by Kelly Pelton (written 22 June 2025)

That which followed me -
hostile pressured mind control -
I could not clearly see
as people, churches tugged my soul

to self-betray for their sake,
so "distressed" were they by me
as though my thoughts would overtake
their fragile, false reality.

I was young when this began.
A part of me would get distressed
and pressure self to make a plan
to hide my view, to be repressed.

Such self-division caused great pain,
all for me to keep close ties
with those who asked me to abstain
from going with myself as wise.

"Don't trust yourself; trust me instead;"
they wanted me to change my mind,
but this insanity had bled
from me all that was well-defined.

The Lord has done a freeing work 
to put me back together, whole,
with all of me out of the murk,
resisting pressured mind control.

I trust Him now with all of me,
not attracting any longer
that same theme I've learned to flee
as His Presence makes me stronger.

Now God's goodness, mercy follow
me, His child no more divided.
Jesus' healing is not hollow;
into His peace we are invited.