leave it,” was all he uttered. “But, you don’t understand,” she pleaded, “it has all my supplies, those things I need; I cannot make it with out it.”

“Leave it, my child!” The sternness in His voice was not vicious; even still her whole body shivered and her heart fluttered with dread for what this journey would truly have in store. She tried to follow with conviction, but her mind still kept wondering back to the bag, desperately wanting the contents that were held within…

…The sun beat heavy in its noon day position. The rich grass had turned to grains of sand many hours ago, her feet felt blistered, her mind consumed, her limbs weary, and all the while He kept moving forward, ever onward. The only thing she could do to keep from going mad was to follow His sure footsteps. Her mind was a deep murky puddle of thoughts. Was she absolutely insane…was He? There were things that needed to be done. In the distance she saw the outline of trees. She was uncertain if they were mirage or reality. They seemed to be moving and calling to her, all those things that demanded her attention. Didn’t He know how important she was? How much people depended on her? Why had He drug her out into this infernal desert? Oh the richness of life. She had worked hard for what she had gotten, toiling day and night to get her pretty things. She missed them. She couldn’t live without them. The more the thoughts came the more her anger and resolve grew, as if being jerked to reality she set her sites on the grove of trees and off His footprints. She would make a mad run for it, back to life, back to making it on her own. She didn’t need Him, what good had He been in the first place. Before she realized it she took off running, her body ached from the long day in the sun, and she was sure that her feet would not carry her far, but she was determined to make it, to hide in the shelter of the trees, away from this mad man. The trees slowly became more visible and she could make out the moving shadows of those who loved her. She saw them beckoning her to come, with renewed energy she knew she could make it. She was almost there. She now made out their words, “Come on! You can do it! Just a little further!” She ran with all that was in her.

The sun was blocked out and a long and consuming shadow covered her weary frame. She no longer saw the trees or those beckoning. “No, my child! You can not go into the forest!” A fit erupted and curses and sand flew with unbound rage. Replete, and heaving in oxygen, she sat, arms crossed, sulking. If she could not go into the forest then she was not going any further. She attempted to glance at His face, to see if she could make out what He was thinking, but the sun shadowed all emotion. She dug herself deeper in the sand and turned her face aside to avoid His penetrating gaze. They stayed like this for a long while, one waiting, and one unwilling. Strong arms encased her frame as she was being hoisted over her Master’s shoulder. Another wave of unbridled emotion erupted as she futilely began thrashing, kicking, scratching, and screaming. All the while He held fast whispering softly to her, “I love you, it’s alright, I love you, oh beloved, how I love you!”

Exhaustion must have set in for when she awoke she was laying on a soft mat near a warm fire. The sun’s painful scorch long abandoned to a canopy of night stars. Attempting to raise her head for a better look she felt every muscle in her body protest, laying down again she let out a long deep moan. Her ears picked up movement and she felt a cool cloth being placed over her forehead. Gentle hands stroked her cheek. A sound as lovely as she had ever heard reverberated all around her encasing her in its loving throw. To and fro she was swept away and carried on the enchanting melody. The tension in her body relaxed and she felt sleep take hold. As she slipped further and further she realized that it was He who was singing. He was singing to her. Her heart grew tight and then relaxed as the sweet chords once again took hold. She remembered nothing until morning…


…The sun was just cresting the horizon when she awoke. Her muscles felt better and she stretched them to their length as she slowly parted the covers and sat up. He was there looking at her again. The thought of how she had acted yesterday raced to her mind. Her cheeks flushed and she cast her gaze to the slow burning fire. A deep sigh resonated through her body as she looked back towards this man. He smiled warmly, seeming to say that all was forgiven; they weren’t going to discuss it, but press on towards their goal. But, where in the world was their goal and what would they do when they made it there? She had questioned so much…her thoughts once more drifted to her life and fear pierced her core. She struggled with her feelings. The memory of those beckoning yesterday seemed less inviting and more sinister, yet it was where she was. How could she leave this all behind? What would he ask of her? What would be the price? She longed when things were safe, when she didn’t have to struggle against so many emotions. Her heart longed to follow Him, but her mind beat against it with determination. She felt like a caged bird left out of its cage. How she longed for the comfort of the steal about her, but she also wondered what it would be like to spread her wings and soar on the wind. Her thoughts were interrupted as He laid bread and wine before her. Her stomach groaned at the site of food and she ate until she was satisfied, ever mindful of His still penetrating gaze.

