Who is this man 
strolling forward in
my direction, with
eyes full of light
and spirited determination? 

Why should he bother? 
I am a wretched 
sinner with scars 
proving my 
shame. 

I’ve seen too many souls, 
promising love and 
safety, only to 
blame me for their 
inflicted pain.

Come, dearly beloved. 
You are cherished 
in the eyes of my 
Father in Heaven. 

How could he say that? 
Who does he think 
he is, proclaiming 
such love and 
acceptance? 

I am a vagabond, 
unworthy, disgusting, 
a lost dreamer, 
a broken vase, 
a flawed creation. 

A masterpiece one could have 
marveled at, amazed 
at how I was untouched 
by anyone who told 
lies in the naked cold. 

Until life took me 
with one fell swoop, 
trapped me in a chokehold, 
draining life and innocence 
as I begged it to stop. 

Life would not heed, 
until it completed the deed, 
telling me I did this 
to myself, I wanted 
this to happen. 

In every touch, 
every unwanted kiss 
unprecedented pain
ten times over
it proclaimed
how useless I was,
and how alone. 

But this man before me 
still marches onward, 
in loving pursuit, 
relentless, 
unfazed.

Trust me, beloved.
Take my hand, 
neither past nor 
pain can hurt 
what He created.

At his words, all 
resistance and 
hesitation melts, 
all walls come 
crumbling down. 

Before I know what’s happening, 
I am compelled, 
to let him reach 
me, allowing 
his tender embrace. 

Warmth fills my soul, 
as he whispers words 
of comfort, love, 
salvation, and 
redemption. 

Now here I am, 
born again, 
transformed, 
resurrected, 
assured

By a prince I never knew 
I could have wanted, 
promising more than 
what my heart desired, 
fixing brokenness within. 

I owe it all to him 
who believed in me. 
Because of him, 
I am here. 
Now I see.

Editor: Shannon Hensley