DARKNESS BRIGHT

…my God, you make my darkness bright.
—Psalm 18:29

For countless kids who live behind domestic bars,
Caged behind hurt and shadowed fears, parental blame;
Their tiny hearts, exposed to thunder from the heights,
Are struck with bolts—singeing their souls with volts of shame.

They search for him or her or them or it, to heal
Their hearts’ abyss through things which numb, like pills or lust…
Such empty quests are caged by pain in noonday nights—
Who can release such souls, shamed by dread and distrust?

“The spirit of the Lord has come, anointed Me
To liberate captives, and set prisoners free.”*
For you with wounded hearts, hiding in fear and shame,
Open your arms: let Him become your deepest liberty.

*Luke 4:18-19