Encouragement

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When the sun shines, I feel Your glowing warmth enfolding me in Your arms.
I savor the comfort willing it to last indefinitely.
It caresses my very soul, and for now, just in this moment everything is perfect.

I turn my back to the surmounting clouds coming from the west.
For when I turn toward the East You are tangible.
The clarity in which I stand in Your presence cannot be daunted.
With my back to the storm.

I start seeing shadows creeping, crawling around objects in my periphery.
The breeze tickles the hair follicles on my neck.
You are still shining on me, but the warmth is dulled.
I perceive the encroaching storm.

The shade now makes You seem so dim and far away.
I preserve the heat in my soul You have given to sustain me.
My skin becomes chilled.
The thunder grumbles.

I draw a breath of cold air, as the skies become dismal.
Raindrops bombard my hide
Lightning quakes me to my very core.
Dynamite detonates all around me.

Hail starts thudding the ground.
It stones me painfully,
stealing the last of Your warmth that You gave me to keep.
I lie down yielding to the onslaught, beaten.

The rampage plays out and passes.
I am broken, bruised and stunned.
I cling to the chill as I once clung to Your warmth.
Through closed eyes I feel the world brighten around me.

I lie on the muddy earth as an unborn fetus, and cry like a baby.
The torrents of rain from my eyes, wash my grimy face.
I squint toward the east where the shadows of the
storm are being chased by the illumination in the West.

I rise to my feet and turn from the storm.
Lifting my head I feel Your compassionate face shining down on mine.
My wounds still hurt, but they will be healed.
I am reminded that had I only found shelter in You I would not have been harmed.

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