equality

i

me

you

they

where

is the

distinction

that makes

one better

than the

other?

light in the dark

when the lights go out
its dark
inside
and yet,
outside
the stars
seem to shine
so much
brighter.

favorite

I look out
at everything
growing so wild
and faithfully beneath
the sky
and wonder
why we are the one
terrible
part of creation
privileged
to refuse our flowering

- David Whyte
"The Sun"

invisible chains

in a dim room
you wait
you know what is to come
its happened too many times
to count
the days and nights blur together
no escape
no hope

a little boy with curly hair
he calls you "mama,"
he runs across the dirt floor
into your open arms
you hold his thin body

a breath before the storm
the darkness presses in
you feel the marks and pain
but
you don't see your naked body
memories flash before
your tired eyes

you tell him
"I'll be back"
working far away
is a small price to pay
for his life
a small price to pay
for hope
they promised
us a better life

resigned to your fate
empty and numb
you no longer feel
anything
as
heavy footsteps echo nearer
and you break your face
into a weary smile

you knew you would be working
but
not like this
not this way
you are paraded and priced
a human with a tag
measured and humiliated
beaten and raped

the door creaks open

you scream and fight until they break you

you're blinded by the sudden stream of light
heavy footsteps approach your dirty mattress

they show you a
recent picture of your son
all plans for escape are forgotten

you press inside yourself,
you clear your mind,
you harden your heart
you tear your soul,


you are forgotten,
worthless,
something to be used
and tossed,
traumatized
and empty
you are only nineteen
but you feel as if you've lived
a thousand endless years

as you look up into the eyes
of one of the countless number of
men that will
rape you

you smile and beckon
you have to

who will set you free?
who will heal you?
who will fix the damage that has been done?

who will love you?

who will break your invisible chains?

"I will," He whispers.

who am I

I believe in God. I believe in Jesus. I believe in the Holy Spirit. I believe that I can have an intimate relationship with God that overflows into every aspect of my life, every decision, every thought, and every action. I believe that I am saved solely by the blood of Christ, and not by works. I also believe faith without works is dead. I believe in a God that loves unconditionally. I believe in a God that answers prayers. I believe in a God that cares for the broken. I believe in a God that is heartbroken when His children sin, and suffer. I believe in a God that is with us when we suffer, and when we are at peace. I believe that God can save my family, my city, my nation. I believe in a love that isn’t sentimental, but unyielding and powerful. I believe in being a servant to others. I believe in standing up for what I know is right. I believe that there is always hope. I believe that all things are possible through Christ. I believe in helping others, even to the point where I must make sacrifices, for my God made a sacrifice for me. I firmly believe that people, places, nations, families, and governments can be transformed by the power of God and His wonderful work in our hearts and communities. I believe in community, and being open and transparent with one another. I believe in bearing the suffering of others. I believe in laughter and conversations that break through the surface stuff. I believe that all people are children of God, and should be treated as such. I believe in being fearless and bold, but humble and gentle. I believe in youth, and their power to make a difference in the world. I believe in healing and miracles. I believe in prayer. I believe in worship-but also believe that worship takes many forms. I believe in heaven. I believe in hell. I believe in angels and demons. I believe in our victory in Christ. I believe in surrender. I believe in taking time to enjoy each moment and to truly live. I believe in balance. I believe in family and friends-and being real. I believe in being a faithful steward of everything that has been given to me.

half across the globe
you sleep on cold, hard ground
innocent and broken
dirty hands and easy smile

you don't know how to read
you've never been to school
you've been hurt, used, exploited
you've known nothing else

do you know that you are loved?

half across the globe
your picture flashes on our screens
your pain exploited once again
in the hope of rescue

if it breaks our hearts, will we help you?

you're half across the globe
you're half across this town

James 1:27

26-27Anyone who sets himself up as "religious" by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.

John 14:18
18I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

ill give you

all my buried treasure
all my dreams and hopes
everything I hold on to

[this is the time to change
this is the time to surrender
this is the time to let go]

ill open up my hands
& drop all these empty jars

to reach out to You

for a better hope

journey

walking along this winding road
im blinded by the light
where am I headed?
who am I following?

the road is long and weary
the signposts seem obscured
this path leads into the unknown
where am I headed?
who am I following?

each step I take
I take in faith
though I can't see you
you lead me on this journey

surrender

i know who i am
when I sit at Your feet



outline me again
(i fear i've faded)

ella

you are so fragile and beautiful
innocent and utterly helpless
you'll laugh easy
and cry easier
you wait to be held
and loved

we don't know who you will become
it doesnt matter,
you are precious
and
we already love you

closure

you were beautiful
you were like a shadow
showing me the path of the sun
i was afraid to step into your shade
and feel

i was too silent
but you warmed my heart
when you were near

you are still beautiful
a broken dream not forgotten

but

I know now
you are only a shadow
because of His brilliance


and His love will lead me elsewhere
(if there is one, you aren't him)

these sins
i write in pen
by candlelight

you still my hand
and whisper
"my righteousness"

you cannot find it

be careful
where you
leave your
heart.

fear of man

i listened
you spoke of fear
and idolatry
you broke my soul
with repentance
i knew your displeasure
and your mercy
tears you drew forth
in recognition
that i have sinned
against you alone
what is man,
that I fear him?
what is man,
that I lust
for his approval?
what is man,
that I revere him?
break this yoke
destroy this stronghold
I can't do this without your strength

each day that comes

sing me to sleep
ill trust in you
each day that comes
is brand new

my heart may fail
my lungs may seize
each day that comes
ill give you praise

you pull me close
with every star
each day that comes
you are not far

the sun will set
night will reign
each day that comes
you bear my pain

ill try to serve
with all i am
each day that comes
i learn i can

break my world
like shattered glass
each day that comes
you fix my mess

i am not whole
I feel so small
each day that comes
ill heed your call

(each day that comes,
help me to trust in you.)