Silence: a Poem

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”      Philippians 2: 5-7.

A syrupy slur of worry

Sloshed around my heart;

My veins overflowed for days

Because of my vagrant ways.

Who will save me? When?

Each sorrow begins again.

I heard a voice then say,

“I was the same way;

Do not fear.”

I expected the cold would sear

My face, but rather, as I

Returned to my room lately

The open night welcomed me:

A heaven of little witnesses

Descended, mingling free.

The air was limitless,

Lying still, and quiet.

And sidewalks sparkled silent,

Etched holy and mild;

I felt myself a child.

 

That verse in Philippians quoted above has been around me for a few days, so I felt I should keep it near. I wish I knew it better. The voice I heard was my mom’s, a testimony of how much mothers can help, and not only that, but of understanding compassion. I am interested in how Philippians 2:5-7 can connect with someone who struggles in some way. Jesus never sinned, yet he understands our weaknesses. In his weakness, he not only understood us, but performed love in coming into it. And to love God and our neighbor is ultimately what He calls us to do.