The food rejuvenated her courage and she asked, “Where are we going?”
“You will see my child, you will see,” was the only response uttered His eyes ever on the horizon. She looked as far as her eyes would take her grasping to see what He saw, to get a hold of what was going on in His mind. She looked until her eyes ached and finally gave up. He was and always had been a captivating mystery. She would not fight today. Today she would see what He had to offer. If it wasn’t what she wanted she could always go back. She only hoped she knew the way.

He had treated and bandaged her burned feet. She touched the bandages tenderly, tears welling. A shadow cast over her once more and she found Him standing over her. Lowering his stance to one knee He produced two small sandals. They fit her feet beautifully. A full stomach, His tender care, the shoes, all filled her with something she had long forgotten existed…HOPE! A nagging fear of His wrath still trembled over her as she grasped His hand. He turned and His eyes shone with love. A smile crossed her lips and her heart danced beneath His gaze. He began to laugh, the melody carried far throughout creation, as He pulled her ever close. She was laughing and crying at the same time. He lifted her high and spun her about. “Shall we go, beloved?” He spoke sitting her on her feet and touching her cheek tenderly. A feeling of joy spilled forth as she nodded trustingly. They were off…

…The journey was tiresome, but she found the less she looked back and the more she followed his sure footsteps the more manageable the journey was. In the first few days she found her self constantly looking behind, tripping on the sand, He would stop, pick her up, brush her off, set her gaze on Him and they were off. She wasn’t certain when she actually began to look forward instead of back, but each day she cast her gaze toward the ever distant horizon she found herself less tired at the end of the day. In the evenings as the sun gave way to chilly night He would sit close to her, stocking the fire, and telling her magical stories of His homeland. The rich melody of His voice and the richness His words held left her breathless and trembling. What He said was unbelievable, but spoken from Him she found it hard not to believe it to be true. She fell asleep each night listening to Him sing over her. She arose with Him now taking responsibility of folding her bedding, setting her sandals, and helping extinguish the fire. She followed obediently as they walked ever on. She had long ago stopped trying to see what He saw over that ever stretching horizon. She felt like a child sheltered in His wings. It was a comforting and restoring feeling. It was no longer urgent to discover where the path led. If He walked she followed. In obedience she began to trust again, and when fear began to nip at her heels it seemed He was ever there taking care of her needs. She never went without food, shelter, comfort, and these things began to still her heart, and quiet her spirit. The weight of the things she once had no longer had the same pull. She felt more pulled to Him, laying aside each shimmering thought of the past she strove to keep up with His sure stride.

It was blinding hot. The noonday sun was baking the sand and the whole earth quivered like a roaring furnace. Her lips blistered and parched whispered, “may I have some water?”

He gently pulled the skin brimming with water and allowed her to drink fully. The skin was always full of water, a mystery she didn’t begin to try to understand. Once satisfied He placed the skin back under His shoulder and hoisted her in the air. “Master, what are you doing? I can walk. Put me down!”

“You are weary child and need rest; I will carry you for awhile.” It was not a suggestion and she nestled closely to His cool and calming presence and away from the harsh rays of the sun.

Once again she must have fallen to sleep, for when she awoke camp was made, the sun was setting, the first few stars bursting to light and the smell of warm bread touched her nose. She cast off the blanket and went to sit next to Him by the fire. After they had eaten she eased back to hear His sure voice begin to sing of an ancient life. Instead He asked her a question, “Do you love me?”

She was dreamy from the food and it took her a moment to realize the question was posed. “Um, well …I’m thankful for what you have done for me. I feel more alive than I ever have before. I no longer desire those things I once did, I’m curious to see where you are taking me.”

He chuckled and eased down beside her closer to her ear, “Yes, child, but do you love me?”

