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The Liar Inside
Portrait by Hypnotic Teapot, Etsy
~The Liar Inside~
There is this voice. It whispers. (It screams.)
It tells you that you have fallen too far.
There is no returning from these hits.
It tells you that someone else would have handled this path better.
Braver. Tougher. Smarter.
Someone else would not have lost so much. Someone else would not have allowed themselves to fall…this far.
She tells you that you are a burden. A vampire.
Selfish. Helpless. Unworthy.
She tells you that if you disappeared…no one would grieve for you.
She has a voice and she has eyes. She shows you how others might see you: Pathetic. Weak. Alone.
This voice is a liar.
She lives in the home of everyone.
She sneaks in through the window of your mother and father.
She sings you hateful songs about others. She sings you hurtful songs about yourself.
Satan is an angel. Nickname: “the great deceiver.”
Silence her deception with love, service, worship, gratitude.
Silence her deception with truth:
You are loved.
You are strong.
You are worthy.
You are made in the image of God.
You are SO unbelievably beautiful!
You can face this day fiercely and boldly!
And you are not alone.
~a Body of Hope
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Custom image by Portrait Artist, Hypnotic Teapot on Etsy. She creates stunning, unique color and pencil portraits 
of you, your friends, and your pets at an affordable price. I have ordered custom artwork from her and can vouch for her professionalism and amazing artistry. Go buy a gift your loved one will never forget! #ValentinesDay
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Fire Brick Road: poem
~Fire Brick Road~
Down this yellow brick road of fire and pain
There are things that you’ll learn and there’s knowledge you’ll gain.
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You learn people prefer when you’re funny instead
Of telling the truth about how bad things get.
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You’ll figure it out that folks get annoyed
When you tell them you’re hurting when they’re feeling joy.
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If someone asks about your health facts,
You must pair each truth with a blessing you have.
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Otherwise, they will think that you are pathetic,
Even though they may really seem sympathetic.
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Make sure to be cautious about each complaint,
You’re “sick” now so people expect you to act like a saint!
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A bit more advice as you walk the path:
You’ll subtract a few friends, so learn some quick math.
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You’re just not fun like they remember,
But hang on to the ones who will love you forever.
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If you are grateful, then you will do better
The things that are negative really can fester.
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If someone else tries to meet a need,
It’s best to say “thanks!” and learn to receive.
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This yellow brick road of fire and ice
Has more stuff like: Doctors, and money, and guilt… OH MY!
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But on this road you aren’t alone
God’s with you, and others who limp it in toe.
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So when you are ready just reach on out,
Someone will be here; there’s always traffic on this route.
-by A Body of Hope
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Yellow Brick Road | by Artist Andrea
Thank you to Artist Andrea for allowing her awesome Yellow Brick Road painting to be featured. Please go buy one of her unique original pieces from Etsy. Many of her paintings have the spirit of Frida Kahlo. Check them out!
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Fragmentation: poem
FRAGMENTATION
Father, this is private.
I could never tell a soul
Of my heart’s fragmentation
And the need to be made whole;
How the theft of affirmation
And the absence of support
Is transmitted to my mind
As a negative report,
How rejection from the people
That were closest in my life
Could so deeply pierce my heart
And create a lot of strife.
Were it not for words of value
That are spoken in your book
That translate into the blessing
If through spirit eyes I look,
Could I even go on living
With a spirit that’s been crushed,
And the cries within my heart
That despair has served to hush.
Were it not for living presence
Of your Spirit within me,
Through your grace and lovingkindness,
Could I ‘ere begin to see
That I’m loved beyond all measure
And although I can’t conceive
There’s a plan and greater purpose
For the trials, I believe.
I believe because you’ve told me
And I know you cannot lie,
And therein lies my sustenance,
My comfort and my high.
-by Mary Jane Gonzales
Inspiration Scripture: “Let us hold fast to the profession of our faith without wavering (for He is faithful who promised).” HEBREWS 10:23 (TMB)
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Guest Contributor, Mary Jane Gonzales began writing poetry, music, and crafting over 20 years ago when her harrowing journey with a chronic neuropathic pain disease, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome / RSD began. Now, she is a published author of several books, pillar in the chronic pain community, and continues to share her story, struggles, and faith journey to shine a light to help others. Her book In the Blink of an Eye is quite popular in the pain community, and her newest book, Poetic Devotions for those in Pain is a personal favorite of mine. Today, I am so honored to feature Mary Jane Gonzales’s “Fragmentation” from her heartfelt book of poetry.
Find her bio and book collection at: PoetMaryJaneGonzales.tateauthor.com
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