"Jesus loves better than this…"
This runs rapid circles through my mind and spirit. No other prayer can emerge as I watch men pulling floats dedicated to a Sun god with chains attached to their backs. Chains are attached to their backs. The hooks pierce their skin as men gyrate with drums all around them. Metal spikes protrude from their faces giving a sense of demonic aggression. Bells hang heavily from the same hooks which attach others to the floats for their "god".
"Jesus loves better than this."
As we arrive at the Hindu temple the smell of spoiled milk offered to their "gods" overwhelms my nostrils. I watch as two young women proceed to roll around the temple on the hot asphalt through the spilled milk. Gravel clings to their wet bodies as those around them steer them occasionally pouring some water over the ground before them.
"Jesus loves better than this."
Tears well in my eyes as a beautiful, five year old daughter screams. Tears streak down her face as her mother and father pull her to chair where a stranger proceeds to shave all her hair off as an offering to their "gods". Her long hair falls to the ground as she sobs. I turn away to see hundreds of men, women, and children whose heads are simply covered with an orange, powdery paste.
"Jesus loves better than this."
At the temple entrance, drunk men continue to dance euphorically. And finally I completely break.
My spirit screams:
My spirit screams:
"CHOOSE GOD'S LOVE, NOT THIS BONDAGE!"
There is a choice to be made and we are all making it. What have you chosen?
*all photo credits in this blog go to Eddie Beiler
