give me the grace

to care
without neglecting my needs,

the humility to assist
without rescuing,

the kindness to be clear
without being cold,

the mercy to be angry
without rejecting,

the prudence to disclose
without disrespecting my privacy,

the humor to admit human failings
without experiencing shame,

the compassion to give freely
without giving myself away.

~~ Author Unknown ~~

Fierce Grace

---

MIRROR

---

When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you queen for a day,

Just go to the mirror and look at yourself,
And see what that woman has to say.

For it isn't your father or mother or husband
Who's judgement upon you must pass;

The person whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.

She's the person to please, never mind all the rest,
For she's with you clear up to the end.

And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the woman in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of life,
And get pats on your back as you pass.

But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you've cheated the woman in the glass

~~ Author Unknown ~~