“I don’t know,” was her honest answer. It seemed to be enough and He began to share with her a story of a prostitute and a prophet. The prophet was told to marry the prostitute and seek her no matter what. The story left her unsettled and thinking far into the night of what it meant. Sleep must have eventually come for morning broke in what seemed like seconds. She arose to her new routine and as they were extinguishing the fire what He said left her trembling with childlike wonder, “We make our destination today…” Her steps were more eager, her heart more full, “We make our destination today…” determination etched her brow as she continued on…

…The mountain seemed to birth out of nowhere, its daunting peek seemed to block out the sun. She assumed they would go around it, but as they neared the base of the mountain and He stepped onto the first crag of stone she knew what today would hold. Old fear gripped her heart and a hoarse whisper surged in her brain, “love you? Right! He brought you here to die. He made you walk on end in the desert and now He is going to make you climb this mountain! This is crazy! You can still go back, go back to the easy life!”

The thoughts terrified her and she desperately wanted to flee. She looked to either side, searching for a way out. She spoke without thought, “This is crazy! You said we would reach our destination today! THIS IS OUR DESTINATION! What is this about? What are you trying to do? I’ve trusted you, really trusted you, and this is where you brought me. You are a mad man, and I was a fool to ever trust what you said. I’m leaving.” With that she turned on her heels and began to head back the way they had come. He did not try to stop her, nor did He follow. Hot tears fell down her face. Her heart ached to apologize, to follow, to turn around, but her resolve held her feet on course.

Fear turned manic as the sun began to set. How would she build a fire? What would she eat? The thoughts were far more than she could bear. “Oh, my Love, why have I forsaken you,” a slow prayer carried on the wind not unheard or forsaken, for in the shadows a great presence roamed to and fro sensing impending danger.

She found the remains of their last camp. She managed to gather a few twigs and start a small fire that would burn out long before the sun arose. She would forgo food tonight. She wouldn’t allow her mind to think of how she would eat tomorrow. She settled close to the burning embers, wrapping her knees with her arms she buried her head in her lap to weary to cry. Death filled the air, the suffocating smell like acrid sulfur. She felt its claws reaching out for her. She raised her head and scanned the blackness. The fires glow lit yellow eyes, a deep growl of a beast lurking in the darkness set her body shaking. In a flash the creature bounded, but not at her, past her, into the deep blackness. A horrible battle had taken place, terror pierced the night like a derailed opera. She felt sick, her head swam, the thought of what was happening just beyond her sight was too much to bear. Her eyes tried to focus on the sounds unseen. Her breath caught as a great lion emerged from the shadows, blood dripping from its jowls, blood on its paws and fur. She could feel the heat radiating from its skin. Still panting and growling, it fell at her feet as if dead. Fear took over and the blackness consumed her. She prayed its dark grip would remain upon her forever…

…Little drums played in her head as she kicked at the sand, feeling swallowed and trying to right herself. The blackness had not cloaked her for long. It had faded into rich and terrifying nightmares full of hideous creatures doing unmentionable things. She fought to be loose of their memory, and with a great scream she sat up right, eyes fully taking in their surrounding, air flowing with great gulps into her lungs. Remembering last night’s events she quickly looked for the lion. There was not trace of him. Her eyes caught site of something sitting close to the now dead fire. With trembling hands she went to take the small woolen bundle. Inside were grapes, cheese, bread, and a skin of wine and water. Her heart broke. All resolve left her. Her heart gaped open to the realization of what happened last night. The lion, it was Him, she didn’t know how, but she knew that He had saved her from death itself. He had overcome it with His blood, even unto death itself. After all she had done He had risked life and limb to keep her safe, and then provided for her in abundance. “Love, Love, oh great Love”…she fell to her knees in worship, hands held high, pouring out the deep recesses of her heart. When her spirit grew still she ate and drank. Slinging the skin of water over her shoulder she set her sites on the mountain range. She would prove to Him that she loved Him. She would prove to Him her worth…

…The journey was laborious and exhausting. The noonday sun was well overhead when she rediscovered the mountain range. She began her climb with determination. It was soon apparent she was no mountain climber. Her knees and feet and hands became covered in blood. Her heart ached as her lungs strove for air. The sun was sapping her energy and her muscles felt like mush. Her resolve broke and she cried out in desperation, “PLEASE, I CANNOT DO THIS ALONE!”

In that moment she felt a hand grasp hold of hers, looking up her heart skipped with joy. His smile was brilliance that shattered the sun, “Good morning beloved! It’s a fine day for a climb!” Was He joking with her? Joking? Seriously? After all that had transpired. She wouldn’t think too much about that right now. She would focus on the task at hand. As with all things, she derived her strength for the climb from Him, when she slipped He was always there to catch her. She found the journey more manageable if she did what she had done throughout this entire process, and that was to watch His feet and place her feet where His once tread.

