Isaiah 49:15 [Poem]
Higdon, S. (2018). grascale photo of a girl near grass[Image].Unsplash.
I often forget I was once a child
So fragile in a large world
I wore tiny clothes
And dresses that twirled
I often forget what a whole home is like
Held hands around a table
Space to come undone in
A family that is stable
I often forget my perspective is skewed
Wounds frequently lie to me
Saying “division is inevitable
That divorce is a guarantee”
I often forget I am made good
He spoke and made me so
As well as my family
Good gifts He never fails to bestow
I often forget I am still a child
Just like when I was seven
I have a Holy Family
I can always lean into Heaven
About the Poem:
The title refers the Bible passage Isaiah 49:15, which reads, “Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you.” NABRE translation
As the poem progresses, forgetfulness is a key part. The connection being made is that parents who have divorced may have, in some ways, forgotten their children, and as children of divorce we often forget ourselves as well. In order to heal, I have had to dive deep into the hurt with God. That has been my experience and what I encourage everyone, a child of divorce or not, to do as well.
Prayer of the Holy Father John Paul II to Our Lady of the Divine Love:
Hail, oh Mother, Queen of the world.
You are the Mother of fair Love
You are the Mother of Jesus, the source of all grace,
the perfume of every virtue,
the mirror of all purity.
You are joy in weeping, victory in battle, hope in death.
How sweet your name tastes in our mouth,
how harmoniously it rings in our ears,
what rapture it brings to our hearts!
You are the happiness of the suffering,
the crown of martyrs,
the beauty of virgins.
We beg you, guide us after this exile
to possession of your Son, Jesus.
Amen.
(The above prayer was found online here.)
About the author:
My faith journey truly began by diving into forgiveness, especially the forgiveness of my parents, when I was in high school. Shortly after, in college, my parents divorced when was 20 years old. Since then I have been very passionate about healing the most foundational parts. That foundation will always be our families because that is how God made us. Now as a young adult I work full time in ministry with college students. Through this, I am desiring to always guide children of divorce deeper into the Holy Family's embrace.
Reflection Questions for Small Groups or Individuals
How does this poem speak to you? Does it resonate with your experience?
Read again the opening two lines from the poem. Do you remember feeling fragile in a large world? Do you still?
What helps you remember that you are a child of God? [Cf. CCC 1265]