Sometimes the ways of God are clear, or at least translucent.

Sometimes they are entirely opaque.

And what do we do then?

When the divine presence we crave proves elusive.

When the memory of our last epiphany fades and once bright promises threatened to avenance.

When dreams flicker and darkness threatens, how sturdy are the plans of God.

This is a story about a decision,

a choice in the midst of collapsing circumstances to keep going,

to risk believing that God is closer than he seems

and that our faith is more important than we understand.

I'm Strange, the way fear simultaneously heightens and hampers one's sensory system.

The inputs come to Joseph in blips and waves.

Overburdened carts swaying and creaking beneath the weight of their cargo,

their wheels bumping along the dusty road.

Water sloshing and inflated bladders lashed to the sideboards.

Jugs of oil and wine clunking against one another.

The grunt of camels.

Coarse laughter.

Noonday sun flashing off the Ismailite's gold earrings.

The bars of his cage.

Joseph swallows. In his mouth the coppery taste of blood. Bruises already form on his arms and shoulders, evidence of his refusal to go without a fight. His mind cycles in turns, taking in the scene around him and flashing back to what happened hours ago.

A blur of colors as the robe is stripped from his body.

...