Showing posts with label poetry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label poetry. Show all posts

Thursday, September 06, 2007

Serendipity and Saints

ser·en·dip·i·ty (sěr'ən-dĭp'ĭ-):
noun
1. an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident.
2. good fortune; luck

Serendipity. Fun word (under-used). Great movie (I [heart] John Cusack. Supposedly fantastic restaurant (in NY).

I'm in a serendipitous season in my life. Those "desirable discoveries" seem to be happening rather frequently lately. Little and big ones. Twice I've found myself walking through the mall (and I hate to shop!) aimlessly, only to run into people I've been trying to connect with for weeks. One of them was just on a 6-hour break from the camp where she was working for the summer. Strange.

I had a beautifully serendipitous moment the other night at my first Disciple Bible Study class. We were making introductions and this 91-year old lady was telling about herself and where she had gone to church in the past. It was the same church my grandmother attended while she was alive, so I asked if she knew her. She did not...but the older man next to me did. Making that connection almost made me cry. It's that "communion of saints" thing...makes you feel like you're not so far removed from the people you've loved and lost. I have a feeling that our little connection will only deepen as we walk through this study together.

I wanted to share that moment because I have long been thinking of writing a blog about my grandma. We were very close. We laughed together, cried together, dreamed together, and just loved each other deeply. She had her struggles, but they only made her into the unbelievable person I grew to love and admire more than I could ever express in words. I tried once...and the results are below in a poem that I wrote for her. Keep in mind that I was 18 years old, so it is raw and unpolished.

Heroes

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes
With masks and capes and many great disguises.
But none so discreet as this one does appear,
And in my heart, this hero’s very dear.

Some say a hero must be strong and bold.
If that’s the case, let the story be told
Of a woman of wisdom, strength, and love,
Who follows the Lord and His plan from above.

She’s quick with a hug or a shoulder when you need one,
And of course a great joke or a laugh for some real fun.
She’s my inspiration, my strength for each day.
In just who she is, she has shown me the Way.

Her cape you won’t see, for she’s not wearing one,
But you can bet on a halo when it’s all said and done.
For she’s the kind of person who loves from within
With no thought of what she may lose or win.

She has blessed me, touched me, and loved me so
In all that she’s done, she’s only helped me grow.
All things considered, she fits right in
As a hero, a legend…my grandma, my friend.

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Passages

This is a poem/prayer I wrote eons ago that still has meaning today...

My willpower gone
my strength far away
in You I entrust
each passing day

I can only pray
for a simple path
and silently watch
as You draw the map

Each winding trail
is a road to You
and with the touch of Your hand
You lead me through

So as I prepare
for a brand new day
I ask that Your love
might lead the way.

The cadence is a little off to be the best of poems, but...it was years ago. I haven't attempted to write in years. Hence the posting of old poems/prayers instead. Something new soon, maybe? (This is not a promise...)

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Sunshine and Rain

I ran across this poem/prose today in my collection of quotes and thought I'd share it with you. It was written by one of the youth at Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville where I volunteered as a college student. I found the words encouraging today and thought you might, too. I believe she was in eighth grade when she wrote this for a friend. Wise words from such a young soul. Her friend passed it along to me and now I give it to you. May it bless you as it blessed me then...and now.

We live in a mixed up world
where it rains
as the sun shines.
Where happiness comes through pain
and where failures seem to cloud up our lives.
However, life is not about who knows your name
or if you come in first in the world's race of life.
It is the few strong souls
that don't conform to the definition of the world
that receive the standing applaud in the end.

Your image isn't created by what works you perform
but by what runs deep in the waters that create you.
It is what shines through your soul...
It is what makes you...you
It is what makes you a creation beyond words of description...
It is what makes you worth
the pain and suffering
felt by the One and Only Perfect Man.
- Kim Jones

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Something Old...

This is a "Scripture Poem" I wrote for my Vocation of Ministry class in seminary. I thought it was worth sharing. I didn't include all the Scripture references...I challenge YOU to find them! :)

My precious, precious child...you are Mine and I love you
I have fearfully and wonderfully made you
And I will carry you and sustain you on this journey of faith

I have called you to this life of ministry
Of sharing My grace with My people
Tell them what I have done for you and how I alone am your source of strength
Speak boldly of My presence in your life
Of My saving grace, overflowing compassion, and great love for you
Tell them about My Son, Jesus...be Jesus for these people

Do not worry, My child, about what you have to offer...
Just trust Me, love Me, and seek Me and I will give you what you need
You cannot imagine the great plans that I have for you
Your future is bright with hope...this is what you were created for
The road ahead is not easy, but I go before you
Just call on Me and I will reveal Myself to you and lead you through
I am your compass and your guide on this incredible journey...do not fear

If you will look to Me for strength, you can accomplish anything...anything
Nothing is impossible for you if you put your trust in Me
Pray and I will answer
Endeavor to speak and I will be your voice
Climb the highest mountain and I will be your feet
Go to battle and I will be your shield
You never walk alone...