My friends have all loved me,

Through the years did express,
Their love and their caring,
But without much success.

I know they were puzzled,
When they said a kind word.
That I did not receive it,
As if I had not heard.

I thought I could hear them,
Thought I could receive,
But that someone could love me,
I could not believe.

And I see that their loving me,
Fell on deaf ears.
I thought I was worthless,
Because of my fears.

So to tell me you loved me,
Brought a blank stare.
Even made me feel edgy,
To know that you care.

But to learn the real reason,
Why I was that way.
Was far from my vision,
I could not even say.

God had to unravel,
To let me see.
Why I did not feel worthy,
I never felt free.

He showed me my value,
As a child of His own.
I began to believe it,
And to not live alone.

I can let others love me,
All of my friends.
The love that the Father,
So freely sends.

I hope they enjoy it,
That I finally hear,
The love that they give me,
It is ever so dear.

I am drinking love freely,
To quench my thirst.
For to let others love me,
I must love myself first.