To be a Warrior Bride

to experience loss, deceit, and shame

and keep your heart pure all the same.

to uproot bitterness before it spreads-

and in labor and toil till sweat is shed.

to escape in riches man's tempting greed

to trust one man and let him lead

to raise a child in the way he should go

to give to watch another grow.

to make, and plant, and build, and teach

to give and welcome those called to reach.

to speak with boldness, a truth that dwells

with a heart of grace, and love that compels

to offer grace when it's been abused

to forgive again when it's been refused.

to hold the power to destroy man's strength

yet use it to empower, to go the length 

to be secure in whose she is 

despite the lies others hurl and hiss

to battle in prayer when no one sees

to battle for souls down on her knees. 

to wait patiently for season pass

to remain rooted like the trees

and in the storm that scares the mass

she holds an inner peace.

to love and loss and love again

and refrain from losing zeal

to fail, to hurt, to give in to sin

to repent and learn to heal.

to conquer giants in Jesus' name

to serve by washing feet

to lower herself to Him proclaim

for her Lover she'll one day meet.

to search the Word and all it says

and live a life that shows

to learn to love and offer life

without flaunting what she knows.

to dwell in the House where glory's shower

early to rise and reside

to be a woman of gentle and power

is to be a Warrior Bride.

Dedicated to three beautiful women I am blessed to know.

Elena Giordano

Emily Walden

and Nicky Pilkerton

inspired by Scripture and "If" by Rupyard Kipling.