I was a small, helpless creature
in a thick forest
grown over with underbrush,
the tops of the trees
entangled and matted with wild vines,
so that the light of the sun could not shine
upon the struggling tender plants on the ground.
I was small and helpless;
I had no weapons of defense.
 
The forest was full of raging, wild beasts
that possessed claws sharp as needles,
and teeth in jaws strong as iron.
I ran quickly and furtively
from one spot to another,
trying to hide myself from the beasts
that were stronger than me.
But I was seen by them -
and I found myself surrounded
by a pack of ravenous wolves.
They ripped my flesh apart
with their teeth and their claws;
then they departed from me -
leaving me for dead.

One who wished to help found me.
When He first tried to help me,
I would not let Him.
I cowed away from Him
because I was afraid of Him.
I was scared to death of Him
because I knew He was mightier than me,
and could crush me to powder in a moment,
and could snuff the life out of me
with nothing but His little finger!
I was afraid to let Him touch me;
I was afraid I might be consumed,
if He were to touch me.

So He coaxed me and He cajoled me,
handling me with a light touch,
lest He frighten me
any more than I already was.
He spoke tender and loving words to me,
while keeping His distance from me,
trying to allay my fears.
He was trying to rescue
a wounded and frightened wild creature -
one that might bolt from Him in fright
if He were to make any sudden move.
He was very patient with me
because He knew I was wild and untamed -
and afraid.

His patience and tender care won me over.
He domesticated me and tamed me;
He broke my wild spirit in pieces,
and replaced it with another
that has no fear in it.
When I no longer feared Him,
and He was able to handle me
and hold me and pet me,
then He began to treat and heal my wounds.
And no more do I have to forage
in the wild forest for my food -
for He feeds me from His hand
all the nourishment I need.
He has picked me up
and is carrying me through the forest,
taking me to His home
where He will keep me
and care for me forever.