softly said

Little Lee was so tired

at the end of the day

that he fell asleep in my arms.

When somebody knocked

on the front door,

he startled awake.

His eyes opened wide in alarm.

I didn’t say,

“Now stop that!

Didn’t I tell you not to be anxious?

You should be ashamed of yourself.”

I simply held him close

and softly said,

“It’s okay, little one.

You don’t have to be scared.

I’m here.

You’re safe.”

And I rocked him back to sleep.

 “Do not be anxious. . . .” Isaiah 41:10 (softly said)

“Do not be anxious. . . .” Matthew 6:25 (softly said)

 “Do not be anxious. . . .” Philippians 4:6 (softly said)