Despite this, His love and zeal for me diminished not. On the contrary, they grew more intensely and infinitely. Then, a most heart wrenching event occurred, life left His body and the enemies rejoiced triumphantly, shouting words of slurs and abuses. They yelled at me, “What now, Sharon? Where is your hope? Who will rescue you?” Indescribable pain gripped my heart and feelings of hopelessness consumed me. A loud and eerie silence could be heard for what seemed like eternity. With my fist, I beat my aching heart, “What’s going to happen to me? Where will I go from here?” I waited for an answer but there was only silence… a long unbearable silence… Then from a distance, I heard shouts of jubilation and celebration. “Is this possible at such a time as this?!” I thought to myself. The noise was so enticing, that in utter desperation, I turned toward the unmistakeable sounds of clapping and acclamations. Inexhaustibly, I searched and forcefully pushed myself through the strong crowd. I stumbled and fell to the ground scraping both hands and knees. Dust covered me, I rolled on the ground in pain… A gentle warm hand reached out to mine to help me up. Slowly, I stood up in my torn and dirt-stained dress. I looked up and saw piercing but loving eyes gazing down at me. I paused as I marvelled at the beauty before me. His face lit up with a smile and my heart skipped a beat. A loving silence overtook us, as we stared at each other’s eyes. A pleasurable and delightful feeling came over my body as I kept my eyes on Him. Finally, He said, “My love, I have longed to embrace you eternally, would you come away with me?” I replied, “Yes Lord, I will come with you.” Completely awestruck by what just happened, I marvelled at the thought that He would still choose to use me despite my heavy heart. Then I noticed that I wasn’t feeling so sad anymore. Instead, there was lightness, excitement and joy flowing from within me.
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever. (Psalm 30:11-12)
11 Reach / Winter 2019
Reach Inspiration
