I’ve written about ripples before, how one thing impacts another and waves move ever outward, the whispering breath of my spirit carried out into the world, brushing gently against all in its path. A kiss on the horizon that finds its way back to me.
There is a song that moves my heart. When I hear it, the strains fill me, move me, cover me, and touch my very soul. Everything about it speaks to me, as though it was written just for me. Not long ago, I mentioned this song in conversation, and remarked that it’s one of my favorites. It comes up on my Pandora mix every once in a while, and it almost always makes me cry. It just takes me to that place. The other day, a friend shared this very song on Facebook, especially for me. That ripple had made its way back to me.
Late at night, after the kids had gone to sleep, I sat cradled in the hammock swing on my porch, breathed in the crisp autumn air, and listened. Over and again, I played that song. Tears fell. I went inside the music, and sobbed, from the very core of me, releasing my self from myself. I thought about my life, and who I am. I thought about what I want. I thought about love, what it is, and where it comes from. I thought about my place in this earth, the mother I am, the life I lead, the responsibilities I shoulder. All the while, the music played, and tears rolled down my face.
I sobbed my heart out, and decided that it really doesn’t matter if the man who fits ever appears, because I’m beautiful through and through, in my heart of hearts where beauty matters. In that place, I am pure and innocent, and in that place I am love. It’s not about all the men who have gone before. It’s not about anything but me. In that place, I see my self. I see someone who is worthy of my love. I stood naked in front of my mirror, while the music played. I touched myself. I moved my hands all over my body, slowly, looking at the curves and the shadows, looking through unveiled eyes at something beautiful, as tears rolled down.
I must have listened to that song thirty times or more. I cried my heart out, and touched myself, looked at myself with respect and regard, all the while loving myself. I know who I am. I saw myself, maybe for the first time, for the beautiful woman that I am. I saw myself, perhaps, as those who love me see me.
A small spark flickered inside of me; a glimmer of life reborn. Tears streamed down my face and I knew.
I am healing. I can heal.
Lead me where my trust is without borders.
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander.
I will call upon your name.
Keep my eyes above the waves.
My soul will rest in your embrace.
I am yours and you are mine.
When oceans rise, my soul will rest in your embrace.
Fifteen, twenty, twenty five years, or more –scars from so very long ago. I am healing. God is speaking to me in ways that most people wouldn’t understand, in ripples and waves that make their way back to me. I see where I am, and where I am going. It likely won’t make sense to anybody but me, but it doesn’t have to. This is my journey. I am going to walk down this healing path for a while.
I am not afraid.
I am not alone.