by Kim Aasland (written Dec 2020, published Nov 2023)
Take my armor, take my sword
Take my bow and belt
My inheritance is yours.
I gladly change places with you.
I lay down my life that you may pick it up.
The glory of the Lord in you is my glory
Together we burn brightly
Together we are fierce
Take my hand and let us embody the light
Boldly, valiantly, fearlessly together
embracing our destiny
Enlivening our souls.
I call you forth, you call me forth
I breathe life into your dry bones, you water me in the desert
I bring forth the hidden treasures in your darkness, you call me forth from the tomb
Your victory is my victory.
When I can’t bear the grief, you bear it for me
and together we live or die.
For you I cheer
Rejoicing in your victories
Inhabiting your joys
Enduring your sorrows
Naming your strengths
Delighting
Sharing
Hoping
Identifying
Praying
There is no greater love, no greater glory.
You belong to me and I belong to you
Not lesser or greater
But together part of the whole.
A rare but obtainable gift.
Apart from Me 