FORTRESS

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians. 4:13 KJV

People always tell me how strong I am,

Admiring the composure they see.

Yet, inside, Jesus holds the frail

Shaking bird, praying for safety.

Don’t confuse my lack of tears for strength,

they are dammed up behind stone walls,

protecting my vulnerable heart.

Don’t confuse my serene stance for strength,

for it is a mask which covers the myriad

of emotions that are so fragile.

You may never know the real me,

I hide the guilt and pain and fears so well.

I will never allow you close enough

for fear that you might hurt me.

I choose to stay in the safety of loneliness.

I have tried to surrender what I have become,

but, by my own will, I am not strong enough.

Neither are you capable of penetrating the fortress

the enemy and I have so carefully built.

Lord, Jesus, descending through the wings of a dove,

strip away the chains, tear down the walls,

that I may learn to love again.

Written 5/11/1995

Tags: Broken, Dove, Fear, Heart, Love, Protected, Trust