For context, this poem is from my memoir “Rising Up”. It was Easter Communion, the church prayed, myself included. After the prayer I experienced Spiritual Warfare by being paralyzed in my seat in a praying position. That is when I said this poem out loud quietly.

Oath of Service

Dear LORD,

Forgive me,
for the sins I have done
and the shadows
that have grown
inside of me.

I beg
for forgiveness
for letting these shadows
linger inside me
for so long.

Help me be free
from the darkness.

In exchange,
I swear an oath.

Let this be
my oath of service.

I swear upon my life,
I will serve as a protector
of the people who praise you.

I will be the shield
that keeps them
safe from harm.

If those that attack
refuse to back down,
with a sense of regret
I will also be the sword
that strikes.

You teach to show compassion
to others, even those who wrong us.

In this state of madness
our world has fallen into,
I’m afraid I may have to be
the sword and the shield.

I will do my best
not be lethal.
All I will try to do
is defeat them.

If the shadows inside me
can not be removed.
Then give me the strength
to make these shadows
bend to serve you
as I will to my last breath.

After finishing I became free from my praying position. I was scared, and soon got involved with volunteer work with the church.