A Safe Place in Unrest

Haven

It’s terrifying to show people who you are

When many see it all in black and white

I tend to live a life in color

Yet with questions always in my mind

Am I right, or am I wrong

To be emotional and be strong?

To feel deeply and appreciate all the little things

While pain comes easily

My thoughts get messy

Joy is translated into a lack of maturity

I walked a lonely road in childhood

Close friends were few

Until I discovered a haven on a college campus

And given gifts of acceptance, love, support, and encouragement

Where silliness, messiness, and sensitivity were welcomed with open arms

“Let yourself be loved”

The cry and prayer for ourselves and one another

I found them, and in turn I found myself

So the road continues into adulthood

Returning to a place that feels too small and confining

Like wearing jeans that no longer fit

Surrounded by those set in their ways

Love when the chips are down, but adamant on keeping walls up

Connected by blood, but distanced by experience

Torrent rain falls

Instead of the touch of grace, one gets the bruising of stones

It’s one thing to show the world who you are

But another to consistently be yourself

 When you’re still figuring it out

Hearing “We love you, but we’re just not good at showing it”

But love is not silent

Love overpowers self-hatred

And what is love that makes you question if you’re living well

Because you’re not living exactly like everyone else

In between such questions is the truth

One’s own truth

That what makes us different, the quirks and set apart’s

With time become gifts

Gifts from God’s spirit

That help us to love and live better

So with these gifts we must create a haven

A haven to feel like heaven

On an earth that sometimes feels like hell

For anyone that questions or seeks or longs to belong

Because we belong to each other

We are meant to grow together

To need connection, faith, and strength

That is where I build my haven

And I invite you to come in

Be a haven with your words

 Speaking with peace and comfort

Be a haven with your actions

 Giving shelter and safety for those that feel lost or rejected

Be a haven with your heart

Knowing that little things do make a difference

photo credit: October Warmth via photopin (license)