Traci

That night before
ten women
gathered
to pray.

how many months
had passed?

she had
suffered
and
waited

and bought beautiful hats

she had
praised
and waited

and loved on her little girl as she left for college.

everyone
watched

as she didn't let the disease win.

purple
bracelets
and
purple
toes
and
purple
clothes
in honor of her gracious fight.

people
partied
in pre-chemo honor
as she
celebrated through the pain.

that night before
ten women
gathered
to pray.

And the
healing power
of a
mighty God
stormed in
like an
indomitable
tornado
swirling through
her body
and
cleansing her soul.

the next day
after
ten women gathered
to pray

the doctor's words
swept her world
like a vigorous wind
and those waiting in the wings heard

SHRUNK.
MERCY.
BLESSING.

The beauty of the broken
flies in the face of
discouragement
doubt
and
disease.

The beauty of the broken
purifies the darkness
and tears away
fear
and is
never
forsaken.

The beauty of her brokenness
lifts the heart
of the
faithful
to see the
peace in the storm.

Party on,
sweet Traci.

Ten women
and
hundreds of others
continue
to pray.