Chapter XI — Of the Broken Lampstands (The Veil Version — VV) 1. And I saw lampstands set in their places, fashioned to bear light for the way, yet many stood unlit, though the oil was still within reach. 2. For the flame had not been taken, nor the wick destroyed, but the hand that should have lit it hesitated. 3. They knew the light was true, for it revealed the path plainly; yet they feared what the light would expose once it burned. 4. And so they said, “Perhaps later,” and called delay wisdom, though their hearts knew otherwise. 5. The lampstands were not shattered by force, but weakened by reluctance; not silenced by darkness, but dimmed by doubt. 6. For it is easier to leave a lamp unlit than to follow where it leads. 7. Some guarded the lamp carefully, polishing the stand, speaking of its purpose, yet never striking the flame. 8. And the night deepened, not because light was absent, but because those entrusted with it chose stillness over obedience. 9. The Spirit saith: “A lampstand that will not bear light is broken, though it stands upright.” 10. Yet mercy remained, for even a dim wick may yet burn if touched with courage. 11. Blessed are they who light the lamp while fear still trembles in the hand, for the flame strengthens the bearer as much as it guides the way. 12. And thus it is written: lampstands are restored not by certainty, but by action; not by preserving light, but by releasing it. ⸻ 📜 Seal: The VV — The Veil Version 📖 Book I — Chapter XI of XII