Forgive me Father

I’ve had my share of surprises in life – some good and some not so good. A recent surprise falls on the side of really good. I’m happy to share an original poem (below) with Choose Joy readers, written by an incarcerated woman whom I’ve had the privilege of befriending over the past few months. Her life story is one of trauma and extreme difficulty but she has not given up. In her search for a better life, she has found the gift of God’s love for her, just as she is, and that has made all the difference.

Human nature is a curious thing. As I’ve aged, I thought I knew a good bit about human behavior and development. But then something like this happens and I am brought to my knees recalling how little I really know. God’s love is so huge and his mercy so vast that anyone who calls upon him is transformed in the most beautiful way. Those of us on the receiving end of their experience are taught something incredibly important about real life; when we go through darkness we can’t give up. We must keep our eyes on God and trust in his boundless mercy and love, no matter how difficult the process. God will always be there.

I hope to share more poems by this friend. In the meantime, please take your time with her heartfelt words and appreciate the gift of love, prayer and wisdom which she gives us.