"Stop talking."
That's what they told me. They said I'm as good as dead if I don't keep my mouth shut... and they might just be right. I receive death treaths every now and then. Sometimes I feel people tailing me when I drive. One too many times I felt that I would already die. But I don't.
They say that truth will set you free, but in my case it gives me sleepless nights. I pray to God each and every day to give me courage and strength. To help me endure all these things that happen and it leaves me in tears. But I need to be strong; for those whose voices cannot be heard, for those who are too afraid of the consequences, and for those who choose to remain silent. I may have sleepless nights, but I like it better than sleeping soundly at night knowing that there are those persecuted, abused, and made to believe in false gods. I need to be strong.
I need to.
I need to.
As I walked in front to deliver my homliy, there were eyes that sent shivers down my spine. That's normal. I get those eyes a lot. They glare at me, showing me their intent, not even trying to hide how much they want me dead...but that doesn't stop me. I step forward, not with caution but with boldness. What I have with me is truth, and if it's truth that I hold, why is there a need to be scared?
If the shepherd himself is afraid of the wolves, then to whom would the flock run to? If the shepherd leaves his sheep, then who would defend them? If the shepherd choses to abandon the flock, what hope do they have left? I may be a weak shepherd; with a lot of flaws and disabilities but it does not stop me. I am not scared of being devoured by a pack of wolves, what scares me is seeing my precious sheep being gnawed and consumed by them.
And so I continued preaching. The mass went on and I left no stone unturned. I said all that I am sure to be true...and then it came. The sound of gunshot.
Suddenly my body felt as heavy as led. There were people screaming, and I heard footsteps coming towards me, fast and nervous. Then the world spun before me until all I can see is light.
I should have been frightened, but all I could think of is how I will not be able to finish the mass.
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