HOSANNA, HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST

By Kimberly Willingham

Palm branches draped on solid ground,

A donkey's hooves make clacking sounds.

Dividing the crowd, He silences the pack.

A doe faced King rides tall barebacked.

He brings hope to the world on a carpet of green.

Faces, once drenched in sadness, shout, New life He will bring!

Such celebration for a man and deity in one.

Jubilant dancing before God's powerful son.

Sacred sacrifice, unknown at the time,

Security I have gained; for, Jesus in mine!

Finger Painted Journey

By Kimberly Willingham

Like finger paint, colors splash against the sun,

The deep horizon’s layers bond as one.

A flash of light, the thick hues blend.

In this sequence of obscurity, my shattered heart mends.

What light is this that restores my soul?

This warmth, carried by the wind, makes my life whole!

Like a blanket of gauze, I am secured inside and out.

All hesitation is gone. Assurance replaces doubt.

Faith is stuck like a magnet to my hands and my feet.

I have met the Lord. He plays my heart’s drum beat!

All cares are forsaken in the light of his power.

His mercy is made new in heaven’s glistening shower.

I’m covered in this moisture, caught up in the rain.

His ambiance taken for granted; I will parade his infinite name.

I’ll join the choir and sing for healing as soft as a dove.

For I have felt his hand and tasted his limitless love.

Experience is monumental in this relationship divine.

I have been seated at his table, eaten bread, and lapped his wine.

Encompassed in his wisdom, I can never seek another.

He has filled my days with friendship. Over my life he hovers.

I am his. I follow him. I’m an affectionate lover.

He has awakened these aqua eyes. His truth I’ve rediscovered.

Change is apparent. I will strap on this charge.

Like Jabez’s sincere prayer, my territory, you enlarge!

Set out on a journey, to seek and truly unearth,

The dust flies off my sandals. You have given me a second birth.

Chronicles 7:14 

^…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

She approaches the crimson door with anticipation in her heart. Breathless and alone, the darkness in the forefront looks foreboding. What is in the distance? It is a hollow black hole. Against the door her frame resembles a tiny ragdoll. She steps closer to the entrance. A light appears. The words uttered to great Biblical figure Joshua ring in her ears, “Be strong and courageous!”

A lump develops in her throat. Hesitation increases. A thought lingers—I am as small and timid as a mouse, how can I roar like a lion?

“Be strong and courageous!”

But, my arms are weak; my body is half a real warrior’s size!

She remembers the story of Moses, the leader of the Israelites, standing by the burning bush in the desert. He was making excuses as well; however, God had bigger and more majestic plans for Moses than he had for himself. Moses was the man that looked upon the glory of the Lord! He was the man that was shown the promised land. He knew the Lord face to face. He was shown his mighty power and preformed mighty deeds through the power of his right hand.

I want to obey. I want to follow this mighty God.

She inches closer to the doorframe. Coat shaken by the turbulence beyond the door, she steps into a territory that is unknown. She is in the terrain of the Lord and carried by his awesome hand.

Walk into places unknown. Take a leap of faith in the arms of the Lord. Obedience is always honored, and sincerity always respected. God is the God of revelation. When our faith is placed in his nail scared hands, miracles shoot from the sun’s beams. His face will shine upon us!

“For no one has ever shown the mighty power or preformed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of Israel.” Deut. 34:12

Be a truth seeker. Don’t just walk through the doors God opens, sing and shout for joy when passing through the blood stained frames!

-Kimberly Willingham

I look down, for your eyes beam with force. I am heated by your glow. I am humbled by your voice. Like thousands of chimes in the wind, you sing over me. I spin in the music from your mouth.

You are the one with innate talent. You are the one that was born beautiful. I acquire beauty from you—my source of radiation.

Teach me to dance, Instructor! I want to step with force and purpose. How shallow and vain to dance before another. What audience should I want to impress? I look out in the darkness of vacant seats and see you cheering me on.

Your hands are folded. You are pleased. You gasp when I leap and my hair flies in sparkler reminiscent rings. You are enthralled. You have given me passion, devotion, and love.

My heart is open. I am waiting for instruction. I long to hear your voice, like marbles on glass, pour out in wisdom! Your knowledge is life to my veins. I will dance on Jesus with the vision of dancing in your inner courts.

Great Conqueror, you defeated death and restored me with your blood stained shroud. You deserve more than my dance. I savor your kindness, like a dripping pomegranate. I live to glorify you. Take my life for it is yours forever.

Psalm 73:28 

But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

Dancing with the feet is one thing, but dancing with the heart is another.
Anonymous

Many people shy away from dancing because they don't know how to dance. But real dancers are the ones who can hear the music in their soul.

