by all means, go deep. embrace all those true and vulnerable places.
see the ways that what was beautiful
became broken
scarred, limping
agree that what was done was wrong,
and forgive anyway,
because then you become
so free
and your love unstoppable.
by all means, dive down into the darkness
take your courage with you
because only then
can you defeat the old enemies
that lurk, waiting to bind you up again
in the fear
and the shame
and all the lies
you have no business believing
when the truth lives in you.
by all means, go deep,
but hear this:
don't forget to play.
because when you are a child
in all the most real senses
you are free and alive
and suddenly
people are joining you in your freedom
and discovering a God
who doesn't want their perfect performances
doing all the "should"s, all the right ways.
they, together with you,
explore, and discover
that this God
loves to play
right there with them.
because it means you're together
and engaged
and delighting in love and beauty and presence
together.
together.
together.