The Chasm of Criticism

Self-criticism started as a friend.

‘I’ll protect you from the mistakes

that make them turn their heads,’ she said.

Aren’t I lucky? She thinks of everything.

Her words formed the tightest rope

to span the gap between myself

and what I thought were the expectations

of those I love.

I fight to make it onto the rope.

Sweat dripping from my face.

A migraine making its way.

One misstep and it’s the end.

I’ll have to balance - perfect.

There are no second chances –

not for me.

Shallow breaths.

Calculated steps.

No room for movement.

No wonder I can’t dance.

No wonder I can’t laugh.

Why? Why is this so hard for me?

Others seemed to have made it,

 well in time to have a party.

Is this just hard for me while others found it easy?

Would they have done a better job

if they were given the shoes I’m in?

Did I make a mistake I did not know,

and now am forced to walk this tightrope?

Again, I try to cross the chasm.

My legs are shaking while time caves in.

Is that my hair greying?

I’ve been here too long.

Criticism folds her arms.

‘I told you so...’ she says.

‘You were never going to make it,

You never had a chance.’

Despair joins in, punches me in the gut,

but just before all balance is lost,

I hear a rumble in the distance.

It’s growing louder, louder,

His words shattering this immobilising prison:

‘Criticism, you tormenting menace,

be gone from where you came!

Your voice has no authority here.’

I hear His roar; I feel His mane

‘You think you have any claim

to the one I purchased with My life?

You think your opinion carries any weight,

when I’ve poured out on her all My love?

You think this chasm can keep her bound,

to your words and your tricks, weighing her down?

Did you forget your place – defeat?

Did you forget she is kept under My wings?

And as she leans into Me, she crosses this chasm –

Soaring?’

Criticism evaporates under His voice.

My feet now move more freely

as I dance with the Wind.

In this wide-open space,

He has gently named: Grace.

---

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

I wrote this some years ago, but only recently refined and finished it. It's part of the human condition to face criticism and comparison. But both of these are quieted when we encounter His love and live from being seated with Him.

May you encounter a measure of freedom as you read this and feel His Love speak truth into every part of your heart and mind.

Just a few verses that came to mind as I wrote this piece.

Psalm 91:4

'He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.'

1 John 4:18

'There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.'

Isaiah 40:31

'...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.'