Unafraid…Staring Life in the Face

By Kimberly Willingham

She waddles in silence to the water screen that keeps her safe. Nothing is visible but cool, green water. Hands plastered on the thick glass, she waits, looking inside for some kind of living form. She longs to see colorful fish or silky, grey dolphins gliding through the water in elegance. The water ripples. She gasps in anticipation. What could it be? She would soon see the giant that the water wall is guarding her from.

A much unexpected swatch of white fur becomes visible. This is not the friendly dolphin she has been expecting. A grizzly face, with sharp teeth appears. Her little heart trembles; but, she does not step back from the glass case. Her eyes are locked to the creature. Her hands grip her white T-shirt, creating moist impressions from the sweat on her tiny hands. Yet, she is unshaken. It becomes apparent to the onlookers; she is unafraid of the beast behind the wall. She studies his clumsy movements and stares him in the face.

Life circumstances are sometimes unexpected. It is human nature to back away from the problems that present themselves to us. We, like little puppies, crawl backward with our tail beneath our legs. God did not create us to be afraid of life. He created us to conquer it, to stare it in the face!

Like this little girl, though heart trembling and hands sweating, she did not step back from the scary creature that appeared before her. She stood her ground and looked at it in the eyes. We were created with a spirit of power not one of timidity. In Christ, we have all the backing the world! We have armies of strength fighting for us daily. However, we must choose to stand our ground, to be surefooted. Times will be rough, there is no safeguard for the world caving in; but, there is a ever-living hope and security in the One that sacrificed all for us!

Stand tall. Walk unafraid in life, staring it in the face!

Job 11:16-19 

You can be sure you will forget your troubles.
      They will be like water that has flowed on by. 
Life will be brighter than the sun at noon.
      And darkness will become like morning. 
You will be secure, because there is hope.
      You will look around you and find a safe place to rest. 
 You will lie down, and no one will make you afraid...

A SACRED PROPOSAL

By: Kimberly Willingham

The dream of every little girl…to be pursued by the knight and shining armor…he is charming, witty, handsome, and wise. His smile melts her heart and rough hands signify strength.

In the glow of the fire, she sits on a couch of pure feathers. Hands, nervous and shaking, she waits in anticipation for her soldier to arrive.

The clicking of horses’ hooves clacker in the distance; the door trembles, the power behind the door is evident. A knock then a tear. She opens the heavy door and a man in rugged, shining apparel enters. The light from the fire dances across his eyes. They are exquisite and focused. He is fixated on her, face serious and lips trembling.

His face is moist with the dawn’s new dew. Her heart beats. Its rhythm is felt by her admirer. He places his hand on her chest and smiles. He senses her true love for him. He kneels before her, eyes still locked on her face. With hand held high, he elevates a pure, clear diamond ring. “This signifies my love for you,” he proclaims. “You are a rare gem—a blood diamond purchased with my blood.”

Baffled, she places the ring on her slender finger. On her hand, it shines brighter than the stars in the night sky. A song springs forth from her lips, “I will praise you O Lord my God, You are the Holy One! My warrior in impenetrable battle armor! You have come to court me, and I accept dear Father. I will honor you with my life.”

She falls face down and kisses his metal-lined feet. “How precious to kiss the feet that stand guard for me,” she proclaims.  A hand is felt on her tear streaked face. It is the hand of her Lord.

“Rise, dear child, do what is right.

Hold my heart dear daughter.

Follow my light.

Sin and shame no longer bind you,

If you obey my commands.

Release your oppression.

To your feet stand.

I have empowered you

With my ring of clear direction.

Read my letters, precious.

Seek true perfection.

My heart beats in devotion.

My strength stands guard for you.

You are my joy and celebration.

You evoke my emotion.

I will never leave you nor forsake you.

I cannot forget you sweet child.

Grasp hold of righteousness lover.

To you I could never be untrue.”

Words spoken in such power, she rises and stands tall. Her hair flowing in his wind shines in the glow of the solid house. Bricks crack, her lover leaves in a thunder. His words, written in red, say, “Wait for my return. You will be filled with awe and wonder.”

1 Peter 2:8-10 
   "A stone that causes men to stumble
      and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message—

which is also what they were destined for.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God,

that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy,

but now you have received mercy.

Castle Sky King

Broken wings mended, I stretch above the fold.

No longer conformed, uncontained by the mold.

Wingspan expanded, the sun touches my shape.

The Father of lies, my purity, can no longer take.

I am purchased in red, draped in the blood.

Buried in life, I am consumed by God’s flood.

Once a waddling wonder, I now possess a graceful status.

Free flow breathing, released from the dark apparatus!

I feel peace in the storm, serenity in the wind.

The hands that hold me are ones that can defend.

Tambourines lifted, I feel the melodic, honest vibration.

