My Whole Life in One Short Poem
As I’ve been considering God’s fingerprints on my life thus far, I wanted to find a poem that might be a great summary of so much I have experienced. My idea was to use that poem on the dedication page of my new book “Soul Strong.”
I dedicated this book to my own two daughters — Fiona and Maggie — and to daughters everywhere.
To Fiona and Maggie I say, “Thank you for listening, loving, and still embracing me in your lives. You are certainly the most important gift I leave to a world I will never see. I am confident God has His hand on your lives and your unique stories and that the world is a better place because of the beautiful, brilliant, and brave women you are.” (p. 165)
Alas, I could not find a poem that contained just the right words. So I spent a long season in silence and prayer. And then I sat down and wrote my entire life in one short poem. This is my offering to you today, dear friend.
Soul Strong
That day I turned around, and life had flown . . .
Whilst chasing dreams and children;
Both stumbling and soaring
in the search for holy significance.
Compassionately rescued from despair;
Gifted with a grace that accepts and extends;
Encouraged and loved.
Discovering serenity in silence,
and strength in surrender.
Filled, then poured out.
Heart broken, then mended.
Embracing creative words, life-giving music,
breathtaking beauty, and extraordinary people.
Walking with a limp, but still walking
Daily in God’s presence and power.
Beloved.
Learning to love everybody always.
Not a perfect life, more a passionate pursuit.
Here is what I know for sure:
We can live soul strong.
—Lucinda Secrest McDowell
under the mercy, Lucinda
©2020 Lucinda Secrest McDowell
Soul Strong officially releases on Monday, February 17th! Pre-Order “SOUL STRONG” Today More about Soul Strong HERE.
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So thankful the Lord gave you these words: a great testament to your life well spent in being “Soul Strong.” What a beautiful legacy for your daughters. What an encouragement to me. Looking forward to reading your book.
Love it! Thank you for sharing.
Beautiful poem for a beautiful life!
Lucinda, I’m thankful that I had the pleasure of meeting you at Singing Hills. Your are a gifted writer. Such a beautiful poem giving encouragement to all. And legacy to your daughters. I’m looking forward to reading your book! Waneta Calley wrote on January 29, 2020 at 7;40 a.m.
soooooooooooooo beautiful. you just opened my morning — and my heart and my soul — with your inhale of prayer. before i began to read your prayer, i mean your poem (aren’t they so very often one in the same?), i sat and absorbed the beautiful radiance of you and your girls……that was where the heart opening began, and then your words just whooshed right in.
thank you for the depth of your prayer in the nooks and crannies and nuances of motherhood.
bless you much, you radiant one. xoxox
Thank you so much for sharing your lovely poem. You so beautifully expressed what many of us have and are going through.
Thank you, Lucinda for not only sharing your heart but the heart of Jesus, pouring through you by His Holy Spirit!
Beautiful poem from a beautiful friend
Wonderful poem. Thank you for sharing.
YOur entire life is a beautiful poem, Cindy, just like this one!
Beautiful, Cindy. Thanks so much for sharing it.