How long was the Phoenix in the ashes before she rose again?  What happened in those days in the grave?  Did she fully die before coming back to life?  What was the force that pulled her into the ashes?  What was the force that pushed her to ascend from the heap of ashes? 

Though I cried out in pain from anguish of the thorn, I couldn't bring myself to remove it for many years.  Something new is stirring in my heart. The thorn is pushing its way out. The old cry of pain is fading and a new song is springing into my heart.  The Phoenix is rising. 

I am compelled by something much greater than myself to live life fully, to rid myself of pain, and to fight for the health and life I crave and envision.  My God has not forced me to change but yet He has been blowing gently on the forgotten embers, relighting the fire, and bringing forth a new flame.  Oh please, let this fire encompass my whole being and burn away all that is dross.