Mirror, mirror

Once upon a time there was a little girl who thought she was a princess, beautiful and loved.

One day she was thrown in front of a mirror by a group of sadistic, mean spirited children. As they laughed and jeered, she was horrified to see the sad truth.

Her clothes were ragged and torn, her skin mottled and smeared with dirt. She was tall and plain. Dull, straw colored hair hung in tangled, greasy strands around her gaunt shoulders.

Falling to her knees, sobs wracked her. Everything she believed was ripped away without mercy. Nothing was left but black hopelessness.

She lay down on the ground, curled into a ball, and closed her eyes against the taunting faces as hot tears streaked her cheeks. The girl fell asleep, praying to never wake up.

But she did wake up. Her Father gently shook her from sleep, helped her to her feet, and took her home. He bathed her, washed her hair and helped her into a beautiful new gown. They enjoyed a meal together and He took her into His arms and reminded her that she was so much more than what anyone saw. She was His.

And that was all she needed.