Laurie Hopkins

In the shadow of the Angel’s wings

announcing your favor

and your burden

you were covered by the Father’s love.

In the shadow of the

“let it be unto me”

your acceptance of the isolation and questions

and pointing of fingers, and all the uncertainty

that your “yes” would entail

you were covered by the Father’s love.

In the shadow of the long trek through the desert

heavy with purpose and tired from the

privilege you carried within

You were covered by the Father’s love.

In the shadow of the closed doors

wagging tongues, and knowing looks

in your moment of need

you were covered by the Father’s love.

In the shadow of the stable

the last place you imagined life being birthed

alone and afraid- called to do this thing without

midwives and directions and a soothing touch

you were covered by the Father’s love.

In the shadow of that first cry

that broke forth

shattering the silence of 400 years

the pain in your body

and the joy and love in your heart

you were covered by the Father’s love.

In the shadow of those who came

to celebrate

and worship

who knelt, proclaimed and brought

perplexing treasures

you were covered by the Father’s love.

In the shadow of the flight

from this temporary home

to another home, far from where you

expected to be

you were covered by the Father’s love.

In the shadow of the years, you watched Him grow

never knowing what would come next

you were covered by the Father’s love.

In the shadow of the “it was not what I expected”

as you watched

prophecy fulfilled

salvation come

healing, wholeness and love break forth

you were covered by the Father’s love.

So, rest assured,

In this season of

              a hard “let it be unto me”

              heavy with purpose

              in the unexpected places your find yourself

              closed doors

             smelly stables

             surrounded by unexpected faces

             fleeing in the night

             in homes away from homes

             in the uncertainty of next steps

             of next year

             and what is coming

             or not coming

In this season of

              glitter and sparkle and

              lights

              when it may not feel as bright

              and shiny as you hoped

              it would

In this season of

              life and love

              that seems to highlight

              your loss and

             uncertainty

Know that YOU are covered by the Father’s love.