Sunrise

The destruction was felt for miles around.
For days you were lost, but miraculously you were found.
Alone in your attic, mortality staring you in the face.
Death lurking in the shadows, an image not easily erased.
I just knew that you would be forever bound by your situation.
Suffering in silence, not ready to embrace divine restoration.
I believed I was going to have to pray you through this season

I am surprised, that I can still see the sunrise in your eyes.
And your smile, so bright that it could light the darkest skies.
Considering all you have been through,
I thought your spirit would be tainted and bruised.
The destruction was felt for miles around.
For days you were lost, but miraculously you were found.
Alone in your attic, mortality staring you in the face.
Death lurking in the shadows, an image not easily erased.
I just knew that you would be forever bound by your situation.
Suffering in silence, not ready to embrace divine restoration.
I believed I was going to have to pray you through this season,
I thought you would be seeking understanding, a reason
Why this storm swept in like a thief in the night,
Consuming everything in sight.
Leaving you endlessly questioning tomorrow,
The former things that made your life worth living washed away in tears of sorrow.
But now, as you sit before me,
Sharing your journey through the valley of the shadow of death with me.
I am amazed that I cannot see a trace of death on your face.
Instead, I am overwhelmed by being in your presence, for you are a manifestation of God’s grace.
I am humbled because in the very place that I thought I would find a broken soul,
There is a resilience emanating from you that is powerful enough to forever make me whole.
And I thank you, my sign and wonder, my miracle realized,
I thank God that I can still see the sunrise in your eyes.

The poem was inspired by some of the survivors of Hurricane Katrina that Matthews met while serving as a volunteer at a shelter. She was deeply touched by their courage and strength in the midst of such a tragedy. Thank God that their lives were spared so they could be a living testimony. Readers can send response/comments to [email protected]  Rhonda Matthews copyright 2005

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