The Bend in the Road

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

—Psalm 34:18 NIV

Sorrow lit

the way,

similar every day,

to now a hope that

follows through—

that no man

can undo.

And even though

its sword

drew more than

enough blood,

that left trails

for years,

followed closely

by a row of tears,

the blade struck

nothing but air,

and in the final stare,

I let go of it all.

Never felt so small

as when I pretended

there was no

greater call.

But the scar

built resilience.

The immunity

was strengthened,

sitting in the pestilence.

The light—

that spark that

lit the lamp—

started with being

damp.

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair… struck down, but not destroyed.”

—2 Corinthians 4:8–9 NIV

The shining that

now upholds,

I was terrified

we sold

for nothing in return.

As we started

to burn,

something from

the deep

began to reach

my heart.

Hope at last,

afraid it would pass—

but it never did.

And I never could

not want more

of the same.

The Name of

the King

that saved me

before I even knew

He was there—

still He was near,

outside and within.

It was worth it in

the beginning,

even if I

didn’t understand.

And the end,

walking ’round

the bend,

with stones over

my shoulders

and a heart that

carried even more boulders.

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.”

—Hebrews 10:23 NIV

Now light and free,

still stumbling,

but redeemed—

and focused on who

my hope is in:

Jesus.

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