nothing in the house.

"Thy servant, Lord hath nothing in the house,

not even one small pot of common oil;

For he who never cometh but to spoil

Hath raided my poor house again, again

That ruthless strong man armed, whom men call Pain.

I though that I had courage in the house

And patience to be quiet and endure

And sometimes happy songs; now I am sure

Thy servant truly hath not anything,

And see, my song-bird hath a broken wing.

My servant I have come into the house -

I who know Pain's extremity so well

That there can never be the need to tell

His power to make the flesh and spirit quail:

Have I not felt the scourge, the thorn, the nail?

And I, his conqueror, am in the house,

Let not your heart be troubled: do not fear.

Why shouldst thou, child of mine, if I am here?

My touch will heal thy song-bird's broken wing,

And he shall have a braver song to sing."

- Amy Carmichael

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways and sinners will return to you... For you do not delight in sacrifice or I would give it; You will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken Spirit, a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." - Psalm 51:12-13, 16-17

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