Never Alone

Dark waves crashed against the jagged cliffs. Spraying foam on anyone who dared stand close enough. She stood alone of the cliff, her head hanging. Tears filled her eyes and mixed with the salty spray that slid down her cheeks. She felt like the dark clouds overhead were pressing down on her. A cold wind blew her tears back. But they came down faster then the wind could blow them away. She sank to her knees and cried out in despair. All at once the dam broke. Everything she'd been holding back, bottling up till then, came spilling out. The rain began to fall. First at a mere sprinkle, then a steady drizzle, and finally it came down in torrents. Her jacket and jeans were soaked. Her hair hung down, hiding her face. She couldn't bring herself to look at the jagged scars that crisscrossed her arms. She was tired of doing this on her own. She had remained standing for so long, but no more. She clutched her sides as she sobbed her heart out. A sharp pain seared her through her very core and her heart ached. Who could love someone like her? An outcast. Always rejected. Suddenly, she felt a hand on her shoulder. And a voice, “Oh, my child.” Gentle and kind. She couldn't even bring herself to meet His gaze. Her shame was too great. She tried to keep Him from seeing the scars on her arms, she didn't want Him to know. But even as she thought that, He took her hands in His. Looking down she could see the ugly scars He bore on His hands. “I did it for you.” He says to her. “Because I love you.” Slowly she lifts her head, afraid to meet His gaze and yet desperately wanting to see. She's surprised by what she see's in His eyes. There's no judgment, no scolding. Only love. She starts to cry again. “I don't deserve it.” She manages to say. He smiled kindly. “I paid the price so you wouldn't have to. I love you so much.” His eyes are gentle, full of grace and mercy. Tears stream down her face as she looks at her scars. Shaking her head she speaks, “It's no use. I've done so much wrong in my life. How could you love someone like me?” She asks brokenly. There's no answer but when she looks in His eyes she see's the unconditional love. “It doesn't matter what you've done, my child. There's nothing you could do to make me love you less.” Her eyes widen. How could this be? Longing to be relieved of her burden, she flings herself into His arms and begins to weep. But this time the tears aren't as anguished, more of relief. Finally, there was someone she could lean on. Someone who loved her. One who promised to never leave her nor forsake her. Yes, the road would still be hard. But she would never be alone. Again.