I didn’t see you before,

masquerading as a disease to

weaken my spirit,

causing me to question

the absolute truth.

Subtle and

intentional,

posing as a man,

a woman.

Through them you 

dangle injustice and

stir up anger,

I’m so easily

ready to receive,

comfortable, 

because I’m so used

to the warmth

that I don’t notice

it’s burning me.

Discouragement

plagues thoughts of my future

and makes me believe 

I know exactly what I need

to be happy,

healthy,

strong.

Distracted,

You know just what to throw at me when 

I drift and crash

into an island of desires

I never even wanted.

Even as my body

washes onto shore,

I open my eyes and

now I see you.

It just turns out

I was fighting the wrong enemy

all along.

It is no longer time 

to be afraid when

neither death nor life

angels or demons

present or future,

height or depth

nor anything else

in all creation

can separate me

from the love you so fear.

Veil lifted

and aware,

I stare back at you,

my anger redirected, 

I’m ready now.

—

Writer Bio:

Kristina Rivera is a writer based in Chicago , IL. She is a breast cancer survivor that is passionate about professing God’s goodness through suffering and creating safe spaces for women to congregate and share their struggles. Writing helps remind her that although life is hard and unclear, God’s love is never failing and she hopes to encourage and embolden others to believe this as well.

Photo by Eva Elijas on pexels.

Read more work like this when you purchase Issue 2: Beauty in Brokenness of Resolute Magazine.