I wallowed in poverty. I struggled in scarcity.
I closed my eyes and I cried out, “Give me more!”
But instead, You took my hand, opened my eyes,
and taught me the difference between need and want.
Flames devoured my belongings. Fire revealed my hardship.
I closed my eyes and I cried out, “Take me out of this suffering!”
But instead, You took my hand, opened my eyes,
and walked beside me.
Illness ate away at me until no strength remained.
I closed my eyes and I cried out, “Take away this sickness and make me strong!”
But instead, You took my hand, opened my eyes,
and gave me your strength.
I was desolate. I thought I was abandoned.
I closed my eyes and I cried out, “Take me out of this isolation!”
But instead, You took my hand, opened my eyes,
and revealed yourself to me in manifold ways.
You are with me through
the suffering,
the joy,
the poverty,
the plenty
the taking,
the giving,
the pain,
and the comfort.
You taught me to depend on You through my dependence.
You don’t take me out of the fire
You are my God through it.
You don’t make me rich
You are my God through my deficiency.
You are constant.
I am yours always.
You hold me in your hand always
And nothing can take me away.
You will never relinquish me.
You are always with me,
Emmanuel.