Poem: The Difference Choice Makes

Chink. Chink. Chink.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
Smash. Smash. Smash.
Again and again
The knowledge of my aloneness
The knowledge of myself
The knowledge of my purpose
Is hammered in.
I put up walls around my heart
Dark knowledge tears them down.
Bleak, hopeless pain fills my soul
I cry a soundless lament.
I scream to the Lord
Asking,
“Why me?”
Pleading,
“How do I bear this pain?”
The Lord answers me,
“You, because you chose this
Because you are stronger than you know.
How, by living with an open heart
By choosing hope despite the pain.”
A peace flows over me
As reminded I am
That choice makes all the difference.