The Promise

I have called you by name, from the very beginning

you are mine and I am yours. You are my beloved. On

you my favor rests. I have molded you in the depths

of the earth and knitted you together in your mother's

womb. I have carved you in the palm of my hand and

hidden you in the shadow of my embrace. I look at

you with infinite tenderness and care for you with a

care more intimate than that of a mother for her child.

I have counted every hair on your head and guided

you at every step. Wherever you go I go with you, and

wherever you rest I keep watch. I will give you food

that will satisfy all your hunger and drink that will

quench all your thirst. I will not hide my face from

you. You know me as your own as I know you as my

own. You belong to me.

H. Nouwen