Flower Girl by Chanda Singleton Griesë Once upon a time, So long ago, A flower girl In silken white dress With puffed sleeves Rosy cheeks and bright blue eyes Under the cover of a bonnet, Carried a basket of rose petals. She spread her flowers Along the path As she headed to the altar. This delicate flower girl despite Her white dress, was stained With the shame of fear and blame. My mother’s boyfriend Abused me Physically, so I did not cry, Psychologically, so I did not tell, Sexually, so I felt things all wrong. My little girl self Hid from it all. She didn’t think it safe To come out of her hiding place. Even when the abuse stopped. After the pain Following the death Of my firstborn son, I was broken; Too weak to hide anymore. This little flower girl, Hurt so long ago, Wished to be free, To be heard, To be sad, To be comforted, To be loved. Jesus, spoke so gently. He knocked on the door, Of my heart And coaxed me from My hiding place. He gave me a safe retreat To rest, to cry, to tell my story. He loved me and mended My broken heart, Stitch-by-stitch, So tenderly. He covered my shame With His full acceptance And grace. He wept with me And gave me a new story. He restored my soul And delivered me From all my fears. He gives me His strength To overcome And He gently leads me In paths of righteousness. I am His redeemed bride Dressed in white, Pure and lovely, Safe and sound.
So many grow up keeping silent feeling alone and confused. I’m so grateful you have found healing! I’ll continue to pray for those moments you may forget. I love you Chanda!