on femininity.

Dear One,

I see you more clearly each day. I see that you’re exhausted from running. For the longest time you fled from the shame that no woman could ever love you and that every man’s love would be a form of self-gratifying thievery.

Love for you meant being emptied body and soul with no consideration of your heart. Clever you were, hiding from all others eyes, before anyone could overtake, steal, or abandon you.

You traded self love and openness for tough skin and competence. You presented yourself as unbreakably brave and independent, devoid of fragility, need, and vulnerability.

You only permitted others to see your strength; real as that may be it wasn’t the full picture He so selectively and carefully crafted into your being.

Not long ago you dared to let Him look at you. Remarkably, your courage took you further, long enough for your eyes to linger on His as He gave your tenderness a name, Lovely.

In one word He blessed your hunger, that far off place and scattered away your fear, pain, and shame. His Word, full of grace, stood there unyieldingly and called you by your name.

And here you are, face to face, teasing the idea that you are indeed as He says you are, Lovely.