The Prodigal Lover

"Dark am I, yet lovely, 
   daughters of Jerusalem, 
dark like the tents of Kedar, 
   like the tent curtains of Solomon.
Do not stare at me because I am dark, 
   because I am darkened by the sun. 
My mother’s sons were angry with me 
   and made me take care of the vineyards; 
   my own vineyard I had to neglect. 
Tell me, you whom I love, 
   where you graze your flock 
   and where you rest your sheep at midday. 
Why should I be like a veiled woman 
   beside the flocks of your friends?" -Song of Solomon 1:5-7


This verse  speaks to me in a strange way. She, the bride of the king, the wisest king, was used and abused by her family, and scorned by her neighbors. Yet still he loved her, above all the others. It's inspiring to know that even humans can love like that, and I know above all else, my King loves me that way too. My scars, my "darkness", is still lovely to Him. My years of self torture and anguish, beautiful in His eyes, as my other attributes, all of which He gave me.


It goes on to ask why she should feel the need to hide her face among those who know Him. It should be like that in the church, the bride of Christ, for those with pasts to be able to hold their redeemed head up among other believers. Where does this judgment and exile-attitude come from? 


There's more to learn in the Song of Solomon, even if it is notorious for being the most scandalous book in the Bible. Taylor made a point of it being a perfect example of the intimacy between Jesus and his Bride, the church. 


~Char