Out

 

The Nazarene freed me. He said he would do it and he did. I had been in the cave a long, long time. Each twist and turn was known to me. The 'tites hang down and threatened me. The 'mites sprang up and blocked my path. I had tried this. And that.

The Nazarene entered the cave. How, I do not know. He told me I'd be free. I  couldn't see how, but the words were sweet and gave me hope. He led me, both this way, which I had tried, and that. I thought I knew better and broke away to head in another direction. He followed me. I climbed. Searched. Looked. Studied. All I found was another cave, and another, and another. 

"I will set you free," said the Nazarene.

How, I did not know. 

"Follow me," He said. 

And I did. 

We took a path I had never known, though I'd crossed it many times. Through darkness, which was no longer dark to me. Up. Down. Over. I had been deep inside that cave. 

"This can't be the way," I said, certain.

"Trust me."

And I did.

Then, as surely as I had entered, I stepped out. The sun met me as the Son held me. I couldn't see in the bright light until my eyes adjusted and my heart returned to its natural size. I took a breath, of life. The Nazarene said He would set me free. 

And He did.

photo by Bill Dodd