Well, this is it! My final poetry blog, at least here on the World Race site, but possibly for a long while. Poetry has played a big part in my life for the last two years and has been used by God to grow me and change me, as well as hopefully encouraging and furthering the Kingdom. However, I believe it may be time to move on. Poems do not come as easily as before, which can definitely lead to the poetry feeling forced and inorganic, so because of that, I may need to hang up my figurative hipster fedora, although I might just pick up a literal hipster fedora. This year, much like the poems, has been one of the most critical and crucial chapters in this book of my life. There have been so many different pages that reach into several types of genres: dramatic, comedic, inspirational, scary, etc. I am now reaching the final words of this chapter, preparing to flip the page to see what the next one holds. The space in the meantime is filled with uncertainty and sadness, and yet I step towards it with hope and joy. These poems and this year will forever hold a special place in my heart, and the memories and feelings, both the difficult and the fantastic, will eventually mingle enough to create a warm glow that catapults me further into God’s will and presence.
As always, thank you for your support, prayers, and love. I care so deeply for each one of you!
Key– November 6 (This one was written and performed for a Sunday School program in Sielmat, Manipur, India)
Around my neck
I wear a key
It tells me daily
I’m already free
It fits no lock
And opens no door
But close to my heart
Reminds me of more
Jesus my Savior
From Heaven came down
Though I was lost
He called me found
I was a sinner
He came to save
He broke my chains
When I was a slave
He died for me
And rose again
So with His help
My life could begin
No more am I stuck
In a sinful place
I walk with Him
And see His face
The key is engraved
The word is “known”
Jesus loves me
I’m never alone
If you feel scared
And if you’re sad
If you feel nervous
Even if you’re mad
He will not leave you
He won’t depart
You are His friend
You’re in His heart
He looks from Heaven
To see even you
He know each one
And loves you too!
A Missionary’s Simple Prayer– November 23
Whatever seeds were planted,
I pray that You water them.
Whatever seeds were watered,
I pray that You nurture them.
Whatever plants were nurtured,
I pray that You prune them.
Whatever plants were pruned,
I pray that You multiply them.
The Tide of Terror– November 25
The tide of terror takes my spirit
Death is coming; I utterly fear it
Spiritual malaise is the air I breathe
Apathetic ground will pull me beneath
The voices in my head are talons thick
Consuming me whole like a failing wick
They do what they can to separate
And the God I love is the One they hate
The lake of Hell is reaching with its heat
I feel its flaming tongues licking my feet
I listen for God in the midst of my thoughts
Have I found His voice in that list of “do not’s”?
My Father is stronger than this broken world
I remember fondly when we danced and twirled
Those things are true but they feel so distant
With each passing day, I seem more resistant
Intrusive thoughts are making me doubt
I’d be so lighter if I lived without
God of the Promise, restore my heart
Force this terror to quickly depart
I know I’m a mess, but please don’t leave
My mind is torn, but I still believe
My structure is quaking, don’t let it break
From this nightmare, shake me awake
Stepping into the Unknown– December 4
I step into fog
And squint my eyes
I follow the truth
Ignoring the lies
The unknown looms
Like a giant foe
I’m leaving my home
And all that I know
I only just learned
Of family and grace
Will I still hear God
In a foreign place?
My heart cries out
Inside my chest
My spirit seeks
The nearest rest
Change isn’t coming
It’s already here
Came without warning
Brought doubt and fear
But I won’t give in
To the deadly mist
Can make me shudder
But I’ll still resist
Ye though I walk
Through the darkest night
I shall not perish
For God is my light
He cuts through the fog
With a loving call
I shake my head
Watch anxiety fall
I pause to think
What lies behind
Lessons and blessings
Fill up my mind
My God has been faithful
He won’t stop yet
He’ll lead me to safety
Through every threat
Jesus’ hand
Is within my reach
So inside this fog
I still find peace
Day is coming
It’ll soon be here
The Sun is shining
My path will be clear
