A prayer for a city that’s been tested
Boston’s strong
but Boston’s weary,
weary from the snow.
Weary from a “rain of terror”
from two years ago.
Weary of the endless suffering,
weary of the pain.
Weary from the fear that haunts the
victims who were maimed.
As the wheels of justice start to
turn and bring relief,
Boston’ strongest still admit to
grave gut-wrenching grief.
God in Heaven. You alone can
help this city heal
from the wounds and from the weather
with which they now deal.
The cracks in the Capitol Dome aren’t the only cause for concern
The D.C. dome is scaffolded.
It needs support to stand.
The cracks and fissures found inside are deep.
Our Capitol is crumbling.
Its cornerstone’s come loose.
From where he sits the sight makes Lincoln weep.
Republicans and Democrats
breathe in the toxic dust
ignoring what seems obvious to me.
The rifts and constant rancor
put democracy at risk
as those elected dodge falling debris.
Can’t those in Congress get along?
Is it too late to try?
What happened to respect within those halls?
Repairs indeed are needed
and it’s bound to take some time
if we ever reinforce once hallowed walls.
A reflection of our Heavenly Father’s love
That little girl we nurtured
as a child takes the stage,
a silver tube pressed loosely to her lips.
The sounds she makes amazes,
both melodic and serene.
In my head I hear her friends say, “Lauren rips!”
Her tone would make James Galway
stand on tiptoe and take note.
Years of practice have paid off and I’m so proud.
While it’s freeezing here in Knoxville,
I am warmed by what I feel
as I sit back most contented in the crowd.
Yes, a parent’s pride’s permitted
when your grownup child excels.
Pride is proof that love is beating in your heart.
It’s a natural expression
of what cannot be contained.
It’s the fruit of what’s been growing from the start.
And the pride that I am feeling
is a picture of God’s love.
He delights in me because I am His son.
Being me, I feel His presence
though I cannot play the flute.
It’s enough to know He loves me having fun!
* This was written on the frigid February evening in 2015 when my daughter Lauren Star Asimakoupoulos gave her graduate flute recital at the University of Tennessee School of Music prior to obtaining her Masters degree in flute performance.
The black and white truth from God’s Word
Through Jesus we have been set free from the bondage of sin! As I’ve contemplated the amazing grace of our loving God (as illustrated in Holy Scripture), the following words come to mind…
LOVE, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, commitment, security, forgiveness, mercy, acceptance, compassion, friendship, justice, listening ear, tenderness, freedom, welcome, praise, companionship, transparency, hope, intimacy, presence, courage, protection, respite, help, respect, honesty, time, attention, access, loyalty, trust, a place to belong, assurance, provision, protection, identity, advocacy, refuge, redemption, purity, oneness, validation and LIFE.
And that’s no lie!
He fudged on facts and he got caught.
That’s why he’s off the air.
A man we trusted stole our trust.
And just like you, I care!
The shame he feels flies in the face
of all he’s done that’s good.
And there’s a cost for disregarding
doing what we should.
What Brian Williams did was wrong
and must be penalized.
But knowing how we’ve stretched the truth,
I will not criticize.
Instead I choose to pray for him
as he takes time away.
May God be found within the pain
as night gives way to day.
My Rhymes and Reasons 