Teach Me to Live

I know how to survive the night. Carry broken like a badge of honor. I know how to hold my breath. Wait for daylight... never trust tomorrow. I know how to wear a smile. While my soul keeps hiding in the shadows. I know how to keep moving forward... Without ever feeling whole. I have learned to live with silence. I've learned to make a home in fear. But somewhere in the middle of surviving... I forgot why You brought me here. I've mistaken numbness for peace. Called exhaustion faithfulness. Called isolation wisdom. Called surviving blessedness. I've questioned every open hand. Measured every word I heard. Still You never stopped pursuing. Still You never spoke a harsh word. You've been patient with my trembling. Gentle with this fractured heart. Never asking for perfection... Only that I finally start. Teach me joy... without suspicion. Teach me rest... without condition. Teach me hope... when hope feels gone. Teach me where... my soul belongs. Teach me laughter... without fear. Teach me love... to draw me near. Teach these hands... to open wide. Leave no place... for me to hide. Break the walls... I built. Break the lies... I believed. Break the man... who only knew... How... to survive. If You have to tear me down... Then tear me down. Just don't... Leave me... The same. Teach me to live! Not just survive! Teach these dry bones... How to come alive! Teach me to breathe... Where fear once lived! Teach me tomorrow... Is still a gift! Teach me to trust... When I can't see! Teach me surrender... Completely! You taught me how... To make it through... Now teach me... How to live.