The Seed of Hope was planted deep within my heart.
Thirsty I came
Longing deep inside for this awakening to thrive.

I waited… I waited for the rain
To wash away the pain.

The rain was stronger that I could even bear…
This relentless storm of you is exactly what I need
For the light of love to break through and transform
Thorns into myrtle
Bareness into cypress
Hope is alive

Hope is alive.
Hope will thrive.
Myrtle will grow from thorns of pain.

Love will take hold
Out of the rain.

Your renown will be displayed.

When my son, Ethan

…was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy Jesus invited me to begin a journey to redefine motherhood. I was unsure what it would look like to be a mother to a little boy navigating such physical and emotional hardship. Through my tears and questions, Jesus extended his heart toward me and asked me to join him on an expedition toward beauty and the hope that can emerge from lament. He guided me to the words of Isaiah 55:13.

“Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of the briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.”

The imagery of a seed planted in the darkness

…has been a declaration of hope for me. It is in the darkness where a seed begins its process of germination that leads toward life and flourishing. That imagery led my heart to write this poem. This verse holds a promise that God will grow the myrtle instead of the briers.

What I’ve experienced is that briers don’t always disappear. The heartache in my life is still present, and sometimes I question where hope lies. I am continuing to discover that the myrtle can grow right among the briers. I believe that this great human tension of joy and sorrow will not be held in vain. It will be for a deeper understanding of the Father’s heart which will lead toward beauty in His presence.

© Awakening Hope 2023. All rights reserved.