Become slowly still.

Quieten your breath.

Listen to the sounds outside,

or to the silence of the night.

Notice how do I feel?

Open your heart.

Soften your body.

Ask for the grace you need this night.

Become aware of God’s loving gaze resting gently on you.

On us.

Open your heart to receive

From the One

who waits;

who knows;

who hears.

And who will not be outdone in generosity.

WOMAN COME OUT OF THE CAVE

The Creator-Beloved asks:

“What are you doing in the cave?”

What and who are you hiding from?

Why do you fear being seen and heard?

Is it the fear of being silenced by others;

Attacked, physically or in words.

Seen as making trouble?

I try to protect myself.

By becoming small enough

To fit into the sanctuary of the cave.

The Creator-Beloved,

Who called Elijah out of the cave says:

To me. To us.

Women who fear for

our lives,

our safety,

our dignity,

our reputation.

Come out of the cave

You cannot live there.

Come out of the cave

Into the light.

No longer bowed down

To fit into small hidden spaces.

Come out of the cave.

Stand tall.

On top of the mountain.

Let the sun fall on your face.

Feel my breath,

Hear my voice

in the still small breeze:

Let your voice be heard.

Let yourself be seen.

I am sending you.

Into a world falling apart.

To anoint,

To heal,

To love

To speak my truth.

With words that I will give you.

Do not be afraid.

Come out of the cave.

I am with you to protect you.

By Annemarie Paulin-Campbell

(Used with permission of the author)