I offer to you every inch of my heart.

Calloused and broken, it needs a new start.

All the pieces intact, you are the glue--

Like a veil, my soul, you see through.

Never concealed in the face of my God,

You look over my blemishes and careless façade.

Child, do not hide, you cry. You’re ravishing and tender.

Don’t you realize, on you, I display my splendor!

The sunlight in your eyes originates from me.

Your promising future, I, sweet child, foresee.

Beauty is waiting in the rafters, soft and altruistic

Elegance you exude. Your peace is sheer simplistic.

Light the world, sweet daughter of mine.

Laugh in the face of trials, unkind.

Step on the stones that line your purposeful feet.

March in battle armor, the enemy—defeat.

Like accords from angels, are the praises on your tongue.   

Dear heart, you’re a vision—a hymn or psalm unsung.

My hands over you, protection parades as a symbol.

Displayed in the wind, it makes armies bow and tremble.

Forever I will follow. The spirit leads and calls to advance.

Strapped in golden helmet, my life is his. This is my romance—

To dance on the battlefield in plates lined in with power—

To gaze at his garments and gather strength like flowers.

He calls me a vision; but, I’m nothing without him.

He calls me a diamond; but, without his light, I’m dim.

From his mouth, true blessing I acquire.

Powered by a superhuman, He is my desire.

-Kimberly Willingham

Job 11:16-18

You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by.  Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning.  You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.

Pacing through a haze of fog, I’m heavy. Like mud coated hooves, each limb is suppressed by the weight of the dirt resting at my feet. But, I see a vision in the distance. It beams a light I’ve never looked on. It’s not yellow, but rather an effervescing hue. It bubbles, sparking in an untarnished shade. Weary, like an ox after carrying a yoke of solid wood, my back curves and face sinks closer to the earth. I can smell the ruddy clay. It circumvents my senses. This is not what I was created for. We’ve heard the sayings from earth to earth and ashes to ashes. My body was made for the sky. Legs, designed for sunny pastures not plains of pollution. I was not prepared for this place. The light shines brighter. It looks like daylight on the horizon. Persistence is a blessing and strength a gift from God. He has granted me with wisdom as I trod. Not marching like a soldier or crawling like a babe, I stumble like a sinner draped in his grace. By his mercy I can see this light in the woods ahead. By his utmost power, he calls me to enter his fold of saints. Treading through the earth, tired and worn, I will always be bundled in his favor.  

Ashes to beauty. Fig to firmament. 

Caught in the rushing wind. With you, life is decadent.

Your love defies normalcy. Your strength I cherish.

Like a locket of history, your memory never perishes.

Dripping in blessings, I am soaked in the storms.

Covered in water, I’ve been reborn.

Tumbled dry by your heat in the overcast clay,

Beguiled by your presence like a charming ballet.

Your form dances through my mind. I can never dismiss.

The celebration of your body, the warmth of your kiss.

Beautiful Jesus. I sleep at your feet, once mistreated.

I lap up your words of wisdom. The treasures secreted.

Wearing jewels from your throne room, granted by power.

I’m humbled at this gift like a weed transformed into a flower.

Baker of bread, Potter of clay,

Painter of Colors, You shine on display.

Attractive hands, you hold me close.

Seduced by your splendor— by your power engrossed.

I am your follower. I dance on after you.

I’ll wait on your lead. The music you subdue.

You say, daughter, come quickly. Learn to dance in the silence.

Ignore the passion of the waterfall, the waves of violence.

Trust with your heart the plans and stage ahead.

Memorize your platform. The journey draped in red.

-Kimberly Willingham

Jeremiah 31: 2

God told them, "I've never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love! And so now I'll start over with you and build you up again, dear virgin Israel. You'll resume your singing, grabbing tambourines and joining the dance. You'll go back to your old work of planting vineyards on the Samaritan hillsides, And sit back and enjoy the fruit— oh, how you'll enjoy those harvests! The time's coming when watchmen will call out from the hilltops of Ephraim: 'On your feet! Let's go to Zion, go to meet our God!'"

