Five Minute Friday one-word prompt: DARKNESS
*I'm partially reusing a blog post from January. It's one more women have commented on than any other, which tells me I'm not alone in these attacks on physical beauty.*
Darkness was my friend for a time.
Looking at myself in the dimmest light meant gazing upon my complexion without criticism.
Darkness was the best concealer--smoothing, blurring, diminishing, until a glimpse of the envied fantasy emerged.
Undressing apart from the light meant ignoring a changed body, marked by unsightly lines and dimpled places.
Darkness was the best distraction, hurrying me past the reminders of imperfection.
Then the Light spoke to the outer man.
Show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet and your face is lovely. (Song of Songs 2:14b)
Darkness had concealed and distracted, but the Light wanted nothing to do with that.
Bare and vulnerable before the Light, I squirmed in embarrassment and writhed in shame.
Afraid of what I would see, my eyes refused to open.
The Light wanted nothing to do with that.
Let the king be enthralled by your beauty. (Psalm 45:11)
I dared to squint.
Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me. (Song of Songs 2:10)
Sheltered in the shadow of His wings, my eyes wide open, I saw the beauty He created.
I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. (Jeremiah 31:3)
I saw His beloved.
Adorned in the Light, I knew ...
Darkness was my counterfeit friend for a time.