Five years and a lifetime ago, an individual could not see what God could see. The value assigned to life was at an all time low. The likely of that value changing was even lower. Everything appeared to be a leading indicator of a catastrophic disaster. The scene was dark and ugly. If there was a door out of this space, it was illusive. Just when one might think s/he knew that it was there, it would disappear.
In the best of those dark moments, even the person at the heart of the scene struggled to know what came next. The words from a self-evaluation did not help; “Can you sell me for a profit when I’m dead? Auction me off at a cemetery yard sale? When I’m ‘dust to dust’ my songs and stories of you won’t sell.” (Psalm 30.9) I am worth nothing.
God did not see it that way. Divinity had a view that others can see today. Embedded in the self-loathing, pain, and hurt, was a wonderful child of God’s. In the darkness, Divinity could see creative beauty. In the uncertainty, Divinity could see discipline and vision. In the dead zone, Divinity could see the potential that exists within every child of Love and Compassion.
God’s statement then was filled with passion. “You are a priceless! You are my child. I will fight for you always. I will never let you go. I will always be besides you, encouraging, crying, laughing, struggling, and walking with you. I love you.”
In the steps that followed, from the America’s sagebrush wastelands to the quiet horse farms, from being totally alone to being part of a community, God was present. Angels went into action. The real person slowly emerged so that others could see.
Occasionally someone challenges me about the existence of a greater power. In that moment, I close my eyes and think of this journey. I know God is alive and involved in our lives. We are family. We are priceless children of God’s, especially when we do not think so.
