She looked behind her, not really knowing how she got to where she was. 

In her mind, she had taken each step with caution and care, being sure to tread lightly so as not create destruction along the way. 

Looking back, she stared in utter disbelief that while she had been successful to take care at some points along her walk, there was carnage left behind her of which she had been completely unaware before. 

It was only then that she could see and remember the moments in which she had carelessly barreled down the path. 

In her wake, she left people wounded by selfish motives, negligent words, and ungodly attitudes. She left relationships hanging, confused, ignored. 

She then turned slightly to see a mirror and saw herself covered in bruises scars, and open wounds. Not only had she caused others pain, she had brought the pang of heartache upon herself. 

Warm tears filled with regret, pain, and guilt rolled down her cheek, releasing with them the reality of what had really happened on the path behind her. 

She lifted her foot to take a step back to where she had been. If she could just go back to where she had failed, then she could change it, fix it, or at least make the hurt less. 

But as she attempted to move back toward where she had been, she found herself unable to proceed. The path on which she had already been was closed, and she realized that her chance to bring life instead of pain had already passed. 

So, taking a deep breath she turned around to face what was before her. Except that she couldn’t see what was on the path in front of her, only a few steps in front. 

She began to panic at the thought of what destruction she might make on the path ahead. Maybe it was just better to stay where she was so that she wouldn’t be able to cause any more pain. But, something urged her to keep going, a feeling of hope for the future that she couldn’t ignore or let go. 

Hesitantly, she took a step and found that she could move forward. Before taking another, she began to turn to take one last look at what she had left behind but felt a strong, gentle hand on her shoulder. She looked up to see His face – kind, gentle, and loving. 

He held out His hand, and she paused, confused that it could really be meant for her. For her, the one who was the cause of all that lay behind them. 

But His hand continued to reach out for hers; steady, sure, and inviting. 

Taking a deep breath, she placed her shaking hand in His. As His hand closed securely around hers, that hope she had felt before began to strengthen. 

Looking up again at Him again, He smiled at her, nodded, and gestured to the path that lay ahead. 

She took a step, and He took one with her, their feet moving in tandem. 

While she couldn’t see what the rest of path had in store for her, somehow, knowing that He was walking alongside her in the midst of it she wasn’t afraid. 

The devastation she had left would not be forgotten. It would always be behind her, reminding her of the reality of pain and cautioning her future steps. 

But, walking with Him now, she knew that she couldn’t simply let what had happened cause her to live in fear. Instead, she used it to change her steps, stepping with more purpose, gentleness, and awareness. 

She knew that at the next time she stopped that she would look back and still be able to see ruin she would leave. But she knew that He would be beside her, assuring her, and loving her when she is unsure how to love herself. 

She looked in front of her, not really knowing where she was going, but certain of who was beside her.