Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors...Romans 8:37

The Cleansing Tree

I remember it well...the very first time
That you really looked at me:
"Now what is wrong?"
you queried through snarling lips
I replied,
"The cleansing tree."

Then I watched, as your own
thoughts and doubts
Etched changing patterns
onto your face;
You hadn't a clue
how to construe
What was really
taking place.

"The cleansing tree," I repeated
between body-wracking sobs
and stinging tears,
But you stood silent,
in wretched defiance:
You were trapped
in your own fear.

I raised my face
with pleading heart -
Oh, that you
might realize!
And in that moment
locked-in-time,
You caught
and held, my eyes.

I watched as the Truth
pierced your heart, too
As suddenly, you fell
Beside me, to one
knee,

Together, we wept
for we had found
The LORD...
and The
Cleansing Tree.

C.2006 Rhonda S. Galizia ~Scribe Unto The LORD~
All Rights Reserved.
Published, Best Poems of The 90's, NLP
Recorded, Sound of Poetry
Received, The Editor's Choice Award

*No folks, this is not my personal story... That was the singular most-asked question, the night of the Rally, too.  However, I am, indeed, a past-abuse victim, but this poem was given to me in its entirety, one day as I was on my face, praying.  That same day, a request came in the mail from NLP, for a poem for inclusion in The Best Poems of The '90's, and I understood.  It is also no coincidence, that the rally took place in the same time
venue...and I became a speaker.  It was all in God's plan for the deliverance of myself and my daughter ...and hope for all the others there.  One of the patches I created for the Quilt, showed a barren desert, with footprints that led steadfastly, one step at a time, into the horizon - where The Cross stood firmly, at the center. My theme for the night was "ONE PATH FROM VICTIM TO VICTORY." 

The Cross of CHRIST - The Cleansing Tree - was my focus.  At my request, [and as closely as I can recall since my stroke] my very gifted friend, Ray, etched a man and woman, kneeling at a tree, which formed an abstract cross. The man stood above the woman, who was on her knees, with her face in her hands.  He had his hand resting gently on her and they were both weeping.  It was even more magnificent than I had contrived in my mind's eye!  To the best of my knowledge, unless Winnie has retired, or left for another reason, that plaque is still hanging on her wall at the Women's Shelter to this day....Winnie, if you ever read this, I mss you and I love you, and I want you to know, that now, even I, am becoming a Counsellor!  Thank you for the incredible seeds of strength and love you planted into us.  God keep you safe forever!

**Abuse is an evil spirit, with many followers [ensuing spirits].  He comes in endless forms, and to varying degrees.  You have to deal with him/them spiritually.
God is spirit.  Only He, through His HOLY Spirit { which is, God In us!} provides the spiritual armor and understanding, necessary to do battle - and win the war.  i.e. We are more than conquerors in CHRIST Jesus ...We are OVERCOMERS!