......  It teases and tempts, and promises much, but once we begin to believe that it speaks the truth, it lets us down hard....  It wraps us in chains and walks away, leaving us empty, alone, broken, hurt, and disillusioned.

When I was young I believed that what I needed was out there and all I had to do was pursue it.  And, I did, but I found that even what I gained was a loss.  Every victory was short-lived joy.  Every achievement turned to rust.

So, I began to seek a love who was different from what I thought I needed.  And I found Him.  He was rejected by the world.  He was not attractive as the world sees beauty. I He had not been hunting for me, I would not have noticed Him.  But, there was something about Him.  With a skeptical eye, jaded by my flirtation with the world, I dared Him to love me and to truly satisfy my longing or love.  Year after year I tried His patience, hoping beyond hope that His love was real.  I was determined to find the truth, hope, and freedom.