Introduction
“Sonnet V-At Last I Stand Approved” is the result of splitting the original Sonnet IV from the “What Kind of Love is This” Sonnet series into two Sonnets. The original Sonnet was written for a Modern/Post Modern course at Houston Baptist University Master of Arts in Apologetics program. The assignment limited me to four Sonnets for the final project. I wanted to tell as much of the story of language distortion as possible within the confines of the course requirements, but doing so resulted in a compressed timeline in Sonnet IV.
I reworked the original Sonnet IV to address age fifty-five when I met my second husband, John. You can read the revision here.
Sonnet V-At Last I Stand Approved illustrates my acceptance of my true worth. In this sonnet, I look back at my marriage to John to show how the relationship with him helped me accept how God views me and finally reject my father lies. Through the imagery in the first few lines, I describe my inner transformation and acceptance of a different meaning of love. The last quatrain describes my current understanding of love. I begin with the disclosure that I am a widow, but the loss does not change the truth. Line ten answers the question asked at the end of Sonnet I. The declarations found in the remaining two lines of the quatrain provide transition from earthly love to Divine Love. The final couplet confirms that the language distortion no longer controls my thinking and I know the true meaning of love.
The truth revealed, now I know what love is.
At sixty-five, I can finally say
I knew the kind of love that could dismiss
Distorted views of love that led astray.
For eight short years, we shared one soul, one heart.
He made me laugh at times when life was tough.
He taught me how to love and draw apart
To understand that God’s love is enough.
I am a widow now, and still, I know
That Daddy’s words were lies and not the truth.
When I feel the tempter’s frightening blow
I stand my ground and say, “I know my worth!”
And, by His crimson blood, my stains removed.
Transformed, and white as snow I stand approved.
Related Posts:
What Kind of Love is This? Part III Sonnets
Sonnet I -Are Daddy’s Words the Truth or Does He Lie?
Sonnet II- Does Love Reside Where I Cannot See?
Sonnet III. How Can I Make It Right?
Your story is sad. Our God is good,in the darkness he is light and in our pain he is hope. You have such courage and strength. I did wonder if you had other siblings. How did you overcome your mothers betrayal of you. Was your father sorry for what he did? Thank you for your story.
Thank you for your comment. To answer your questions-I had an older brother. I’m currently working on my memoir, which will focus on how my faith sustained me and helped me deal with the abuse and betrayal.