Alyssa Underwood

Alyssa Underwood Feb 2016

Awakening will find me
through the daily mundane
faith's step in front of tiny step
for the sake of Christ's great name
Even David the brave did not set out
with a lofty ambition to see the giant slain
but walked forth instead with a servant's heart
obediently for his father, carrying cheese and grain
and as he went in faithfulness about this simple errand
God raised him up with sling and stone to champion His fame

*Inspired by this morning's sermon from Doug Rutt

#faith #growth #awakening #faithfulness #trust #obedience #promotion

Alyssa Underwood Feb 2016

Transformation

I'm kin to the caterpillar
hidden within seasonal sac
awaiting destined identity
tucked tightly into darkness
this secret, inscrutable place

Does it know it will become
a delicate creature of beauty?
Does it know it will soon fly?

I wonder...

do I?

Alyssa Underwood Feb 2016

Ohio

writing
and fighting
with teary haze
remembering days
on reynolds and baird
that trim little white lair
a world bigger on inside
love and order multiplied
children's favorite retreat
family's sanctuary sweet
built by grandpa's hand
and grandma filled it in
with nurturing so wide
always on your side
wish i could restore
a hole in my core
missing them so
wish i could go
back and see
west liberty
as it was
because
i miss
this

Alyssa Underwood Feb 2016

Drawn

God draws out
the deepest, sharpest
most tormenting pain in us
brings it straight to the surface
with raw nerves and ugly roots exposed
then meets us right there in that exact place
with the tender, soothing, healing balm of His love

"I love the LORD, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy. Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live. The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD: 'LORD, save me!' The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was brought low, He saved me. Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. For you, LORD, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living."
~ Psalm 116:1-9

~~~

#god #jesus #healing #pain #torment #exposure #love #deliverance #anguish #comfort

Alyssa Underwood Jan 2016

Letting Go

Nothing held onto,
nothing remains
only You, Lord,
only Your claims

Alyssa Underwood Jan 2016

To Live in Love is to Die

The paradox of the Christian life
is that while we are called to die
we are also called to fight and
while we are called to fight
we are also called to love
But to die and keep dying
is the crux of our fight
and love for God is what
enables us to win the battle