Coming Out of the Closet

I’ve been hiding in a place so dark The place; a closet bearing shame’s mark Has been my prison and hiding place It’s trapped me like a winding maze The darkness is thick and tangible The shame is painfully palpable The darkness of shame is like a fog A fog that clouds a gloomy bog One day, I heard God’s voice calling me ‘Why remain trapped when I’ve set you free? Now, open the closet, do not fear There’s no need to fear for I’m right here’ I pushed open the closet of shame Took one step forward and out I came I glanced back at what held me captive I’ve been given a new life to live ‘Look, but do not return to your past I’ve given you freedom that will last Forever and for eternity Your shame I’ve vanquished on the Tree’ The freedom felt too good to be true Is this true? I didn’t have a clue Am I really free? How could this be? My heart was filled with uncertainty ‘Take my hand now, I’ll show you the way’ His kind voice compelled me to obey He guided me with steps to follow He told me to look through the window I peered through the window in the room I saw beautiful flowers in bloom The garden had a beauty so rare ‘Are you now ready to set foot there?’ My yearning eyes gazed at the fountain Right in the centre of the garden Despite my longing, I felt great fear ‘There’s no need to fear for I’m right here’ ‘I’ve never left this room; I’m afraid So afraid of getting hurt,’ I said ‘You’ve been hurt deeply; now that is true Look at my hands that were pierced for you’ ‘My hands I’m now extending to you Hold them and let us start things anew My nail-scarred hands will heal those memories In my arms, you’ll find strength and safety’