Hope Victorious

  I will give you the time to say all you need to say To speak your pain – give voice to the agony of soul – empty yourself I will be near I will see you and I will stay here with you When all you’ve held in – comes pouring out of you I will listen I will stand with you and see it I am not afraid of the space that is created I will not try to fill it I can hold my words – this is no time for advice or empty words I cannot be your rescue But I can stand with you Unashamed – Unafraid – I will lend my strength to you For you are Not Alone   You will feel seen but not compared Known but not judged Understood but not assumed of You will be vulnerable but not embarrassed You are loved and we both know that pain is part of love We will not run away or turn aside Not hiding or trying to escape   And when you are ready I will remind you: You are stronger than you think You are well worth your own best effort You are not easily broken and you know how to heal Facing the pain is no small thing Yo

  Mistakes and failings are hidden, covered and fiercely protected.  Exposure creates liability, the possibility of rejection far greater than that of acceptance. It is better to hide behind the façade , to reinforce the image and earn all that can be gained.  Worth, after all, is in titles, roles, abilities and talents; “you are what you do”. Performance is key and the pressure is on to keep going, press on, keep advancing and achieving. Rewards are earned, success is compensated.  Even rest is by merit; you must have earned it! This is the voice of rules, of performance and religion. It chokes the spirit and kills the soul. Leaving a sterile and capable adherence to rules and performance of duty. Lifeless and dull we press on. Love speaks a better word. Love is offered, not earned; with only one   condition. Love must be received.   Love touches the mistakes hidden deep beneath the effort. The failings fiercely guarded. Love calls you by your name, not by the roles you fill.   Yo

  Love sets free Love does not hold down or try to secure Fear will grab and tighten its grip Love will release Love is a risk There is always the possibility of loss Love can hurt Fear will grab hold and try to control Love sets free Love lets go Love waits and watches Love can wonder and worry What if? Love is a risk Love is a reward A fire burning brightly Love spreads and increases Love gives and enjoys Love deepens and transforms Love is a force of change  

       Perseverance is like a tree growing in the narrow crevice of a granite bolder. Without lavish space to spread its roots, or adequate soil to draw in nutrients. Is it enough? No. It really is not enough. Except that the seed has planted here and its purpose is to live. And live it will - It is a tree after all! It will not wait for perfect conditions or generous resources. It will thrive here, where it is planted! With branches and leaves it will live and grow and thrive -   It will produce and drop its seed.  Perseverance is Rewarded!           Perseverance is determined.   It says, “No! I will not be stopped!” The conditions may not be perfect, but perseverance finds a way.           Perseverance is fierce. No matter how loud the opposition, it shouts, “ There is more! There is more for me!”           Because perseverance is personal. The one who perseveres through hardship knows their own worth and will not bow to the estimation of those who oppose them. “I am worth this figh