Shells of Change
We are merely shells until we are filled,
Inner greed and self-obsession silently killed.
We are merely shells until we are washed clean,
Soothing painful scars and hurts unseen.
We are merely shells until we are shining in the sun,
The moment two hands stretch to become one.
We are merely shells until we are held upon an ear,
Whispering, “Shhhh…I’ll quiet your fears.”
We are merely shells until we are polished by a wave,
Radiantly beaming from each life that we save.
We are merely shells until change comes from our hand,
Calming the mighty winds that shift the fragile sand.
I have learned on this journey to live Hands Free that the most meaningful things are unplanned. The things that matter most simply unfold if you let them.
This was not the post I planned to write today, but the words found their way to paper because I could not stop them from coming.
The inspiration for this poem came from talented artist and writer named Barb Black. She lives in Washington. I live in Alabama. She does not know me; I do not know her, but we were brought together by a storm. I translated Alabama’s tears into words; she reached out to wipe them.
Barb has designed a beautiful note card entitled, “The Winds of Change,” for the survivors of the devastating tornados that hit Alabama on April 27th. The proceeds of the cards will directly impact two families that have lost more than words can describe in this post. You can read more about Barb’s beautiful gesture here.
Barb’s name was #27 on The Alabama Angel Impact List that I have been keeping since April 27th.
And you can bet this Hands Free Mama will take time to say “thank you” in a post that has yet to unfold; I am still processing it in my dreams. (Those are the best ones.)
But for now, I leave you with this:
Have you filled your shell today?
Have you filled someone else’s shell today?
You might find, like the 27 angels on my list, that when you go to fill someone else’s shell, you end up filling your own.
That’s just how it works.
Isn’t it beautiful?
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We are all called at some point to reach out to someone in pain. Perhaps the Alabama tornado tragedy has not been the right time for you. No worries, for your chance will come, my friend. There will be more storms, figuratively and literally that will bring a chance for you to reach out. In fact, I am certain there is a storm going on in someone’s life at this very moment; someone you know is going through a storm every single day of the year. Find out who it is and then fill…fill…fill…that empty shell. And watch as your shell begins to shine like never before.
*If you are interested in purchasing a set of the individually hand made “Shells of Change,” note cards click here.
Christi says
Kudos to both you and Barb! I’ve seen some of her cards and they’re wonderful. She’s very talented!
Rachel Macy Stafford says
Thank you, Christi! I love that the three of us found each other. Your support means so much!