The Challenge

                                                
illness
is a magnet for
our attention
pulling our pity inward
forcing our focus
away from
love's call to
serve the other
when crying
for relief from
a challenge to                                         
stay afloat in
an unwelcome storm
which batters self's stability
while losing control 
begrudgingly reveals humility
through our finite frailty
the truth of  our
ultimate dependency
on the One who
knit us in the womb
adjusting for weakness
and pain's 911
feels formidable
intensifying
the temptation to
drink deeply of
the whine squeezed
from trials
too long endured as
faith ebbs and flows
questioning the wisdom
of life's sharp turn and
combating lies of
Divine neglect
proves daunting when
experience touches Passion's
extreme ordeal with
reluctant reliance
yet the affliction
advances the
choice to
trust or complain
love or retreat
detach or despair
receive or reject
suffering's incessant
provision for purification
an invitation to imitation for
a donation of self
and in this
we can prevail
by joining I to Thou's
terrible agony
entwining our crowns
offering our immolation
together as One
a bond fused in
the fire of sacrifice
fixing our eyes
on the prize
to yield
a fruitful harvest
beyond our own strength
yet within our grasp
by grace sufficient

Reflection/Discussion:
-What does the poem mean to you?
-What challenges does your illness present to you?
-What is the relationship between faith and feelings?
-What does it mean to unite our sufferings with the Lord's sufferings?
-How is the Lord calling you to love while enduring your illness?
-What is the difference between surrender and giving-up?