This post is an effort to give a voice to those unwelcome within the greater scheme of life. Even at a holy time, there are those who live in the shadows.
I am a Leper
I am one of the least of
these. No status other than one of no use. I live among shadows. I am not one
to be envied, but neither am I to be feared. I am no more a sinner than anyone
else.
I wander around the streets at
night seeking food from the garbage of pretty people. I sleep often during the
day under a bridge or other place of shade. Hopeless, homeless, and heaven
less.
“Look at the dirty leper!” “We
don’t want an unclean thing around us!” These are words people use to
disembowel me as a person. When the Christ child is born. I will matter, I will
be seen. I will no longer be alone.
A Magnificent Star
I heard there were important
people who follow a star, a magnificent star, like a pillar in the sky, bright
and unmistakable in its celestial presence. I looked for many nights, then one
cloudless evening I saw it. Yes, like a gigantic candle illuminating my path. I
felt so humbled to witness this God-sent object in the sky. By faith, as if
prodded by the Almighty, I followed the star.
I Saw Him
I saw Mary and Joseph as they
completed their journey. They entered Bethlehem. My faith walk worked. I am
pretty sure they didn’t see me. I would never embarrass them by introducing
myself. I can’t compete with shepherds and wise men or angels.
From the shadows, I also saw
Him. A baby held in the arms of the blessed Virgin. This is the Baby born to be
The King. I fell to my knees and, from a feeling deep within me, I cried. He
has come!
From
the shadows,
I now
dance and sing,
For in
God’s mercy,
I see
The King.
Now I see Him. He is the only
One who loved me before the foundation of the world. One day, when I walk out
from the shadows and not as afraid of people, I hope He touches me. His touch
of love is all I need.
Everyone else may run from me.
I am more than familiar with people who throw stones. They laugh when their
stones break my skin. Hugs from friends are foreign to me. Darkness is my only
embrace.
I know He will not chase me
away. He came for the unlovely, of whom I am one.
His
touch is all I need,
then I
will be freed.
Only this,
The
Saviour’s kiss.
A Personal Reflection
My words wept as I wrote this
post. In reflecting on this special time of year, my thoughts drove me to the
condition of people today. I hesitate even now to write the concluding part of my
last message of 2021.
The life of a person shunned
by other people is lonely. Their lives result from bigotry, fear, or some other
trait of darkened hearts. They may live in the shadows of life hidden from “pretty
people,” those accepted by society.
My heart is heavy in the knowledge
Canada has created its own “lepers.” A class of Canadian citizens shunned even
by the politicians they elected and other loud voices. In this time in our
collective history, all too prone to a trail of negative narratives, we need The
King.
Even
so come, Lord Jesus!
Alan lives in Deroche, B.C.
with his wife, Terry. He is one of the spiritual advisors for InScribe. Alan contributed stories to Good Grief People by Angel Hope
Publishing, 2017; Story by Story: The Power of a Writer, Unstoppable Writers
Publishing, 2018. Alan has written articles for FellowScript Magazine. Blog:
https://scarredjoy.ca.
