My Testimony

When it was strongly suggested that I write my testimony I immediately thought of the following  excerpts from the poem that I wrote entitled "Shatter." It was written  in the midst of troubles going on at home: 
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Shatter
..."If I do the shattering then I'm in control
If someone else does the shattering then I'm vulnerable
It's no fun being a target or feeling exposed
I need to think before I shatter, the people who care about me matter

The people the closest can get cracked and fall away
No relief there, just pain and isolation
Cleaning up emotional messes is hard and most times leaves scars
It takes a whole lot of praying for God to heal and keep me on my guard

So shatter that single pane of glass if you must
I for one live by the slogan, 'In God We Trust'
The damage we cause, some may say, is just
But the life that we shatter may well be our own."
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My testimony is I'm still standing and I'm still here by the grace of God and several prayer chains later. The family here at St.Mark's has been loving and supportive and I feel so blessed to be here. I want to share one last poem that was published about 3 years ago. I hope it brings Christ's love and comfort as it has for me:
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Faith Says

"For every soft caress that brushes away your tears of pain, anger, and frustration.
There is goodness deeply felt, God is good.

For every outstretched hand that catches your stumbles, scrapes, breaks and hidden bruises.
There is strength lifting you up and building your trust. God can be trusted. He is faithful.

For every gently spoken word of encouragement that dispels feelings of not good enough, and who cares?
There is an abiding flame of hope. God is hope.

For every hug that shuts out distractions that weigh heavily on your shoulders and intensely in your muscles.
There is a loving release of peace. God is love and He gives you His peace.

For every celebration of revelation of who we really are and who created us.
There is true joy in the knowledge you have a place of love to come home to."

Amen