Tag: peace

We the Church

Cross swinging from a chain? Sitting in church every Sunday? Giving to the church? Teaching Sunday School? What makes a Christian? As if that matters anymore. The world has written us off as elitist, racist, oppressive, unwelcoming, manipulative, money grabbing, ignorant, delusional…the list goes on. When will we realize that inside we are all the same? Mexican, Russian or African; Christian, Muslim or Jew. Or whatever. We all want to be safe, secure and part of a loving community. Maybe we need to do away with religion so we can concentrate on the spiritual. Love is the common bond for all of us.

In Search of Serenity

Coasting comfortably on the caress of clouds.

Reaching for meaning in every breath.

Thinking of the crowd of witnesses,

Their tender hands outstretched with love.

Is there truth that surpasses understanding?

Is there hope amidst these evil days?

I count the steps to reach your door,

Yearning for rest, bidding to journey no more.

Only a promise from the precious few

Can treat the soreness of a broken soul.

Come, join the chorus, summoning grace

From the bright heavens above.

Ho ho ho.

Christ mass time is here oh ho ho ho!

Jingle bells are ringing in my ear.

Can you feel my enthusiasm?

Really, I’m happy about it, but

It is stressful with all the expectations

Of joy and merriment.

Carol all your bells and all that, but

Don’t expect me to join in.

Yeah, I know, it’s the season

Of peace and love, giving and getting,

Snow and fireplaces and hot chocolate.

I can’t wait to celebrate and I’m glad

My shopping is all done.

Now, bring on the cookies and candy!

Connections

Did you, too?

Have you been there?

Do you, really?

Thank you.

I’m glad you’re here.

I’m glad I’M here.

This is work.

I want to get better.

I wish I could sleep.

I sleep too much.

I’m ready to commit to that.

I’m ready to quit.

I trust you.

Thank you for being there for me.

A Light

A light twinkles

In the distance;

It is my hope,

Fragile, yet strong.

Will a big gust of wind

Blow out my candle?

I am protected

By many walls:

Meds, doctors,

Counselors, family,

Friends and helpers.

That gust of wind

Can blow if it must,

But my light will not

Be extinguished.

I will use

The tools I’ve been given.

I will continue the struggle,

And I will win.

Strong

Experience.

A light bulb turns on.

Words flow like breathing.

Comfortable.

Fellow warriors

Keeping each other company.

Along for the ride,

Together.

Be there for you,

Whenever you need someone.

Any time, any place.

Trust me.

I’ll hold out a light

So you can see your way.

Brothers and sisters

Of mental illness.

Strong.

At Peace

When Jesus commanded the storm

To cease and told the wind not to blow,

It could not have been calmer

Than my spirit is now,

Resting in the comfort of good medicine,

Therapy, family and friends,

And the rewards of a day well spent,

My emotions are like a ship

At one with the ocean,

Flexible and evenly balanced,

Moving with the currents of life

Around me. Please bless

All those that have brought me here,

And those that continue

To sustain me.

Thank you, Jesus,

For your grace.

Perseverance

A Miracle

Gliding along the currents of air,

I’m lifted by the light that shines on me.

Love permeates my being,

Like a spear piercing my side.

The nails are hammered through

My ragged wrists. I cry out,

My God, my God, why?

Have you forsaken me?

The dusk descends and they lower

My cross, loosen my body

And carry me to my tomb.

I stand on a mountaintop.

Throw yourself down!

God’s angels will save you.

Turn these stones into bread.

You are hungry. Go ahead.

Freedom! I am set free by God’s hand.

Risen at last and the tombstone

Is rolled away.