You made this awkward child into a demure sensation.

All cobwebs cleaned. You removed all the debris.

In broomstick skirt, I twirl in sweet ecstasy.

I am in constant need, hands held up like a child.

My voice is lifted to the heavens. Upon this pebble, you smiled.

From a pupa to a lava to brilliant winded creation,

You have taught me from birth, your word is my foundation.

I spout out promises, the words ring thunder meaning.

With every utterance of your name your Spirit is intervening.

Your royalty and majesty my heart cannot deny,

You are the Holy One, enthroned in the Castle Sky!

Kimberly Willingham

Psalm 119:47-49 

 "...for I delight in your commands
       because I love them. I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love,
       and I meditate on your decrees.  Remember your word to your servant,
       for you have given me hope."

I am Your Strong Tower

Sleeping with lions in the pit of despair,

Shivering in suspense, I hold my breath and stare.

Where are you God when I call on your name?

I need you to gallop in and grab the lion’s mane.

Valiant Warrior on a stallion of strength,

You ride in the stars. You parade in a robe of length.

Purple pools of royalty frame your fated feet.

You save me from the jaws of death.

My faith, you complete.

In a pit of vipers, I sweat, doubt, and weep.

Surrounded by the venom’s poison,

I call to you so weak.

Your hand it heals the sting of the grave.

Your eyes light the hidden treasure.

I can see my life in a new perspective.

Your influence I cannot measure.

Beautiful Maker, You save the faint.

On the sinners, purity you paint!

I will follow with the Shepherd-led herd,

Assurance is gained in the depths of your word.

I take hold of you in darkness,

Clutching your arms of power.

You remind me of my security.

You say, "I am your strong tower."

Kimberly Willingham

Deuteronomy 33:26-28 

 26 "There is no one like the God of Jeshurun,
       who rides on the heavens to help you
       and on the clouds in his majesty.

 27 The eternal God is your refuge,
       and underneath are the everlasting arms.
       He will drive out your enemy before you,
       saying, 'Destroy him!'

 28 So Israel will live in safety alone;
       Jacob's spring is secure
       in a land of grain and new wine,
       where the heavens drop dew.

Emotional Electricity

Standing in the ash furnace

I convulse, shake, and wail.

Digging in my soot, my body, it fails.

A sinner, I realize, birthed in this state.

I call out to you God—to release this weight.

Wheezing and coughing, I know frailty deep down.

I can only be cleansed by the gold in your crown.

Your majesty is what makes me a gem.

Bright light is exchanged for one dirty and dim.

Why am I favored? Why seen as a star?

For I am a broken, crushed potted jar!

You see the cracks. The pieces compressed.

Yet, you, my Lord, hold me and call me blessed.

Forgiveness—you’re blood purchased this.

You cloth me in clean garments and my forehead kiss.

I am marked by majesty. You lift me from my feet.

Emotional electricity—when our eyes meet.

White robe, I will never again soil with sin.

I do not want to hurt you or make you weep within.

Righteous, I sing. Make me clean in heart.

May promises in red be spoken as I part!

Crimson life pumping in throughout my hollow veins,

Self-control is mine—my passion to maintain.  

Wrap me in clouds. I soar to new mountains.

Water splashes up against me. I am surrounded by fountains.

You are the spring of life. I cry and am softly touched.

I will never release my grasp. On you my hands are clutched.

Kimberly Willingham

Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again.

Acts 9:18

Vision Meets Healing

LIGHT—my soul cries.

Restore light, my God.

Brighten darkness in this world—

The stone masquerade façade.

You, my King, a warrior,

March out with eyes unveiled.

Healing touch—

Your righteous hands once nailed.

Your blood Abba Father,

Can wash away the pain;

Your majestic mercy,

Can set on fire my name.

Like scales from the eyes,

Let this blindness falter.

Just like Abraham’s fear

Bringing Isaac to the altar.

Shaking like a baby,

My will and faith shrink.

Like rusty chains bound tight,

My weak heart is strongly linked.

You, God, move the mountains,

Make rain in desert land.

You, my God, create beauty,

From pebbles and piles of sand.

LIGHT—I cry.

Light in the dungeon dark.

To see you with a lantern,

On ship, a new journey to embark.

Like spots when staring at the sun,

Vision meets healing in the blood of your Son.

Breathe my Savior.

Unearth and dissolve.

All that is broken, hard, and evolved.

Brilliant eyes begot wisdom.

Speak to us loud and clear.

Steady hands that are quivering.

Highlight life in this year!

Kimberly Willingham

Isaiah 42: 6-7, 13, 16

…I will take hold of your right hand. I will keep you and make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison, and release from the dungeons those that sit in darkness.

The Lord will march out like a mighty man, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal. With a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies.

I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.