This is The Place

by an Anonymous Author

This is the place where tears are celebrations
Where the mortally wounded three year old child
Feels safe enough to show herself for the first time
Then is protected, wrapped in love
And restored to health
Day by day.

This is the place where the most shameful secret
Holds something to honor
And nothing to hide
And the deepest pains and fears
Are most deeply the good news.

This is the place where truth is told
Where the hardest things are said first
And the damages are not diminished or denied.
Fear is a lie
And love is everything.

This is the place where I celebrate taking care of myself
And don't feel selfish
Boundaries are a high calling

here
And the love I give to me
Flows out freely to others around me.

But be aware, faint of heart
This is a place of pain
The truth shows deep and jagged wounds
And the healing comes by reliving the wounding
The tearing of your flesh and spirit and soul.

In this place you live the pain
Breathe it, taste it, hear it
Give it a place to stretch and groan
And cover you and sear you.

And in the depth of your pain
This is the place where joy is born
In the heart of a small child
Who died inside before she ever lived
And now, day by day
She is filled to overflowing
With hope and love and life
And she is safe.

Because
This is the place
Where someone cares
Knows
Hears
Understands
Believes.