Throughout the thicket like a drum pushed,

Thoughts through my head, a wounded bird in a bush.

Words, which were spoken and considered to be light,

Were caught in the wind, grew wings, and took flight.

 

Day after day my heart cried,

Hoping it was soon these thoughts would die.

Captured in a moment, words spoken so free

Became a lifetime of rejection for me.

 

Caustic remarks, a look, or a jeer,

Sent tremors of pain; unrelenting fear.

Trapped in a cage with nowhere to go,

Who could I speak to, my pain I would stow.

 

My face painted with laughter, performing with glee,

Wondering if someday I’d be accepted for me.

Pushed back again, my hurts buried deep.

I longed to be treated with care and sensitivity.

 

Idle words spoken were thought to be cute.

Like a spear through my heart, my lifeline went mute.

Again I reached, grasping what I could,

I held on for life, thinking it was good.

 

Nothing worked. My plans were dashed,

All efforts were futile; the dreams seemed to crash.

Though misty-eyed and weary, a light thru the darkness came

Showing me the way; and casting off my shame.

 

As a babe I crawled, knowing someday soon

I’d stand with His help; maybe even dance to a tune.

Like nature itself sheds its skin,

He took every burden and drew me to Him.

 

In spite of the labels, rejection, and scorn,

In His hands He kept me while being transformed.

Now assured of His love, confidently I press

To a higher calling as I fulfill His quest.

 

No matter the mission, regardless of the game,

Releasing all to Him erases the shame.

Born for a purpose and focused to achieve,

I’m determined more than ever to help those who are grieved.

 

Now I know, though difficult to see

Is the pain I experienced becoming victory for me.

So if you are scorned or abused in any way—

Your help, your lifeline, is a spoken word away.

 

Know that He is life, and His gift to you is free.

Put aside condemnation; walk with Jesus and me.

Perhaps to you, my words seem light.

But for the sake of us all, let’s put an end to strife.

 

Whether good or bad, our words will live on.

There is no joy in being lost and forlorn.

Together if we try, we can really be a blessing.

Let’s start with our mouths; commit to positive confessing.

 

From Teri's book of inspirational poetry, When My Spirit Sings...