there are times when we want to run from the darkness. the darkness crouches at our door - it awaits, ready to consume. there were times when i embraced the darkness, when i withdrew into the space in my heart where the shadows curled around me. but i wasn't consumed. No, even during those times God was protecting me. i was securely nestled in his palm. and it's only in retrospect that i realize that i wasn't running from the darkness or even drowning in the darkness. i was facing the darkness, and running towards the dawn.