Staircase of Stars(Kanesha Andrews) When night falls and the moon rises, a row of glittering lights twinkle in the night sky. Suddenly, those glittering lights begin to move, almost dancing around. They soon take shape, forming a wide path that leads up to the Heavens.

This path is the Staircase of Stars.

As I travel up those glittering flights of stairs that twinkle in the night, I can only stare in awe and wonder at the marvels I will encounter. Each step feels like a journey through the cosmos, a dance among the stars. I reach a dais made of those same endless numbers of stars and step onto it. Before me, I see not only the Sun and the Moon but also the planets of Earth, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, and Pluto as they circle around the sun. In awe, I whisper, “This is what God created.”

A streak of light pierces the darkness – a comet, its fiery tail a fleeting brushstroke across the cosmos. A wave of exhilaration washes over me. Beyond, a nebula glows with an ethereal symphony of colors, painting the sky with hues of pink, purple, and blue.

Suddenly, a voice, warm and resonant, materializes beside me. A second Staircase of Stars appears, its path leading to a set of dazzling, yet firmly closed, golden gates. Through the intricate bars, I glimpse a paradise beyond description, a kaleidoscope of colors and ethereal light.

“Not now, but one day… you will be able to walk up these gates, and they will open for you and many others. Yet, for now… I need you to be patient and continue to trust me as I lead you on your journey. I know that it has not been easy; walking the path of Faith is never easy. Yet, continue to trust me and know that anytime you need to be among the stars… you and those who are walking with you are always welcome.”

I smile as I turn my attention back to the endless spectacle of space. I feel a hand grab mine, and I continue to smile. I look up and see before me handsome eyes that are like stars.

“We walk this path together,” the man beside me says, his voice filled with unwavering conviction. “Just as God is with you, so am I. We will climb these staircases countless times, side by side.”

Tears well in my eyes. “Of course,” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. “I’m just… afraid. Uncertain. But yes, walking these stairs with you… it’s beautiful.”

“Have faith, my love,” he replies, squeezing my hand. “I am here, always. We will walk the Staircase of Stars together, forever.”

A warm presence joins us, an older man with a smile as comforting as sunlight. “We are all with you, child,” he says, his voice a gentle rumble. “God sent us to walk at your side. You are never alone, angel. Never.”

A woman, her face etched with love, steps forward. “We love you,” she whispers, her voice echoing the sentiment that surrounds me.

In that moment, bathed in the celestial glow, I understand. I am not alone. Standing on that platform of starlight, surrounded by love and faith, a profound peace settles within me. I look around, a radiant smile illuminating my face, and whisper, “This is what God created. And I am not alone.”

---