A Woman's Considerations (based on Jer. 9:20-24)

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If I could lock the doors to death,

I would,

yet even then it might creep through the windows,

unstoppable,

invading the sanctity of my home

to steal any security I might possess.


Like a thief, death is determined to enter,

circling my home to find a way around my desire for life

and the tenacious hold I have on it.


Like a virus, it stealthily creeps inside,

unseen,

penetrating the fortress of skin and bone and wearing me down

as I sit here thinking myself safe.


Like an invading army sent by God to discipline stubborn necks held stiff,

unrelenting,

death steals the joy and peace I tried to make for myself.


The threat of death, 

the eternal, irredeemable nature of it convinces me to listen,

to evaluate the security I thought I possessed.

I hear the prophet boldly speak God's terrifying words,

and seeing his zeal, I alone stop to listen and believing him, 

I repent and live.


When Death knocked, he took no prisoner in my home; 

instead he found God with me 

and moved to the next house, 

gathering the woman who did not listen.


kbp



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