The metal edge glistens as it draws across her tender flesh. Skin resists, but cannot withhold the life that wants so much to be free. Held within these simple shells, our truer nature abides.

She whimpers. Oh, sweet Love. Imagine what love is like beyond . . .

Her heart does most of the work for me. It’s beautiful, it its own way. The flesh urging the spirit free.

I do God’s work, have no doubts.

We have all seen darkness, my friend. I’ve seen my share, indeed. I’ve stayed up nights, recognizing the shadows in my own life, watching faded memories like old family movies, seeing that stranger, that impostor with my face . . . But I know truth. I know what I am.

I have seen the light, and I have become a vessel of God’s will.

Come, now. Let me show you.