Inkblots

"I want that. I want to be in love with the Holy Spirit."

I remember the look of wistful desire, the first bit of hope she had felt in months, crossing my friend's beautiful face. "What can I do?"

"Well...you can...um..." I didn't know what to tell her, "Read 1 John. It's a place to start."

At the time, a battle was being fought in her heart. I knew it. She knew it. But neither of us realized that she was so close to losing. And now, two years later, she's already lost. I'm plagued by the notion that maybe, just maybe, if I had done what I knew was right at the time...

He beautiful face is scarred now. So are her arms and legs. Her gentle, loving heart has long since drowned in the hate she carries. The precious woman God created has been dragged into what society would call acceptable, but what any honest human being sees as despicable.

What now?

Be merciful, God. Be merciful.