Sea turtle

Little turtle upon the sand lies there ready 

Go free, be free, make your break

Slowly you walk, each step new, each step frightening

The land new, the sand hot

This unfamiliar land causes hesitation

A single pause and disorientation your companion

Panic

Which way is land, which way is the sea?

Still you sit

The sun hot upon your shell

You want to hide, you want to retreat

But where? But how?  Predators lurk...

Above the birds fly, circling as if smelling the fear

Below the ghost crabs plot their next move, making tunnels below the surface

Look, survey your surroundings

You can do this, what do you see?

Ah, your tracks in the sand 

The direction from which you came

And so you move slowly in the opposite direction 

Waves crash upon the shore the scene ominous 

The beaches miles long

But home for a brief stint of time

You will return to lay your own eggs

Now your journey begins

The waves must look stories high from your vantage point

Violently they crash washing up broken shells

No worries, you will not become a causality of the waves

You are built for the sea

Your shell, shaped for diving, armored for protection

You may not retreat into this protection like land turtles but it will enable you to cut through the sea with ease

While on land you are slow, in the sea you will race

Propelled by your flippers you will explore much of the ocean

A new world awaits

Take your first step

Go ahead, the water is warm

This is your time, this is your chance

Equipped for this journey, let fear be not your demise

Trust

Instinctually you know your preparation 

Instinctually you long for the next step

Go, be free, discover

Grown child upon the stairs stand there ready

Go free, be free, make your break

Slowly you walk, each step new, each step frightening

The sites new, yet adventure awaits

This unfamiliar experience causes hesitation

A single pause and disorientation your companion

Panic

Which way is safe, which way is home?

Still, you stand petrified

The Son shines warm upon your face 

You want to hide, you want to retreat

But where? But how?  Uncertainty lingers...

The what if's begin to flood the mind

Doubt riddles the soul and you begin to discount your strength

Stop, breathe you are not alone, you are never alone 

You can do this, what do you feel?

Ah, the heart beats, pulsing with solace 

A voice calls to you

And slowly you take your steps

Chaos, doubts, fears crash upon you and your world seems ominous 

The world vast

But home for a brief stint of time

You will return to live forever with the Father

Now your journey begins

The world must look frightening and dangerous from your vantage point

Broken dreams wash up along life's avenues

No worries, you will not become a causality of the waves

You are handcrafted by God, built to withstand the test of society

Your faith, your weapon and armor

Think not of retreating, only of living be your faith and it will carry you

While burden by the mind you are sluggish, fearful; follow the heart and you will come alive

Propelled by your heart you will explore this world though you will never be alone

A new world awaits

Take your first step

Go ahead, God has your hand

This is your time, this is your chance

Equipped for this journey, let fear be not your demise

Trust

Instinctually you know your preparation 

Instinctually you long for the next step

Go, be free, discover

One thing...

Carry this with you at all times

You are never alone...

God strengthens your step

He carries when you tire

He hears your heart's desires

You are never alone...

From which you came is family

It is your home, your support

Miles may separate the body but the hearts always connected

Reach to this connection

Breathe deeply in this connection

Let it fill your soul and quiet your mind

You are never alone...

We are here

We can feel your fear

You will always rest in our hearts

This moment forever changed

Life forever changed

Because in this moment you have become a woman of faith

Though still my baby, you are forever loved

Forever cherished

Forever welcome in my arms

The time has come, go

Go make for yourself a mark on this world

Live your faith and let others feel God's presence through you

His presence is real

His presence is healing

For He is love and offers love

When you become afraid remember this love and it will console you

Remember this moment

Be in this moment 

For while tears are shed a new woman emerges

Energized by faith

Bound by love

Propelled by hope

Take this step

You are strong

You are beautiful

It is your time to shine

Carry these thoughts with you and when the world looks bleak, you will be the rays of hope others will need 

You are ready...

You are loved