As children of light, we stepped into the abyss, the world shrouded in an all-consuming darkness. Our hearts pounded in our chests; our breaths caught in our throats. The sight that greeted us was one of despair. People lay broken, crushed under the weight of their own shame. Their eyes were vacant, hollow shells of their former selves.
The stench of alcohol permeated the air, a potent mix of despair and regret. Men and women staggered around, their senses dulled by drink. Others huddled in corners, lost in a haze of drugs that promised escape but delivered only more pain.
One man in particular caught our attention. His body was bent and twisted from years of abuse, his eyes bloodshot and filled with a raw, unfiltered pain that pierced our hearts. We reached out to him, but he recoiled from our touch, anger and sorrow etched deep into his features.
The sight was too much to bear. We fled back to our father, tears streaming down our faces. His eyes held an infinite sadness as we poured out our experiences to Him.
“What can we do?” we asked, desperation seeping into our voices. “How can we help those who have fallen so far?”
Our Father placed His hands on our shoulders, His touch warm and comforting against our chilled skin.
“Love them,” He said simply. “Show them they are worthy of love. That they are not defined by their mistakes or their pain.”
“But how?” we pressed on, not understanding how such a monumental task could be accomplished.
“Through your actions,” He explained. “Through your words and deeds. Show them kindness when they expect cruelty. Offer them forgiveness when they expect judgement.”
He paused for a moment before continuing.
“Show them that they can be free,” He said gently. “That they are not bound by their past or their pain.”
We nodded, understanding dawning on us. It would not be easy, but we were prepared to fight the darkness with love and light.