the oak tree
A mighty wind
Blew night and day
It stole the oak tree's leaves away,
Then snapped its boughs
And pulled its bark
Until the oak was tired and stark.
But still the oak tree held its ground
While other trees fell all around.
The weary wind gave up and spoke,
How can you still be standing oak?
The oak tree said, "I know that you
can break each branch of mine in two,
Carry every leaf away,
Shake my limbs and make me sway.
But I have roots stretched in the earth,
Growing stronger since my birth.
You'll never touch them, for you see,
They are the deepest part of me.
Until today, I wasn't sure
Of just how much I could endure.
But now I've found, with thanks to you
I'm stronger than I ever knew.
--Johnny Ray Ryder, Jr.
a prayer for women
Father in heaven, thank You, that none of us goes unseen in Your eyes . . . we matter to You. It matters to You. Provide shelter under Your wing for women who are hurt and confused. Some can't stop crying, others don't know how to start.
Quiet the emotions of those who are distraught, and create a great stirring in those who are numb. Grant women the strength to return to You with their broken hearts and deliver them from the pressure of thinking it must happen all at once.
Uphold their baby-steps in grace and cover their mistakes in mercy. The world is a dangerous place for a girl. Reveal the refuge in being Your daughter. In Jesus' name, Amen.