They found shelter in a cave a third of the way up the mountain. The shelter smelled of warm cinnamon and fresh baked bread. There were fish cooking on the open fire. He was expecting her. “It will storm tonight,” he said moving her to warm blankets near the fire. He turned His back as she spoke, “Were you the lion?”

He brought a water basin, salve, and bandages to clean and dress her wound. He began to work as He gave a simple response of, “Yes.”

She wanted to scream. Why was He being so kind to her and at the same time so aloof with His answers? She berated Him with more questions, “How? Were you following me all the time? What was that in the darkness? I could smell death.”

He sat for a long time before He spoke, “Why did you leave me at the base of the mountain?” It was not the answer she was looking for.
“I panicked,” she said quickly averting her eyes. She winced as He touched a tender part of her hand. He said nothing as He continued to bandage her wounds. When the task was done He placed cinnamon bread, fresh cooked fish, and wine before her. “Eat,” was His only further dialogue. They sat in silence.

Her stomach in knots, she knew He knew the truth; she spoke it quickly to ease the pain, “I ran because I was scared, I didn’t trust you. I’m sorry, I’m trying.”

“That’s the problem, your trying beloved. You aren’t allowing me to work in you. You aren’t allowing me to have control.”

“How can I do that? You have only asked me to give up everything that is me, stripped me of all that makes me feel comfortable, brought me into the desert, and then up a mountain side, you are crazy and dangerous, and a bit scary to trust.” Her eyes looked into His; she could feel her resolve breaking.

“The darkness held death itself beloved. It is why you couldn’t go back. It is why I kept pushing you forward. He wants you. He’ll say he loves you, but he is the Great Deceiver, a man of lies, pure evil, Lucifer is his name, death is his footstool, Hades is his dwelling place. He wanted to strip my homeland from me. He tried to become me, so he was expelled from my land with his fellow conspirators, free to roam and seek who he may devour. He is ruthless. He will not rest until his job is done.”

“Is he stronger than you?”

“No, my child, he thinks he is, but death does not have power over me. He is a trampling ground for my feet.”

“I’m sorry.”

He rose and sat down beside her. “I know beloved, and I forgive you. If you will trust me I will prove to you my love. Just try it. Test me and see if you do not find my words true. Now, rest beloved for tonight the evil one prowls, there is a storm brewing.” He wrapped His arms around her holding her close. Her mind and body ached, her heart sought solace. He began to hum, filling the whole cave with music and lightness. Her heart lifted and she slept in His arms…

…He called the blackness to roll across the sky, thunder exploded at His command, the winds whipped up, rain and hail twirled about on the air, and lightning bathed the mountain range in eerie shadows. Storms had a delicious way of tearing, cleansing, and bringing new life. It was necessary. He felt Lucifer’s presence, He felt the desire he had to destroy, and He felt his desire for power and pain. Lucifer wished nothing more than to command the winds and the rain as the Lover did, but alas he was forced to be consumed in it, for this night, he was barred from getting to her, resigned to be drenched by the impaling storm, forced to hear Him sing over her, forced to leave for it was His command. It fed the cancer of rage, “Fine,” he spit out, “tonight I will leave, tonight I will let you win, but I’ll be back, we’ll see how much she really loves you.” With that, he turned and slithered into the pitch…

…The sun broke her sleep and she shadowed her face with her hand. She heard water moving on stone, she saw the small puddle at the mouth of the cave. The brilliance of the sun cast rainbows off the smooth water. She looked around for Him and found instead breakfast and dry clothes. He had already re-bandaged her wounds, taking great care, the pain was almost gone. Had He even slept? She knew there was a storm; she knew she had not had to face it. He had sheltered her from it completely. She trusted Him; she would continue to do so no matter the cost.

His music met her before He did, she ran with abandon to greet Him, throwing her arms around His neck.

