In the darkness of the night, one knows the truth. Regardless of what one does with it in the morning – embracing a mythology that makes one feel good or denying the facts so that one can act with blissful ignorance – in the dark quietness one knows. The truth is often hard to deal with. Bills are waiting to be paid. Accountability will be assessed and measured. Responsibilities are enforced.
As I woke in a cold sweat, the scenes from my dream were a mixture of truth and horror. The full force of both had played out in my imagination! I felt exhausted, emotionally shattered. The echo of the last words I said to a stranger before waking up still taunted my thoughts.
“If they catch me, I’m finished: ripped to shreds by foes fierce as lions, dragged into the forest and left unlooked for, unremembered.” (Psalm 7.2)
I do not think I am unique. In casual conversations it the shared story unfolds; we are haunted by the truth in our lives. We know what could happen while living in the hope that the truth in our lives will not catch up with us. In our candid moments, we tell the story knowing it is closer to reality than we care to admit.
I do not have an answer that will take away your fear or mine. I live with the knowledge believing in two principles that give me hope.
First, the Divinity I know values mercy more than justice. Divinity wants to restore, rebuild, and bring us back into the family. While accountability remains, we are not alone with our demons.
Second, regardless of our past, the question for you and I always remains in the present. What will we do, right now? Are we willing to act with intentional and positive purpose?
Life is full of obstacles and potholes, many created by our hands. We have the opportunity to help – others as well as ourselves – move forward. I know it will be difficult; danger remains close. I also know Hope and Compassion are on side.