It's humbling to realize that we are not held by ourselves, but cradled by an extreme Being. His arms are vast and wide. Like a giant gold statue, his arms will never fold. They are stable and secure. I like picturing myself in the grip of a solid figure. Oh, to be mounted to a fixture that never moves and is unshakable! This has become my utmost desire. The purpose of glue is to stick, fasten and secure. However, I like knowing that I am not fixed like Popsicle sticks to my God. I am welded by the furnace to a figure planted--never to be uprooted for he is the Root.

Passion lingers on my tongue.

Life and breath have become one.

Discarded weakness was my choice.

Sinews and bones strengthened by his voice.

Tensing muscles, my weight he carries.

Hiding fragile sickness—this he buries.

Caught up in the wind of speech,

Radiant Wonder, you’re never out of reach.

Like stretching for a star, unattainable by most,

You, precious treasure, allow us to come close.

Beautiful. We’re made stunning in your sight.

Sparkling in the heavens, elevated like a kite.

My strings you control, you calm the winds.

In thunders violent, lightning rods you bend.

You bring the rainbow. You touch the storm.

In peaceful convulsions, I see your form.

Mighty. You’re mighty—dressed in golden breastplate,

Character of a saint, my destiny and soul mate.

Write upon my body, words of utmost vision.

Operate on my spirit, create a divine incision.

Hold my shoulders, kiss my nose—I long to feel your heat.

Busy, in the fire, bread I’ll bake from wheat.

Porcelain figure, my being you remake.

Misguided, never, walking in your wake.

-Kimberly Willingham

In water I am washed. Cleaned in majesty. In oils I am bathed by the Supreme Mighty King. You hold my head, like a babe, over the running liquid. I wince at the temperature. Are you testing me Holy One? You’ve given me eyes to see. I have not created you child to feast on milk. I’ve made you for the choice foods. You were created to sup with princes and drink new wine in abundance.

Delight. I’m delighted in the presence of you. Overcome. I’m overtaken by your voice. You speak for me in the midst of chaos. You sing for me when the storms rage in violence. Sin has not consumed you. A warrior you stand. Rain striking your body, you hold hands up in radiance. You, innocent one, were born for the harvest. I look at you, young and undefiled, you are mine. I’ve made you to walk on rainbows and gallop in flower fields. I’ve created you to dance in pain and in goodness still. Baby to the world, but mighty one in my army, you touch the earth with kindness; yet, claim boldness in my blood.

 You please me with your devotion. Wear the crown of virtue. I’ve called you and you’ve answered. You will overtake the world. I have claimed victory in my death. My saints, lined with righteousness, will conquer all. I will never leave you or forsake you. My name is written on your heart. I am etched in your soul. From childhood, you have walked this path, and I have never left your side. I am your shepherd, wise and instructive; when you strayed I gently pushed you back on the trail. You fear me little one, of this I am sure. This is why I’ve spared you. This is why you’re strong. I want you to feel the power of my rod and the compassion of my voice. Like a lion, I am fierce; but my eyes are tender like a lamb. Cling to me dear, cherished one. Listen to my voice. You are blessed—my chosen one, indeed.

Lasting. Strong and everlasting flow.

My thoughts and emotions tend to go.

They stream like water through my mind.

Senses to the world now blind.

Encased in rock. Stabilized and steadfast.

My true character and goals are now unmasked.

I pray I am seen as true, noble and bold.

Waving a flag stained in God’s gold.

He is my victor. I march on in him.

Dressed in armor—no longer dim.

For he is an eternal light.

In radiance he dismisses night.

New birth he has given—a fresh beginning today.

Drinking water from my hands, I absorb his rays.

I bow to the sun and dance to the moon.

I rejoice at the butterfly created from cocoon

Freedom has given me wings of bright hues.

I have sprouted a passion. His love I pursue.

Stretching up, I touch the sky.

Elevated. I have feathers to fly.

Like the butterfly, I’ve been transformed.

By the Words of my Master in the midst of the storm.

 -Kimberly Willingham

Violent thunderstorms shake my existence.

Waves capsize on the shore in sheer resistance.

Doves, in full surrender, fly with light on their wings.

Eyes, open aglow, I see the goodness He brings.

I’m on my face God, smelling the wet sand.

I tremble at your voice and feel the warmth of your hand.

Precious rubies and diamonds can never compare.

