We look at the survivor of neglect and abuse

When  we see her scars, we may think her obtuse,

For there she stands in her trembling rage

Or in fearful withdrawal, excessive dismay.

Coping skills well refined but in tune

With the need to survive, the chaos & ruin

of a life torn and mangled by uncaring hands

that have stolen her childhood with ruthless demands.

Her mind overwhelmed with her sorrow and shame

Sometimes it is hard to recall her own name.

But if we could measure as heaven sees

The extent of her pain and  her silent pleas,

The clattering voices that muddle her mind

And rape her emotions and plunder her life,

If we could assess her raw fortitude,

The distance she climbed from the pit of refuse,

To stand with her scars and her bad attitude

On the border of hell, if only we knew

How far she has come to present what we see

We’d rejoice in her strength and her glad victory!

If we could see her with eyes attuned from above

Could step in her shoes and experience love

With a heart that has pulled itself up from the pit

And cherish the healing that has poured into it

From the heart of a Father who knew all along

That she’d rise from the death of abuse with a song,

And live every moment in search of the truth

Every breath a prayer of sincere gratitude.

If only we saw as heaven sees, we’d find ourselves falling

Down on our knees to offer our praise to the God of us all

Who is able to keep us and make us his prize

By the strength of His Hand and the Love in His eyes.  

©linda settles

www.RedeemingOurTreasures.com