awakening

I am so preoccupied with the politics of resentment
With the politics of judgment
as india arie writes - "let's fly high on the wings of forgiveness"

for so long, I've been reducing my world
to rules of inclusivity and exclusivity
but for once I can say
being on the outside has never felt so real
never felt so good

My battles with abandonment and loneliness have begun
I'm not afraid anymore
the war's already been won
My Jesus, Friend of sinners
has long restored my soul, redeemed me from all forces of darkness
I've just been refusing to recognize
the power of His love, His arms, and His peace
in my soul

the hardest lesson to learn in life
is acknowledging that love means giving all of me
without expectation of reward

"Oh God, grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change
The courage to change the things that I can
And the wisdom to know the difference
Oh God, give me the courage to love with an open heart,
To love with an open heart, to love with an open heart...
I want to love with an open heart..."