It’s been the worst of times and the best of times.
Recent weeks have been a period of great turmoil when it felt like everything that could be shaken was being shaken.
The past I thought dead and buried in memory rose up to greet me with renewed darkness and pain.
The present brought challenge and a pressing need for change I didn’t feel ready for.
Nothing felt safe anymore.
My heart was exposed.
Raw. Wounded. Hurting.
I wrote the poem below to express how it felt.
Maybe you can relate to it too.
Shards
Waterfall of rain
sheets hard and fast
steady on pane
with resounding drum
as I wall up my heart
with frame of glass
encasing erratic thrum
ready to part
and shatter all content within
leaving me raw
exposed, bleeding
vulnerability
all over the place
pain stabbed deep
wounded, lanced
shards sharp
piercing steep
in fiery dance of fury
on softness
exposing traces of all
kept hidden over time
and years
when nothing hurtful
allowed entry in this space
and vale of tears
©JoyLenton2013
Yet…there was a new surge of life within as the frame of my thinking shattered.
The old ways had to give way to deep excavation, renovation, rebuilding and renewal.
Peace and purpose grew from pain.
Shattered life made safe by God’s continual presence.
And Christ bled vulnerable for me and you.
He suffered deep dark pains within so that we could be recipients of His love.
There is nothing we go through that is a mystery to God.
He wants to re-write our history in the light of His grace.
His arms are ready to catch His broken child.
God alone can make us whole again.
Are you willing to offer Him your brokenness in exchange for His desires for you?
I know I can trust no other to mend me fully and set me on the right path again.
Poetry Joy 
This was very moving! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Jenn. Pain is a common theme we can all relate to at some level or another.
This was very moving, thank you for sharing!
Powerful words Joy. “Shards” are very sharp and can cut and wound very deep. “His love” is the only suave that can and will heal and make whole! Thank you Joy, for this tremendous reminder of the power of healing, through our Lord. Blessings.
Yes, Kathy, God’s love is an ointment, salve and healing potion for our wounds. Though it may take time, we can become whole and healed anew. Blessings.
Very moving and heartfelt.
Thank you, Anne. It was deeply personal yet also universal as we all have painful places in our lives that need the Healer’s touch.
God bless you, Joy. My first response was, “Wow!”. This is powerfully emotional for anyone that has had those scars, we thought healed over completely, revealed. But, we have a Savior. Our God sent Jesus to heal our wounds and set us free. Hallelujah! How do people stay sane in this life without Him? Or maybe, I shouldn’t say sane. How do they appear reasonable and normal? Personally, I think many people are very practiced with their tightly battened down facades. I prefer freedom in the spirit. Beautiful and poignantly written, my sister, your poetry is powerful. Love, Debby xxxooo
My thoughts too, Debby! I would be lost without God and His sustaining grace. Freedom for me is being able to express the good, bad and ugly sides of life and give glory to the One who brings us through them. Hallelujah! Blessings and love to you, my friend. Xx
I forgot to tell you. The picture is absolutely fab!
Deb
Thanks, Debby! It was my first attempt at a pin now I’ve just joined Pinterest. So pleased you like it. Xx
Thank you for sharing your amazing piece, reminds me of Lamentations chapter 3. i totally empathise because i’m still reeling from the sudden death of my beloved husband and the changes in mine and my daughters lives. But our hope is renewed daily along with Gods faithfulness .
Dedo, my heart goes out to you. I am so sorry for your loss and the suffering it has brought with it. May you know the peace, rest and comfort that only God can give us at such a painful time. His faithfulness, mercy and grace are new every morning and He will fully meet your needs. Blessings.