Hold Out Your Hand by Julia Fehrenbacher

Let’s forget the world for a while 
fall back and back
into the hush and holy
of now

are you listening? This breath 
invites you
to write the first word
of your new story      

your new story begins with this: 
You matter      

you are needed—empty 
and naked
willing to say yes
and yes and yes      

Do you see
the sun shines, day after day 
whether you have faith    

or not
the sparrows continue
to sing their song
even when you forget to sing 
yours      

stop asking: Am I good enough? 
Ask only
Am I showing up
with love?  
Life is not a straight line
it’s a downpour of gifts, please— 
hold out your hand