dear compassionate younger me

you never want anyone.  to feel.  the way you do.  to suffer abuse.
loneliness.  fear.  sadness.  terror.  brutality.  bullying.

your heart is angry.  yet tender.

downtrodden.  yet hopeful.

hardened.  yet soft.

roughened.  yet gentle.

resentful.  yet compassionate.

you come to know.  a love greater than any other.  deeper than
any sorrow.  stronger than any despair.

jesus takes your hand.  your heart.  your pain.  your shame.

his compassion.  is salve.  to your soul.

because of his.  relentless love.  you know him.  as your creator.  savior.
lord.  friend.  brother.  healer.  shepherd.

lover.  of your soul.

because of jesus-

you survived.  you are still overcoming.