There exists a desperate condition in the soul of man when he becomes so totally overwhelmed and blinded by his own helplessness, he cannot see God's hand extended.
The "innermost" part of this man has fallen from the activity of daily living on the surface of the earth into a deep pit of despair. The man is barely able to send out his image to the surface for the purpose of minimal social interaction. His image can respond verbally to other's shallow questions. He answers their "How are you?" with the familiar, "Fine, how are you?"
By remote control he can direct his surface image to function while he, the true man lies in his hole. Sometimes he is curled and crying, other times he abandons social graces, withdraws his image and frantically yells from his pit for someone to rescue him.
Those on the surface rush around in their daily business not even noticing the presence of the hole or the man's mournful pleas. Yet there he lies torn between a desperate need for help and the embarrassment of his failure to foresee his stumble into this bleak hopelessness. Believing he somehow is responsible for his great fall into this black hole.
One day a "visually-perceptive one" with his rope tucked under his arm, befriends and follows an image to his pit. He uses his rope to repel down into the man's pit. The man in the pit is overwhelmed that finally someone has heard his cry and has come to help relieve his distress. The kind man with glasses dresses the wounds of him who has sunken and comforts and cradles his brokenness. He listens and learns of the tale of his fall and wraps him in arms of healing.
Eventually the fallen one strengthens and squints into the light rays reaching into his pit. He notices to his horror and delight the hand of God reaching down, ever waiting for his grasp.
JoEllen is a gifted writer and illustrator whoseentire collection of writings and artwork are available for viewing and purchase on her Website.
