The Cactus
April 8, 2002
This poem came about as a result of a seriously trying event. As I worked through the pain, God showed me that holding on to my anguish, when I could just give it to Him, is about as absurd as hugging a cactus and refusing to let go. It's also inspired by 1 Peter 5:6-7: "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."I clung to a cactus
Embraced it in my arms
And the pain ripped through my aching body!
The spines pricked my skin
The pain grew intense;
But the worse the pain, the tighter I clung!
I cried out in agony
I complained and bemoaned the pain
As I fought against the cactus
And I clung
Still tighter
Until God said,
"My child,
Give Me the cactus.
Let go of the cactus
And let Me take your pain."
And I
let
go
And let God take the cactus
He took away the pain
He healed my biting wounds
And in their place, He gave me peace
And joy
My trust in Him grew stronger
All I had to do was let go of my pride
Let go of my pain
And rest in the arms of my loving heavenly Father.