Runner ... Breathe!

I hope you're having a beautiful weekend. I've been absent for several weeks, but have come back to bring you something out of a dream. A recurring dream, actually. Since this particular dream, I've not had trouble with waking feeling as though I'd been running all night.

Runner… Breathe!

By Karlene A. Jacobsen

There I was—again—running. Every muscle in my body, weakened with each step. Inhaling for needed oxygen only served to sear my lungs with the heated air passing through my trachea. 

How many times did I have to find myself in this chase before they finished their task? I've hidden to escape them, and succeeded. But I could never return to those places. They’ve noted every one of them.

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My face burned with fear. I should've just stopped and let them have their way. It would have been much easier. Their boss would be pleased and I’d finally find rest. Wouldn’t I?

I shot a quick glance over my shoulder. It was definitely the same ones who’ve been there every other time. Cloaked in black coats, covering their knees, hats with brims to shade their eyes, and a black cloth—or something—draped over their faces. Why? To hide their identity? I promised, once they finished their job, I’d not be able to identify them.

I told my feet to quit. I was tired. I couldn’t take another step. There was no one who could hear my cries. I was alone.

But my feet wouldn’t listen. My heart beat a wild rhythm behind my ribs. My ears pounded in sync with my heart. Nothing cooperated with me.

Everything in front of me blurred. I’m sure it was from the tears and sweat pouring due to exhaustion and an obnoxiously raised body temperature.

 Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.

(Psalm 50:15)

 “Please. Someone. Hear. Me.” It burned my throat to speak. “Help.” The words sounded to me like they were being dragged across a washboard. “Jesus. Please.” At last, my throat was completely sealed off. Breathing would be an effort beyond my ability, but somehow, my feet continued to carry me into what looked like a parking garage.

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We—my feet and I—raced up each ramp, leading me to the roof. I was fairly certain I’d suffocate if air didn’t begin to flow soon. At the very least, I’d suffer brain damage. All I wanted to do was fall on my face and wait for the inevitable. But my feet refused to listen.

They carried me up. Up. Up. Another level. I must've been hallucinating, because I felt, rather than saw, light permeating my body. It pierced me through. I didn’t understand it, but allowed it to push me forward. Energy I’ve never known before propelled me another level upward.

Maybe this is how I would arrive in heaven. I wanted to close my eyes and fly into that place I’ve been told is glorious. But I wanted to keep them open too, and watch myself step across the threshold from here to eternity.

Instead, I was keenly aware that the footsteps I heard barreling down upon me stopped. Curious, I wanted to know why and my feet obeyed. I stopped and turned around.

I could see my assailants. They cowered on the edge of the concrete landing where we stopped. Their masks had been removed and they’re images, hideous, eyes wide—fearful.

My head turned enough to see him. The man must've been twelve feet tall. His head seemed to push through the floor above us. His arms crossed over his chest and he glared at the men, his eyes appeared to have the ability to burn my pursuers as their hideous faces reddened under his captivity. He was dressed in layers, his weapons strapped to his side, flashing light in my face.

My assailants leaped from their place by the concrete wall, screaming and wailing to their doom. I couldn’t think what they said as they disappeared. I was captivated by the man. I felt as though I knew him. He looked my way and my heart burned, but not in a way that created fear. Breathing was restored. I was safe. He’d rescued me.

I studied his face. “Who are you?”

His grin and the way he looked at me, so tender and loving, told me the answer.

I should have known ...

For whoever calls upon the name of the LORD shall be saved. (Romans 10:13)