Naming Naked

"I come to the gar~den...alone... While the dew is still...on the...roses.." ...did that rose just move??? "And the voice I hear... .....WHAT was that??? ~gulp~ "Whose there? Now I know you're there I don't easily scare Jesus is here...well...at least he's near" Listen to yourself, girl You are crazy, here in your secret place Where nothing or no one can be It's your uniquely designed, secluded space Where was I? Now I'm not in the mood There's the gate, my reliant escape Out of my truth, into his grace Why won't the gate open I can't get out...let me out Finally, a voice speaks And stills the fear, threatening to...what!?! He said, "Peace little one I have you now, in the grain of your cross Your fear is great as I behold your naked soul You believe I can give you any gift, but never make you whole You believe I will provide, but never keep you safe You believe you are trapped inside your very own gate What is your truth, my love What is your consuming fear" My mind searched deep and wide As I trembled in LOVE's presence It floated up and out "You are nothing more of less, than nature's peasant" "Ah, yes...you have no value, unlovable to the core Yet here your LOVE stands, desiring to know you more" He drew near to me and whispered, "May I enter into your scars You will have to trust LOVE To understand who and where you are." Although I agreed, the fight was fierce It took years for HIM to strip me bare But nothing could prepare me for the rage When HE entered ....THERE Like a howl in the darkest night My soul uttered out a thick, black cry The deliverance of the wicked That part of grief that had to die .....lain upon the wooden altar While I smelled burning flesh And heard the popping of the fire He grew brighter and lovelier As I allowed the Cross to receive my desire .....I am naked before HIM, and unashamed ...........my naked has been named ........................FORGIVEN Written by Trudy Schrader on 11-24-2018