“Good morning to you too!” He said with a rich smile. He was radiant to her, full and deep and rich. He reached down and kissed her forehead. “Are you ready to finish the climb?” “Yes,” she said…

…She could see that they were about to crest the top of the mountain, holding her breath she tried to control the raging thoughts and emotions that pressed upon her. The sun was brilliant and warm, the air cooler, she felt alive, as if walking on air. Her eyes did not believe what she beheld. There at the top was what seemed to be a circler crater, a waterfall spilled into a stream running into a deep, rich blue pond. There were massive fruit trees swelling out of rich earth blanketed in grass and clover. The air was sweet like Jasmine, and flowers of every shape and color danced to the rhythm of the wind. Birds sang a melody long and sweet, deer grazed lazily, and a tiny lamb bleated for its Mama. She had slipped off her shoes running with delight to explore. She found fish of all shapes and sizes in the pond, butterflies fluttering in their brilliance. She tasted fruit, dipped her toes in the pond, and spun like a child pretending to be a ballerina. All the while He watched, head tipped back, laughing heartily at her delight. Her joy was His, and He relished it.

He was beside her in a moment, “Are you happy, Beloved.”

“Yes, oh yes, but how is this possible, on a top of a mountain, its incredible!”

“There is nothing impossible for God child, nothing at all.” She knew He spoke the truth. He took her hand and began to lead her to the far side of the garden, she had been exploring too much of His creation that she hadn’t even taken care to look at her condition. She caught sight of herself in the pond and nearly screamed. Her hair was disheveled, black mascara had dripped down her cheeks, and the red lipstick was still streaked up the side of her face. She wanted to run, hide herself, how could she bear for Him to look at her like this.

“What is it beloved,” He asked with concern and knowing on His lips.

“I’m a mess, why didn’t you say something, I can’t believe you have been seeing me like this, I’m so sorry…”

“Stop,” He had turned her toward Him, turning her face to His. “You are lovely beloved, beyond compare, a rare perfection, a marvelous creation, wonderfully captivating.” He reached for a scrap of cloth on his belt and dipped it into the clear water. As He spoke words of love and comfort to her He wiped her face. He turned her once again so she could see herself without the mask. Her breath caught, for in spite of her stilled frazzled hair, her face was aglow, brilliant and beautiful. “Wait here,” He said and soon returned with a package, a towel and a wash rag. He laid the things beside her, grasped the back of her head with His hand pulling her close, He kissed her on the forehead. “Take your time beloved, I have things to attend to, I will return”…

…She relished the time to herself. The water was cool and fresh; she enjoyed both the openness and privacy she felt. When she could stay in the water no more, she dried off and opened the package He had left for her. Tears ran down her cheeks as she beheld the contents, excitedly and joyfully she put it on…

…He came over the mountains edge, humming softly. Looking up He took site of her, she was leaning over the edge of the pond running her slender fingers through her large curls. With haste He made His way to her…

…She knew He had returned, she sat feeding her fingers through her hair trying to control her breathing. She stood slowly as He neared, looking at Him she grinned; He smiled back causing warmth to fill her. She spun about in the wedding dress He had made for her; the crisp white material flowed about her like clouds dancing in the afternoon sky. She was truly beautiful truly His. He reached her and cupped her face with His hands, "you will call me 'my husband'; you will no longer call me 'my master’, for you are my betrothed, my beloved, my wife, my bride, and I your bridegroom have rescued you. I love you beloved with all I have, I love you for I have fearfully and wonderfully made you…you are mine, always and forever. You will never part from me, I will pursue you until the end of the age, for you are my treasured one.” Tears fell smooth down His face as he wiped hers away and kissed each cheek. They talked long into the evening about life, love, and the future. The night sky blanketed them in a canopy of stars, a wonder of His workmanship.

“Will you tell them beloved, will you tell them I love them, will you show them I love them, for truly it is written that if you do anything for the least of men you do it unto Me.”
“I will husband, I will!”
“Even though you will not see me I will be with you, always. Lucifer still desires you; know he will be very cunning and persistent. Do not forget that you are mine.”
“I won’t husband, I won’t!”
“Do you love me Beloved?”
“I do.”
“Do you trust me Beloved?”
“I do.”
“I have begun a good work in you and I will see it to completion!”
“Let it be as you say, Husband!”
“So, it shall be beloved, so it shall be!”

He wrapped His strong arms around her waist; she snuggled against His chest, listening to the rhythm of His heart, trying to match the beat of hers to His. The moon reflected off the pond illuminating the glow of her Lover’s nail scared hands…how richly and deeply she was loved!