That Little Flame

"What is that?"

"Where?"
"Right there. What is that little flame that she is setting down?"
"Oh - that is hope."
"Hope?"
"Yes, a persistent hope."
"And who is that, the one lying down behind it?"
"That is one in need of hope."
"And who sent this hope?"
"He did - the One who loves her more than any other."
"But is that little flame enough? She seems so . . . so downcast."
"Oh, yes, more than enough. You see that little flame will grow."
"It will?"
"Yes. First it will fill her heart, then it will light her eyes, then it will make her rise up off the ground, and then she will shine."
"Shine?"
"Yes, like He himself."
"That brightly? Really?"
"Oh, yes. He loves to make His children shining lights!"

Artwork: Dawn of Hope (c) Daniel Gerhartz
http://www.danielgerhartz.com

Off With its Head

It's a stinking giant! That's all it is - a loud, evil, intimidating giant that has had you groveling to its demands for far too long. Rally, dear one, rally yourself and face it. God will make your stones fly true and hit hard. Just ask Him.

Off with its head! Silence its bellowing voice forever! Are you not tired of its demands, this giant that pounds upon you whenever it wishes? It has stomped through your life for many years now. It shouts . . . and you bow. It commands . . . and you capitulate. It threatens . . . and you tremble.

Off with its head, I say! It is just a stinking giant.

Artwork: David by Caravaggio