Blessed Poverty

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 6:3

When I have known a poverty of health—
robbed of ease and certainty—
into this stripped down bones of a home
rushed moments of hushed and holy wonder
at the gift of simply being able to breathe.

When I have known a poverty of answers—
despoiled for a time of self-righteousness and pride—
into this brokenhearted, humbled silence
came a Voice, a Presence,
beyond all questions or answers,
tenderly speaking love and life and hope.

When I have known a poverty of peace—
bankrupted by fear and dread—
into this child’s desperate place of need
came Arms of lovingkindness
held open, inviting me
into their sheltering embrace.

When I have known a poverty of pretense—
stripped of striving, hiding, covering—
into this aching place of naked longing
Jesus came, stripped of outer garments
kneeling and revealing his own naked longing,
asking to serve me in the washing of my feet.

This post is from Juanita’s book: Grace Rises