Release

Every Sunday, she goes to church. Every Sunday, she hears how Jesus gave His life for her sins. Every Sunday, she hears about God's beautiful forgiveness. Every Sunday, she is told to accept Him as her Lord and Savior. Every Sunday, she is asked to put all her trust in Him. Every Sunday, she falls on her knees praying.

Every day, she puts on threadbare clothes. Every day, she is laughed at. Every day, the teachers ignore the signs. Every day, she eats lunch alone. Every day, she is shunned by other students. Every day, she is teased. Every day, she is shoved. Every day, she falls on her knees praying.

Every night, she is blamed for making him mad. Every night, her birth is regretted. Every night, she becomes their unmoving target. Every night, her small frame becomes a canvas for their art. Every night, she is shoved into a bedroom with a stranger so they can afford rent. Every night, she falls on her knees praying.

But tonight, a hand brushed away her tears and she gasped. Her eyes flew open, and the hand twirled a strand of her hair. She knew she should move away, but her body was paralyzed. "I know I'm not who you were praying to, but I hope it's alright that I answered." There were sickening cracks from the other room and screams filled the air. This night she doesn't pray but she falls on her knees smiling.