The story behind this poem is that as part of my soul care course, I had to (two years ago) write “vows to my own dear heart” as Cathy Hardy encouraged us to write what we felt, and what we saw as our hearts carried so much and what would we say to our own dear hearts.
I wanted to rewrite a new one, a new “Vow to My Own Dear Heart”. So I did, on September 3rd as I was at the lake.
On Monday, God made it clear I needed to write it out and give it to my daughter yesterday, September 26th. So I did.
I told her this:
“As you read it, it is as if you are speaking to your heart - to the core of your being as you see yourself and how God is with you. But I also feel like it is like my seeing you - seeing you as my strong tower of strength daughter - how I described you on Sunday as God gave me that picture of you as I saw you across the room.” (this was during worship last Sunday, and as I looked at my daughter, I saw her I believe, through the eyes of God. She looked like a strong tower, safe, grounded, secure, on the top of rocks. The ocean was beating the rocks with one crashing wave after another. And she, the tower, stood. This was for me, her mom, a beautiful image as I looked at her in worship. A momma’s heart is always for her kids, but it seemed that it was a reminder that Jesus heart is always for his kids too!!
So here it is - the poem that I wrote for me, for my heart originally, but was told to send to her yesterday, to be spoken to Ashley's own dear heart, from her Mom who watches, sees, encourages, loves and prays for her, with an extra dose yesterday, Sept. 26th.
Vow to My own dear Heart
Hey there beautiful - beloved one, daughter of the King
I see you
Your heartbeat is strong
It’s rhythm is steady
You’ve weathered a storm
and you have come out slightly tattered
and torn but whole
You are courageous dear one
You’ve encountered the grief sprung upon you
and the waves of sadness
and anger
and just plain shock!
As you were blown into bits
yet still pumping
Trying to keep it together
trying to feel more than just numb
Seeing chards around you
but determined you would not die
But you would come together
with the same heart beat, but stronger
more aware
and even more deliberate and intentional
To take care of yourself
amidst the broken pieces
shrapnel
and stench of betrayal
You. Are. Strong.
Your Maker has brought your pieces back together
to make you whole
He’s given you increased determination
stamina
wisdom
and love
Take courage dear heart!
You are so loved!
You are so needed!
I will cherish you
and protect you
Because I need you.