June 25th

“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Jeshanah and named it Ebenezer, for he said, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us.’” 1 Samuel 7:12

there,
between the mountain
we thought we couldn’t climb
and the valley which frightens us
because it is filled with shadows.
there,
on those stony roads which
cause bruises up to our souls,
and the paths covered with the dust
of those dreams turned to ashes.
there,
where the storms washed away
those hopes which had sustained generations
and in the tiny seeds planted in cups
by children who believe in miracles.
there,
we build our cairns of mercy
so others know they are
not alone on their journey.

© 2025 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman