Life's Scars

I received the most interesting call the other day from a friend who I don't get to talk to often enough.  It was wonderful.  She shared hope with me in that call.  She encouraged me to keep going because the relief I seek may be around the corner or through the darkest tunnel but it is indeed there.

She also told me about scars. Scars are not my favorite because they mean a wound has occurred and who in their right mind would ask for that to happen?  Not me.  I dwelled on her wisdom and this poem was what came.  It is for my Friend, with a capital F.

Scars

My soul has many a hideous deep scar
permanently its beauty they mar
some come quickly from a near relationship
other gashes come from random words that rip
it all wounds the heart the same
torn and hurting with gross maim
then Jesus comes near, bends down on knee
hears heart's struggle with desperate help plea
He says gently, Lay still. Remain in Me calm
I can stitch, heal and spread Holy Spirit balm
these wounds need time, will heal slow
as I help heart's scar tissue to grow
healing will come, fully complete
He begins His work, making His stitches neat
all finished He strokes my face says, Lay still
as through the healing process you learn My will.
much time slips through life's hour glass
I no longer hurt, healing has come to pass
the scar tissue remains always in me
but now I can with joy look at it to see
that the tissue there is incredibly strong
a badge of honor saying: to Him I belong
much wounding I did survive
have healed, am now free to thrive
knowing by scar's reminder deep
no matter what comes my heart in His I'll keep.

humble {hugs},
Shea

Do you look up?

Isn't she adorable?  This is how I think that Jesus wants us to feel about His love for us. Little faces looking up into His as we absorb the awesome fact He loves us.  Yet so often the world's voice is the one that wins out for our attention.  I know that is how it was for me, especially in high school.  While I wasn't bullied, I lived in fear that I would do something that would make me the next target.  There are others who suffered far worse than this.  While thinking about bullying this poem came for my heart and all of those who lived or are enduring the nightmare.

Look Up

the path I quickly walk
brings me with teens face to face
some group up or happily talk
others wish to occupy no space
the ones who break a heart
children who up don't glance
long ago learning the hiding art
not giving teasing a chance
on looks the world passes judgment
selling its wounding soul lies
seeking destruction of heart's content
look down the world cries
Jesus gently to your soul does tell:
you are simply His
He made you incredibly well
not to believe peers in this
different you indeed may be
plain or pretty, short or tall, thin or round
possible to have skin pimply
your worth based on these unsound
for earning peer approval brings naught
keep going, says Whisper, find His face
letting go what society has you taught
all hope, trust in Him should heart place
you're fearfully made in an exact way
nothing by accident created
you are wonderful, hear Me say
My truth can not be debated
Let Me heal hurt soul
know this: I died just for you
wanting you, through My love, made whole
to accept Me, all sins forgiven true
loved one, sing just your life song
no more in bullies lay belief
for to Me you will always belong
let Me hold all your grief
know your preciousness not lost
give to Me the hurt, many a ton
your soul need not bear this cost
now is healing time, for I have won
I hold safely your life story
your identity in Me stable
your life shines with My glory
heal in Me, I'm more then able
now loved one, you can have life free
from bullies now safe, you ask?
yes, but only if you look up to Me
your heart in only My approval can bask.

{hugs}
Shea

Regret

This was prompted by a very good friend of mine.  I have regrets, big hairy ones, that lurk in the past waiting to pounce too, then these words came....

Regret

Do you know regret?
she is quiet during hours of day
when responsibilities must be met
they help to keep her voice at bay
but the night! oh! the night!
when silence does quietly fall
she begins to wield her weapon with might
reminding tired soul of choices all
that have been made so wrong
decisions that turned life sour
in regret a soul to find no rest for long
as chased hour upon hour
seeking a place rare
where regret cannot follow
run into My strong fortress, comes in on air
soul obeys, meets a gentle: hello
I'm glad in Me you chose to hide
I've longed to say your regret I'll take
if you remain by My side
I spin beauty with regret for My glory's sake
yes, decisions were made, some bad
but you asked and I forgave
let truth come heal soul so sad
your life I've redeemed, did save
now watch what I can do with regret!
a snip here, a tuck there
and wisdom now you get
let your mind find rest in My care
knowing with regret you need not live
accept my love, healing with gentleness
beauty for ashes I truly give
as through regret I can bless.

{hugs}
Shea