Here is this month’s selection of poetry. I was greatly affected by a book I read, “#Struggles” by Craig Groeschel. It showed me just how unhealthy my relationship with social media is. It convicted me and moved me towards healing. It will be a lifelong struggle for me to realize that my identity comes only from God, not from what people think about me (I made long strides at training camp with this issue, but it by no means disappeared!). This month has been something of a difficult time with really low lows and mediocre highs. But through all of my problems and inner battles, God has been so good and patient and kind.
Hope you enjoy!
Media My Master (December 16, 2021)
O mighty Facebook
I’m scrolling my feed
Show what I’m missing
Something that I need
I crave your presence
Yearn for your wisdom
Bring me my heroes
Reveal all of them
O great Instagram
I’m seeking your face
I swipe to refresh
Look at me in grace
I need acceptance
Their likes I must get
No shares or comments
My life I regret
Social media
In worship, I call
Sacrifice my time
Offer up my all
Live for your glory
Thirst for your power
Give me all you have
‘Til my final hour
Jesus, I’ve messed up
My phone, my idol
These sites are my gods
Bound with their bridle
They promise pleasure
Swear to bring me gain
But I am their slave
Receive only pain
Please, Yahweh, save me
Break down their stronghold
Sever these harsh chains
Stop their cruel chokehold
You are my Master
Lord, You are my King
None stand before You
Heal this online sting
Hold My Hand (December 19, 2021)
Father, hold my hand
Wherever I go
I don’t want to fall
In sunshine or snow
I tend to wander
So please hold me tight
I run off in day
I stumble in night
God, You are my Light
And my only Guide
Let’s walk hand in hand
Let’s stroll side by side
My Voice vs. Your Voice (December 17, 2021)
Younger me is screaming
They’re yelling in my head
“I knew you were worthless
You were better off dead
“No-one thinks you’re funny
And no-one says you’re cool
They ignore all your posts
They mutter, ‘you’re a fool’
“You cried out for God’s help
You prayed hard for a friend
Asked for a miracle
So that your pain might end
“Yet look at your life now
Pathetic as before
You are just a failure
Give up and breathe no more”
Another voice speaks up
Quieter than the last
“Ignore those cruel feelings
Leave that voice in the past
“Sure, no-one may respond
Or give you worldly praise
They may ignore your pleas
Or laugh at you for days
“But I always listened
I never left Your side
I gave you My own heart
I’m Your best friend, inside
“You are not pathetic
Mistakes, I cannot do!
Just cling to My grace now
I will carry you through”
I know which voice I’ll hear
When my anguish comes near
My God is always here
To His words I’ll adhere
Dark Nativity (December 14, 2021)
Christmas lights hang
Evergreens shine
Everyone smiles
It’s Christmas time
Goodwill to all
And peace on Earth
A joyful scene
A lovely birth
But this is false
Not the full truth
This baby’s birth
Dark and not smooth
A teenage girl
Not yet married
“Scandal, affair”
Joseph worried
Pregnant, unwed
Story insane
A cause for death
And intense shame
Threats of divorce
Unwanted bride
Run Bethlehem
To birth, to hide
Stuck in a cave
Cold in the air
Sweat on her face
Hay in her hair
Jesus was born
Cried like all do
Covered in blood
His body new
Outcast shepherds
And smelly sheep
Feces around
Too scared to sleep
Jealous tyrant
Murderous king
Infants he killed
Mothers’ wails ring
This baby born
Came from on high
Weight on shoulders
Destined to die
Stirred up trouble
Broke up the norm
His friends were killed
Food for the worm
He brought us joy
Only in strife
He brought us peace
Not in this life
Sweet virgin birth
Not the whole scene
Quiet and nice
But oh, not He
God Doesn’t See Me Through My Computer Screen (December 17, 2021)
If my success were based on Facebook likes
I’m the lowest person in the world
If my friendships were based on Instagram follows
I’m the most hated person in the world
If the quality of my heart was based on views
I’m the worst person in the world
I thank God that He doesn’t judge us like that
That He only looks at me through the Blood of Christ
Because I believe in the resurrection of His Son:
I rely on God’s unfailing power
I am unconditionally loved
I have an unspoiled new heart
