For the Messiah’s love has hold of us, because we are convinced that one man died on behalf of all mankind (which implies that all mankind was already dead), and that he died on behalf of all in order that those who live should not live any longer for themselves but for the one who on their behalf died and was raised. So from now on, we do not look at anyone from a worldly viewpoint. Even if we once regarded the Messiah from a worldly viewpoint, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is united with the Messiah, he is a new creation — the old has passed; look, what has come is fresh and new! ~ 2 Corinthians 5:14-17, CJB

 

Timid, full of false

Bravado forced to

Display by those who

Couldn’t see my frailties

Hiding deep within

This shell called me.

 

God took this quiet,

Reserved soul,

Pushed me to be

Bold for the world to see,

And declared

I’m wondrously made,

Beautifully designed,

Once broken, now whole

Vessel able to bear

All God gives,

Wise beyond years. 

 

Everything held back

God has released:

Fearlessness of lioness,

 Vociferous and self-assured

Daughter of God

Walking, talking, living;

In keeping with Eternal Design,

Being who

She was created to be:

The new me.

 

~ from True Devotion: A Poetic View Of The Consuming Fire Of Total Praise, Worship, And Obedience; 2007; edited 2014