6x8 print on quality card stock. Poem is included on the back of the card

Pack of 5

(Shipping-Please allow for 2 weeks)

IF ONLY SHE KNEW (poem)

By Kara Brandt

In her mind, she is nothing,

Has been nothing, will always be nothing.

IF ONLY SHE KNEW…

From her lens the darkness oppresses,

looming, bullying, suffocating.

IF ONLY SHE KNEW…

In her mind her world is falling apart,

Shattered into pieces, hope is gone.

IF ONLY SHE KNEW…

In the depths she wonders, “why me!?”

Is this some kind of cruel punishment?

Is it Karma coming to collect what is due?

Angry and confused, she fights the pain.

When all strength is gone, she gives in,

Losing the will to fight, losing the will to live.

IF ONLY SHE KNEW…

IF ONLY SHE KNEW…

That she is everything!

To at least one other, has been everything.

and to God, will always be His everything.

IF ONLY SHE KNEW…

That in the darkness SHE is light!

The darkness is no match for the power of her light.

Her magnificence emanates from her without effort,

because that is who she is.

IF ONLY SHE KNEW…

That she is being stretched and prepared to use her light.

That the brokenness she feels is temporary.

What she feels is lost has simply fulfilled it’s purpose,

making way for new beginnings and opportunities.

IF ONLY SHE KNEW...

That hope always exists the moment she desires to see it.

That even in the darkest deep, she is loved, she is seen,

she is heard, she is whole.

-Kara Brandt

(Copyright 2018)

Story:This one is special because it was inspired by a very difficult time in my life when I couldn't comprehend that my life had any impact or meaning. Ravaged with chronic illness, depression, and anxiety, I had succumbed to so many beliefs about myself that I know now were never true. I believed them so fully that I came very close to giving into my demons and ending my life. I am so glad I didn't! Because about 10 years later I reconnected with a friend from that era that had taken some voice lessons from me. I honestly don't remember those lessons but I certainly remembered her and was excited to see her again. The first thing she said at that reunion was, "Kara! You changed my life!" I was shocked! How could I possibly have changed anyone's life during that time when I was barely hanging by a thread each day. She went on to describe how the things I said in those few voice lessons had made a life-changing impact on her and how grateful she was. Stunned, I went home that night deeply touched by this concept that we can be a light even when all we can see is the darkness. So, I wrote a poem and created this painting as a tribute to all of you powerful women out there that may have forgotten that you are loved, who you are and why you are here on this planet. I hope this brings some comfort during this time of year when so many have experienced loss or are struggling.