this candle ...

This candle, without a glare of light. It's scented like that of roses, and we're drawn to it. "Follow me" the crisp whisper calls. "But your wick... it's not ignited. I can't find you in this darkness." I cried aloud. "just a couple steps away to my beauty; I'll lead you here." convincing voices fill the air. "don't go." a deep whisper cries.

So I take another step forward, and the lovely scent grows stronger. I close my eyes and breathe it in. Absolutely what I want. I will leave everything I have for this. It's so great. Another attempted leap, and I stumble. the distant cries grow further away as I step closer.

"You said you'd lead me safely." I mocked the words. A deafening voice threatens, "Go on! You're almost here. Take a step!!" I feel a strong pull forward. As I step into what seemed to be glorious fragrance, the aroma turns to obscene burning ... the most callous odor I've ever sensed. My heart is aching. My feet are burning. This is not what I thought it was. Everything is dark. Everyone is crying. Everyone ... with dirt in their eyes. "Where's the beauty I saw from afar?" I cried out to nothing. "This is beauty. Watching you fall. Leading you on to think I'm something that I'm not. You've now stepped into a hole, that no one can get you out. You're stuck with me." The world's desires surround me. I can't get out. I fall to my knees in shame of what I've been deceived into.

"God, help me!" I cry to a seemingly distant belief. Suddenly the desires surrounding me are pushed back hard by a light so beautiful, so bright, that I can barely look at it. Strong arms pick me up, and carry me out of the darkness. Jesus stands right in front of me ...

"Why didn't you protect me from going there?" I asked my savior. "I tried. I was the voice you denied to listen to telling you not to go. I was the one crying when you fell. I give you free will. You chose to go, and you called back." A smile swept across His face.

He gently gave me a candle. "This is a symbol of me. I'll always be with you. I will guide you. I will give you the scent you want and need. I will be your hands and feet. Protect this flame. Let it shine in you. Let me be seen. Share this flame. But don't give it away. Never let me go. I'm always here for you. I love you more than you'll ever know. More than anyone could ever love you. Agape love."

I fell to my knees in praise to the God that gives me light. "Always here." I repeated.