by Kelly Pelton (written to myself 07 Oct 2025)

You've struggled, decades, up to now.
What God's allowed would fill a book 
of conflict, pressure, and suspense,
ironic twists that greatly shook

your fragile peace, disheartened you,
relationships disrupted, ending
harmony, that precious idol
tying you to constant mending.

A part of you interrogating,
"Is this worth it? Are you sure?"
This second-guessing of the truth
you grasped served only to obscure

the narrow way, painfully,
your self divided, deeply torn,
a longing to connect with one
who saw things differently. You mourn

the rift revealed by disagreement
as our Jesus calls you blessed;
your disillusionment with family 
opens you up to His best.

You are securely in His hands,
your undivided self Him trusting.
People-bonds will ebb and flow;
around your true peace they're adjusting.