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The glory that had only been partial during my long walk, now covered me fully. I was no longer black. Now I was made entirely whole. |
| Photograph by Graham Cooper |
We stood in the darkness, excitedly awaiting the extending of His scepter that was to be a signal for us to enter the Great Throne Room. Quiet whispers and nervous sighs prevailed among the maidens as we fidgeted with anticipation. When the signal was given, we began our procession down the narrow aisle, our long black gowns swishing about us as we stepped to the cadence of the litany of praise being played by the orchestra and sung by the choir.
As the King's daughters approached His throne, the radiance of His presence began reflecting streams of rainbow-like colored reflections from the jewels that covered the bodices of our gowns. The contrast between the blackness of our own covering and the brilliant beauty of the adornment of His provision caused the King's daughters to stand in awe.
As we stood before Him, He was more magnificent than we ever could ever have imagined, and we fell on our faces in worship. But even prone, I wanted to hide in His glorious presence because of the blackness that was visible beneath the covering of glory.
The love that radiated from His countenance was also present in His voice as He spoke to me with great tenderness: "My daughter, do not hide thy loveliness from Me, I have been longing to see thee." "But I am black and ugly," I said timidly. "Who told thee, thou wast ugly, my child? I have made thee beautiful." As He spoke these words He laid His hand upon my head. Then, when I looked down, the dress of black was no longer there. The glory that had only been partial during my long walk, now covered me fully. I was no longer black. Now I was made entirely whole, and dressed from head to toe with the glorious adornment that was reflecting His beauty. I turned to look and I saw that each of my sisters was attired in exactly the same manner.
His Majesty rose from His throne while the music played. We, His children, danced and sang with Him as together we rejoiced that our blackness was gone and His glorious light and beauty had taken its place.
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References:
"Do not stare at me because I am dark, because I am darkened by the sun" Song of Solomon 1:6.
"How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Song of Solomon 1:15.
"The King's daughter is all glorious within; Her clothing is interwoven with gold. She will be led to the King in embroidered work; the virgins, her companions who follow her, Will be brought to Thee" Psalm 45:13-14. "The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17.
Copyright Daphne Harrington 1999