A call to compassion

When someone you love doesn’t know that it’s you,
you die just a little unsure what to do.
But as their eyes smile and twinkle with joy,
you know that you still have a bond.

When someone you love has been robbed of their mind,
they say things that hurt you. They aren’t always kind.
But then you remember their memory is shot
and actions are fueled by their fear.

When someone you love is confused and afraid,
you suffer in silence but still wouldn’t trade
the gift of their presence and all that they are
and who they have been through the years.

When someone you love has forgotten your name,
you swallow your pride and then make it your aim
to be fully present, to reach for their hand
and gently remind them they’re loved.

*This poem is dedicated to the families with whom I am privileged to minister who are impacted by dementia

Praying for a good outcome to a bad situation

A hurricane named Harvey
has destroyed where he has been.
This movie mogul’s damaged countless lives.
For decades he has victimized
those bruised by his abuse
(as well as his dear children and his wives).

Like storms that ravage homes and hearts
through power that they pack,
this macho hurricane has done the same.
Without regard for those he hurt,
he moved on like the wind.
But now (exposed) he deals with guilt and shame.

“Be sure your sin will find you out…”
God’s Word reminds us all.
What’s done in darkness will be brought to light.
There’s consequence to serving self.
Sins wages must be paid.
And justice will be served to make wrong right.

And yet we pray for Harvey
who has said he wants to change.
May knowledge of God’s mercy melt his heart.
May treatment and repentance
find this broken man restored
as Harvey finds (through faith) a brand new start.

* http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2017/10/08/harvey-weinstein-fired-from-weinstein-company-amid-sexual-harassment-claims.html

Pondering the unimaginable terror in Las Vegas

Good news or bad news?
It seems the headlines
in the morning paper
are a roll of the dice.

In a city
where people have been known
to gamble their lives away,
what are the odds a lone gunman
would lock himself in a high-rise hotel room
and slaughter innocent concert-goers
hoping to hear Jason Aldean all night?

A city sarcastically nicknamed “Lost Wages,”
is now sadly known for lost lives.
How terrifying.
How traumatic.
How tragic.

This week the “Disneyland for Adults”
is anything but “the happiest place on earth.”
It’s Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride derailed.
It’s Dumbo dumbfounded.
It’s the Matterhorn dehorned.
It’s Main Street gone mad.

O God, have mercy on the victims.
Comfort the grieving.
Heal the wounded.
Calm the scared.
Protect the vulnerable.
Convince our Congress to rewrite gun laws.
Guide the authorities who seek answers.
Sustain a city and a nation riddled with questions.
Save us from ourselves, dear Lord.

Reflecting on the NFL players’ boycott of the National Anthem

Yes, I know it’s an issue that currently divides our country.
But I just can’t stand by and not speak up.
I can’t stand seeing the American flag disrespected.
It is a banner for which our soldiers, airmen and seamen
have fought risking their lives (and often paying with their blood)
in order to protect our liberties.

My dad, who proudly served our country in World War 2,
stood a little taller every time
the star-spangle banner passed by or was played.
He taught me it was much more than a tri-colored piece of cloth.
Our flag is an heirloom fabric we have inherited
that calls to mind our family history warts and all.

It is a symbol of the freedoms we have enjoyed
for nearly a quarter of a millennium.
It’s a colorful reminder that we can’t stand for anything less
than equal opportunity for anyone who voices their loyalty to it.
That grand old flag reminds us of our common commitment
to become one nation under God
while guaranteeing liberty and justice for all.

We’d best remember that what paints the breeze
is not a celebration of what is, but a promise of what can be.
When we stand to pledge allegiance to our flag
(or to sing an anthem in its honor),
we are saluting our past.
But we are also committing ourselves anew
to do our part in bringing about the dream f
or which all of us long.

All the same, those who choose to kneel when others stand
should not be maligned or denigrated as reprobates.
I respect them.
The freedom they exercise to take a stand (by kneeling)
is one of the key freedoms our flag symbolizes.

And don’t get me wrong.
I’ve been known for taking a knee
when I feel the need to protest what isn’t right in my world or in my life.
In fact, I do it all the time.
It’s called prayer.

What would make a good movie great

Go see Dunkirk (the movie).
It’s an epic. And yet.
I left feeling bothered.
I had a regret.

The drama of history
(small boats from the west)
was not front and center.
Just background at best.

And George was forgotten.
The King’s call to prayer
was not even mentioned.
A blunderous error.

Do you know what happened
in Dunkirk that day?
Defeat was averted
because Britain prayed.

All England responded.
They called out to God.
And the clear English Channel
was draped in thick fog.

Hitler’s bombers were grounded.
George’s small boats were free
to bring back the stranded
across the dark sea.

‘Twas simply astounding.
The Brits were amazed.
The Germans were thwarted.
And God’s name was praised.

May we learn this lesson
and seek God through prayer.
He’s sovereign in history.
He rules everywhere.