Paradox – a contradictory situation or circumstance,  circular reasoning that often defies logic. 

I have, on more than one occasion and by more than one person, been called a paradox – usually in a moment of frustration.  Oh, I know the word is not really meant to describe a person, yet still, there are many times I seem to wear the title perfectly.

You see, I am a positive, person with strong faith, a good attitude (most of the time) and a firm grip on what it good and right in the world, who is drawn to darkness.  I went to church every time the doors were open, literally as we just lived 3 blocks away and my mom worked at the daycare.

Yet I preferred to write like Stephen King and could tell horror stories that would often scare the teachers and kids at the daycare, and I’d be sent home or back to sit with the quilting bee ladies to learn more about God and what was right.

My poor mom spent so many long hours praying for me and that I would find my way.  The truth is, I never lost my way, Mom.  Yes, I have walked dark paths, I have been in places that many would not go, but I never lost my faith.  In fact, the testing of that faith is what makes me strong now and brings me through the darkest nights.  I have no doubt that your prayers were heard.

Yet, I am still a paradox.  One that still walks in the dark with a mere candle for light.  It is what I do.  I do my best to help the weary, the hurting, those lost and searching, I don’t profess to have all the answers.  I too am searching.  I am simply there to walk with when the need arises, that is what the journey is about – walking the path, whether it’s through a sunny field or a dark forbidding forest – together. 

Cherry Coley (c)