The way out of prison—any prison?
Consider Joseph:
sold by his own brothers
into slavery;
then falsely accused by others;
victim of thwarted passion.
Calumny accepted. No trial.
Take Joseph:
royal quandary cleared up
by his gift of prophecy.
No retaliation.
Only loving-kindness. And in
famine food willingly shared.
"God did send me before you
to preserve life."
Consider Daniel, who dared
to maintain his trust in God
among the lions;
no weapon but understanding
of the power of innocence.
Forgiving King Darius
cruelly used against him,
greeting the King, "Live for ever."
Then Paul and Silas:
jailed for healing and preaching,
singing praise to God
in the bitter black of night.
Their bonds shattered. Their loving
words to the keeper of the prison,
waking up scared
into pointing sword at himself,
"Do thyself no harm."
O freedom from within!
From frightened self, where
restrictions begin.
Extending, breaking down
intimidating walls,
cracking stones apart.
Liberator and redeemer—
love in the secret heart!