To the grace you bestow when your presence comes near.

I’m a shadow in your radiance—a flake of gold in your crown.

A daughter, full of wonder, pulled up from the ground.

You are the root that provides my might.

Weak without your power, I can’t stand lacking your light.

Like a coiled metal piece, my life in you is a twisted feat—

Gain the world or lose my life and feel complete.

I give it away. My desires and thoughts—my being to you.

You can have me Sweet Jesus. Your purpose I pursue.

Leader of men you have called me to be.

This role cannot be fulfilled if I’m not on my knees.

Surrender. It’s hard; but, I’m surrendered to you.

I want to walk and follow behind the man that makes life new.

Victory and justice you parade in your word.

I’m a believer in this mystery. The gospel I have heard.

I live it in my life. It has become my full reliance.

Seeking you my Father, my companion, my alliance.

I trust you Lord to move in ways unknown to me.

I release my dreams and goals to thee.

May the world blot out my appearance and see you through my eyes.

May the beauty they astound be the God who is faithful and wise.

Melody. Fill my words with the music of Heaven!

I pray the bread I desire will forever be unleavened.

Cleanse me from the darkness of my sinful condition.

May purity abound. Your glory is my mission!

-Kimberly Willingham

Deut. 5:23-27

When you heard the voice out of the darkness, while the mountain was ablaze with fire, all the leading men of your tribes and your elders came to me. And you said, "The LORD our God has shown us his glory and his majesty, and we have heard his voice from the fire. Today we have seen that a man can live even if God speaks with him. But now, why should we die? This great fire will consume us, and we will die if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any longer. For what mortal man has ever heard the voice of the living God speaking out of fire, as we have, and survived? Go near and listen to all that the LORD our God says. Then tell us whatever the LORD our God tells you. We will listen and obey."

You catapult my deepest needs.

They elevate like sprouted seeds.

Blooming bright and ravishing,

My flower opens—soft, serene.

Elegant Lord, touch me with passion.

Splash me with water. Dress me in fashion.

You are the gardener, and I am the flora,

Dependent on you, my sweet aurora.

In resplendent colors, you light up the dawn.

With eyes open, I’m no longer withdrawn.

You opened the curtains to a life full of joy.

New mercies and blessings on me you employ.

Uproot me from the rocky soil.

Replant me with warm, wet oil.

Season me with rich, think spice.

Your true provision knows no price.

I will grow tall, like a mighty tree.

For you alone, I’ll bend my knee.

Purposeful Prince, my flame you ignite.

I feel your power. You fuel me with light.

Kimberly Willingham

Isaiah 58:9-12

Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
       you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
       "If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
       with the pointing finger and malicious talk,

¹⁰ and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
       and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
       then your light will rise in the darkness,
       and your night will become like the noonday.

¹¹ The LORD will guide you always;
       he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
       and will strengthen your frame.

Brush Stroked Heart

A brush, a stroke, my heart is seized.

I’m captivated and whimpering.

In the light of the window, face lit in esteem,

Covered in silk, I’m blanketed in glory supreme.

He holds me safe. I feel secure.

His hands are stable and character sure.

Brilliant man, he holds my heart.

No longer afraid, he cradles me in dark.

His voice is like thunder and whispers like rain,

I convulse when he utters my name.

Tears that taste like water from the ocean,

Coat my face—signs of sheer devotion.

Committed in part by my heart’s craving,

Pledge consummated by his love engraving.

Standing for principle, my lover’s branded in truth.

He drinks from a clear basin. He’s wise in his youth.

My eyes, whirlpools of sea, look up to his face.

Overcome with his mercies, he emits uncharted grace.

I have always loved you. He holds my head tender.

He is my provider. This man is my defender.

Lacking blood veins, my heart cannot commence,

I’m void of life without him, I covet his presence.

His words give me life. I hang on his every action.

Tender warrior, I cannot help my attraction.

Your smile lights the sky in rainbows of pastels,

My lungs expand with wonder. My chest begins to swell.

In love with a master of emotions--a dream weaver of peace,

May my loyalty to him never fade but ever increase.

Kimberly Willingham

…acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a temple as a sanctuary. Be strong and do the work.

1 Chronicles 28: 9-10