Stretch Me
It would not be a stretch
To say
There is a world of hurt
On the other side of the
Street
The table
The pew
The world
This screen
That page
Or that for centuries
We have mastered the fine art
Of turning away
So I
Stepped off the curb
And ran into a couple of hurting
Women
At church today
Touched the tip of the iceberg
And I swear for all the world
I want to get my Masters in the do-over
People there are organs needed
And prayers needed
And children in the middle
Who are scared to death
Of families split apart
People walking, dragging, seeking
Scared
And I want to go pray myself into a frenzy
Enter a convent
And make up for lost time
Praying
I waited in line today
For prayer
And the prayer
Weighed heavy
He knew my story
Served to bear my burden
Because it was his too
Strength in numbers
We need each other
Body of Christ
I am the root canal
You are the hip replacement
Somedays it is a heck of a lot easier
To hide
And hole up
Hide from the busted
Put a Hello-Kitty Band-Aid on it
But man we are needed our there
Warrior
Women
Warrior
Men
I am blown over by the gentle winds
Of conviction
And mercifully
Yes mercifully
Tomorrow I can wake up
Hit my knees
And get a do-over
Get in line
Again
Pray to be stretched
Pray to be moved to tears
Moved to action
Moved to see
Every hang nail, heart ache
Busted lip and broken leg
Stretched at two a.m. for a sister
Soul in need
Finally awake
At last
Fully alive
Stretching arms to heaven
Like the rattling riggings on the Mary-Elizabeth
Dry bones arise, dry bones awake
Dry bones, rejoice.
elizabeth w. marshall 
This is SO amazing and so good.
Yes there is pain all around us. My own little grand daughter’s friend placed in another foster home and broken children stay broken when no one loves them ‘continually’. It is sad when the ‘body’ hurts it’s own. Kind of like stepping on your own toes and then wondering why it hurts when you walk. life is full of pain and sorrow. we just need to try to be the encouragers.
Gorgeous, Elizabeth. And I love the simplicity of your blog. Stunning!
Elizabeth, I wrote about do overs at my site today, too. Thank you God for second chances–like you, I feel I’ve walked by many opportunities God has offered me. I am so grateful for his new mercies each day.
Great write!
“put a hello kitty band-aide over it…and do it again tomorrow” Yes, sweet friend, yes. You nailed this! Love you, friend!
There is such truth and love here calling our hearts to care–really care!
Blessings,
Janis
Beautiful, Elizabeth. And no, not a stretch to say. Bless you for touching tip of the iceberg. Love to you, my friend!