I have never seen such a thing.
Hindu procession: fish like hooks pierce the skin of men in many places [knee caps, thighs, calves, back, elbows, and arms] to hold them from the trunk of a tree as they are swung; self inflicted pain. Why? Because they believe it will bring them blessing.
I can say again that I have never seen such a thing.
God has saved me from so much. I am free and I have victory over sin because of Jesus who took the price for the sins that I have committed or ever will commit. Lately, I have been so amazed at the Lord’s steadfast love. He loves me even though I wrong Him day after day. He loves. He is Lovely. He is the love of my life. He knows my heart so deeply and loves me still. Lord, there is no One like you. Change me, I want to be more like you.
Through my human eyes, those who are hard to love are just that, hard to love; my sin. But, God who is rich in mercy and loving kindness, is willing to love all the more to capture those hard hearts and make them into hearts that are surrendered to Him. Lord, give me the desire of your heart.
Having surrendered my heart to Him, because of His great work in my heart; I am free. No need for me to pierce my skin with fish hooks, or roll on the ground; Jesus took the nails and I am free. I am no longer in bondage.
Seeing such darkness made real how deceived people are by human philosophies. Sad to see that those men that day, inflicting so much physical pain, think that they will receive blessing from such an act. Humbled that my ears hear, my eyes see, and I am compelled to live a life that is not wasted.
Despite the darkness, great glory of our creator was seen in the island: cinnamon colored beaches, tea fields, waterfalls, pretty skies, fellowship with friends, tropical rain, Coral reefs, fish, unique fruits, and precious people who do love Jesus, and are committed to furthering the good news there.
This “tail end” of my summer trip was used by God to make my heart more broken for the things that break God’s heart.
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