Janet from Kansas

Photo by Dương Nhân

Her load was heavy. Seldom shown.
The truth, to many, disbelieved
or unknown.

Stones of lies, laid one by one,
Upon her back. “Desire conceived” ¹
had begun.

“Am I crazy? Am I to blame?
Something’s terribly wrong!”
(What a shame.)

Wounds like arrows, in this new game
Brought tears, confusion,
anger, pain.

Desire grew to sin, then sin was full-grown. ¹
Her husband’s unfaithfulness—
now clearly shown.

“No, I’m not crazy.” (The truth can be cruel.)
“He just doesn’t care that he’s breaking
love’s rules.”

The straw that broke the camel’s back
Gave her the resolve
she previously lacked.

One last abuse, so heartless and low,
Gave her the courage
to let go.

Janet is free. Her divorce is final.
Different challenges abound, in her
“new normal.”

A covenant shattered. His Lord disobeyed.
Her family wounded.
His re-made.

Now all the wiser, no clichés feigned.
Battered faith survived; though dreams
were re-arranged.

Yes, there is healing the Savior brings.
But, scars have a way of
changing things.