You are Welcome Here

We find ourselves together,
Each one bearing the scars from our battles.

Wounded warriors

—Who refuse to give up.
—Who face our fears bravely and lend our strength when someone needs it.

We turn with open arms to those who are hurting and say,
"You are welcome here."
For we know the beauty in a person is found deep beneath their surface.

We listen when you vent
    laugh when you joke
    comfort when you cry
    and walk a mile in your shoes every day if it means it will help you

We've learned the pain of carrying secrets in our wounds is no match
for the hope we can find in the acceptance from another

​So we reach out to one another--
in coffee shops and hallways,
neighborhoods and blog posts,
bravely baring our souls and telling our stories

For we are warriors
Comforters
Menders
Friends

Who know the bravest thing we can do
is open our weaknesses to the scrutiny of another so all can find healing.

We come without judgement.
We come with our scars.
We come as we are.
​
"You are welcome here."