Fierce and Tender

She was forged in fire,

strong as steel for it.

She learned to set her face like flint,

unwavering in tribulation and adversity.

She learned to fight demons,

fearless now in battle.

The Lord is her salvation,

what can man do to her?

But feet to flame,

and none to step in,

she has some unlearning to do.

Lord, you’ve made her back unbreakable,

her hope unshakeable,

now make her countenance tender once again.

She walks into a room ready to fight

on her knees.

Let her walk into the room now ready for embrace,

speak “at ease” across her face.

Let her find refuge from the battling,

and recover under your wings.

Where she learned to hold herself in ready stance,

teach her once again to hug and laugh and dance.

Her tenderness turned to tough without a choice;

you’ve made her fierce,

now allow her to be covered once again.

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Have you noticed if the battles you’ve been fighting have changed you in one way or another, for better or for worse? I’d love to hear your thoughts.