Becca Stevens (b. 1963)
Before the Sun Rose
Before the sun rose
Or an altar was hewn
Before the crocus bloomed
Or a winter passed
Before the birds sang
Or the seas parted
Before a word was spoken
Or an apple bitten
Before the wine was blessed
Or a cross lifted
Before the path was chosen
Or a prayer offered
There was sanctuary.
Becca Stevens (b.1963) is an Episcopal priest in Nashville, TN who founded Thistle Farms, a global organization that supports women’s entrepreneurship. She also founded Magdalene House, a two-year residential program for former prostitutes overcoming addiction and wanting to restart their lives. This poem is from Sanctuary (Dimensions for Living, 2005), p.13.
Selected by Amy Frykholm: amy@journeywithjesus.net
