Voices of Recovery: A Poem of Redemption

Written and performed by 2016 UGM LIFE Recovery alum Amanda Taylor. 

The world provided me with all the answers

A strength that always burnt out

A faith that would turn to doubt

An obedience to myself alone

A self-proclaimed wisdom

I could hear-

I could see-

If everyone else could jump inside my box with me

The pride in my heart knew well how to hide

The enemy moved in and I became a puppet every time he lied

I was foolish and forward, much more than a mess

Terrible things happened; I’m sure you could guess

My box had it all

I felt safe and secure, an illusion the devil used as his lure

My enemy set a trap, and I crawled right in

I missed all the warnings for I was blinded by my sin

Laughing at God while throwing tricks my way,

He did all that he could to get me to stay

Taunting and teasing

Bruising and bleeding

He kept me blind to the life I was leading

As isolation and loneliness began to take hold

I noticed my box felt a bit cold

Shadows of darkness danced all around

Deafening silence and my heartbeat became the only sound

I yelled. I screamed. I thrust forward my feet

I punched and kicked until I felt my defeat

I didn’t have enough strength to get out of that box

It was wrapped with chains, and the enemy had locks

It’s over I thought

This is too much to bear

If only I could call out to one who would care

Through my tears and my heartache, that thought brought a feeling

One with such power, I immediately began kneeling

I prayed to the Lord

I cried out his name

Oh, please, God, deliver me from all of my shame

He heard my voice from his temple

My cry met his ears

Oh, my Lord, I am sorry for neglecting you these years

Please enter my heart and cleanse it yet again

I know you can reach me no matter where I’ve been

I turn from all my ways and look forward at you

Please give me the strength to hold on while you make me brand new

Please restore me and lead me

In your law, I will abide

No longer alone in this box will I hide

Just then, I felt it as the light hit my face

Every chain broke free under his mercy and grace

From above, he took me, drew me out of troubled water

This he did simply because I am his daughter

He calls me holy, chosen, ambassador for Christ

Royal and beloved, I’ve been bought with a price

This world is dark

This truth I won’t hide

That is why my Savior came, took on the cross and died

Before his Spirit ascended and he gave up the ghost,

He said these words, and this part I love most:

“Father, forgive them. They know not what they do.”

These words he had said because he loves me and you

He died and rose again to save a sinner like me

Forever, I will stand in his presence and the enemy will flee

After all, even with all his power, he’s just a big liar

Now he can watch me serve the great God of fire