Arise

I've noticed many songs recently with the words "rise from the ashes".  I couldn't find a scripture reference from my brief search, but it is an intriguing notion to me. Ashes make me think of a fire, burning, burnt, death - to arise from that seems pretty remarkable. And yet, that is how I feel lately. Life has been hard and it has promised more of the same. The road I am currently on is very difficult and I often don't want to be here. But I am given these spurts of strength and energy; hope seems to well up inside me and I feel like I am rising from the ashes. Granted, it's not too long before I'm sucked back down into the fire, but there is that "moment"...

Recently, I remembered a poem I had written millions of years ago - ha! Life was hard then too but Jesus promised me He would never leave me to walk it alone. Amazingly, those very words have brought me comfort again. I thought I would share it here, for this is where I'm at in dealing with my mom. She remains a tower of strength in my eyes, although, she is clearly declining in my midst.

ARISE 

"Arise, pick up your pallet and walk”

But with each step I tire and long to lay me down again, near the pool…lying sick, helpless

Waiting for your healing

And you come now saying “Walk”

But life seems to drain from me as I take a few steps; my heart empties onto the street

But still you come, saying “Walk”

Before my knees buckle and I plunge face first into reality,

Stand with me, Lord

Please hold my hand

And when you think I’m able,

Lead me, Lord, down your path

Until someday, one day, when I can walk on my own two feet