“Chosen”

"Chosen"

Beyond the blood box
that did what it knew
so caged by its own baggage
trajectory doomed to seed damage 
throughout generations

absent all we longed for
our lingering lament
wanders smoldering lands of heartache
memories sharp and cutting
stitched into our being without consent
we cannot tear them out

where do we belong?

surely there are someones 
gathering somewhere
bearing bright threads of connection 
creating a warmth of family
beautifully sewn with ripped and raw edges 
honest stories speak unafraid 
mending together
celebrating together
woven by the One who chose us 
long before we chose each other

we are family 
beyond the blood box
we belong
beloved by One whose door opens wide 
to a house of welcome home for all.

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About the art:

Wish Fish Family

This new school of Wish Fish are reimagined from my many old paintings. What we may think is the end (a finished painting) is not necessarily so! It's simply raw material for what will be next. By releasing what no longer serves, and keeping what wants to be brought forward, we can reimagine, partnering with the Holy in making all things new. This newness can happen in our relationships too, creating and recreating families, whether by birth or by choice, differences and all.

Media: My old art, scanned and digitally collaged.
©2025 Wendy Lew Toda

Published in Motif Sketchbook: Family, pp. 25-27

Wishing you much love and belonging.