Forgiveness

FORGIVENESS

Scraped knees from falling to the ground in defeat.

Raw, torn fingers from scraping and pounding the walls closing in.

Salty cheeks, dry riverbeds when no more tears can come.

I can’t do it, I can’t be perfect, I can’t even come close.

Bruised and battered, soul sinking to the ground.

The eternal agony of falling short.

this is the pain of humanity.

Trying to follow Christ, but finding you are so far behind

that ahead, the road is empty-no one is left.

But next to you, the light illuminates the dark places in your mind.

A hand lifts your soul up, dries you tears, and you can stand.

Power is in you, a love and hope so bright

you forget the pain.

You are still hurt. Your torn fingers, though, willingly take His

You find the pain is gone when your knees bend to follow Him.

The road is no more empty, but you can see angels on either side

they smile. They know you.

As you walk, you learn from Him, and it stirs a memory.

Your bruises are gone.

He points out their memories on you-memories, no more, just

loving reminders that here is better.

As you walk, your heart gets lighter, the hiil becomes easier,

and the once harsh heat is cooled by a breeze.

You ask why it feels familiar, all of it. He turns and shows you,

fluttering far behind, and then, turnilng again, far ahead,

a white curtain.

Beyond here, He said, from forever to forever, I was with you.

I am with you. I will be with you.

Come home.

Olivia Madsen

Winter-Spring 2013