Marie Fortune

“O God,
Through the image of a woman crucified on the cross I understand at last,
For over half of my life I have been ashamed of the scars I bear.
These scars tell an ugly story, a common story, about a girl who is the victim when a man acts out his fantasies,
In the warmth, peace, and sunlight of your presence
I was able to uncurl the tightly clenched fists,
For the first time I felt your suffering presence in that event,
I have known you as a vulnerable baby, as a brother, and as a father.
Now I know you as a woman.
You were there as the violated girl caught in helpless suffering.
The chains of shame and fear no longer bind my heart and body.
A slow fire of compassion and forgiveness is kindled.
My tears fall now
For man as well as woman.
You, God,
can make our violated bodies vessels of love and comfort to such a desperate man.
I am honored to carry this womanly power within my body and soul.
You were not ashamed of your wounds.
You showed them off to Thomas as marks of your ordeal and death.
I will no longer hide these wounds of mine.
I will bear them gracefully.
They tell a resurrection story.
(1 Pet. 2:24)”
― Marie Fortune