Celebrating the rescue of the Thailand soccer team

The world’s been watching soccer teams.
“The Cup” awaits, but still…
there was one team for whom the odds
were stacked against their will.

Defeat seemed sure for those young lads.
All hope was gone and then…
The “come-back kids” would not give up
determined they would win.

The world not only watched and prayed,
the world (united) sent
a team of divers who would search
the caves for one small hint.

That hint was found. So, too, the boys.
Praise God! The boys came out.
And while the World Cup fuels our joy,
it’s this that makes us shout:

A common goal (this miracle)
has linked our world as one.
Our globe is but one family
when all is said and done.

The Lord of all nations be praised!

Celebrating our independence takes more than just one day

There’s a statue in a harbor
and her name is Liberty.
She stands tall for all the things that we hold dear.
A government of people who
(by rule of law) decide
what’s permitted, what is not and what’s to fear.

And she symbolizes freedom
in a world that’s torn by terror.
She stands up for peace (enlightening the world),
for the torch within her right hand
dispels darkness and helps guide
those who pledge allegiance to our flag unfurled.

She stands tall
and (though she’s silent), she invites the poor and tired
to breathe new air and dream of being free.
Like the cross,
she stands triumphant
as a picture of new life
purchased by the blood that bought our liberty.

A prayer for those with depression

The music of my soul has ceased
and all because a heartless beast
refuses to release its grip
and set my spirit free.

The big black dog. A dark gray cloud.
Depression’s pall is like a shroud
that wraps around my lifeless soul
and robs my joy of air.

Depression is a living death
depriving me of needed breath.
It mocks my faith incessantly
while holding hostage hope.

O Giver of eternal light
illuminate this endless night
and lead me from this prison cell
into the warmth of day.

A lament for the illegal immigrant children separated from their families

Children without mom and dad
are now detained, afraid and sad.
These huddled masses (poor and tired)
are yearning to breathe free.

Children with a future here
currently constrained by fear
cannot imagine what’s in store
removed from family.

Children without cause for blame
who (on the backs of parents) came
pray to a God who wills for all
that justice will prevail.

Lord, have mercy!

What does Frances Scott Key have to do with Flag Day?

Francis Key
would help us see
this is a banner day.
For he would bring
a means to sing
of that for which we prayed.

This Key unlocked
a means to talk
about what makes us free:
The untold price
of sacrifice
that bought our liberty.

Happy Flag Day!