Contemplating Corridors

There is a tug-of-war within my own heart:

The siren song of my flesh pulls for my way.

Conversely, Jesus calls me to an upside-down world

And wisdom begs me to contemplate opposing corridors.

The flesh declares it knows what is best for me,

But even attainment leaves me deeply restless.

Conversely, Jesus braces His followers for persecution,

And He is the Way of deep rest through it.

The flesh promises dominion over life’s chaos,

But my need for control crushes my relationships.

Conversely, Jesus grants the reality of relational trouble,

And He equips us to love freely through it.

The flesh guarantees easy escape from life’s pain,

But this route enslaves me in helpless addiction.

Conversely, Jesus guarantees his followers will suffer,

And His presence empowers redemption of it.

The flesh accuses God of impotence against evil,

But blinds me to evil within myself apart from Him.

Conversely, Jesus warns of an evil, prowling enemy,

And He is the power to see and stand against it.

The flesh demands love and acceptance from others,

But leaves me swirling in loneliness and confusion.

Conversely, Jesus loves us despite our brokenness,

And He delights in loving the world through us.

The flesh entitles me to peace in this world,

But my demanding spirit creates turmoil within my soul.

Conversely, Jesus asserts we will be hated in this world,

And He is the deep shalom through it.

The flesh seeks eternal life through youthfulness,

But has no power over the atrophy of my body.

Conversely, Jesus portends we are dust at corridor’s end,

And He makes both journey and destination worthwhile.

                                                            Patti McCarthy Broderick

                                                            April 10, 2023