Reflecting on the tragedy in a little Texas town

So where is God when crazed men kill
their helpless victims sitting still
prepared to worship One who came
to rid our world of hate?

So where is God when children sing
their praises to the King of Kings
and bow their heads as they are told
because “God hears our prayers?”

So where is God when church folks die
before they have the chance to try
and run away from one intent
on emptying his gun?

So where is God when cynics sneer
and question how could He be near
when evil stalks the innocent
and steals the ones we love?

The answer is God’s everywhere
observing what we cannot bear
to contemplate or comprehend
because it is so cruel.

God’s weeping with us as we grieve.
Our world (unlike what God conceived)
is flawed and broken, filled with rage
and prone to self-destruct.

And yet God has a plan for good
displayed upon a cross of wood
that will (in time) redeem what’s wrong
and vindicate His name.

Remembering those who left us

They left us through the door of death
the day they took their final breath.
While hearing angels call their name,
they closed their eyes in peace.

They left us grieving they were gone
as we discovered life goes on.
And yet the life we now embrace
is lacking something rare.

They left us as we knew they would
although we prayed somehow they could
defeat what they were battling.
But sadly they did not.

They left us precious memories
providing us a ring of keys
that opens doors to days-gone-by
we enter all the time.

They left us all a legacy
of faith and hope and love so we
can make our world a better place
by following their lead.

They left us with a cause for praise
on this most holy Day of Days.
We’re grateful for all saints who died
who live again in Christ.

This poem is dedicated to my dad who died nine years ago this week (November 4, 2008)

Remembering the legacy of Martin Luther 500 years later

A mighty fortress was his God.
A big church door his desk top.
This parish priest protested greed
insisting that it must stop.

He took his cues from Holy Writ.
Not what the Pope demanded.
Faith was the key (not doing good).
But Martin soon was branded.

“A heretic!” “Let’s lock him up!”
“Let’s excommunicate him!”
“That German swine’s a priggish pig.”
“His views are toxic venom.”

But gratefully we’ve come to see
Herr Luther was a blessing.
What he espoused reformed the church.
It’s what we’re now confessing.

Yes, Martin Luther spoke his mind
and voiced his heart through singing.
Five hundred years ago this man
set village church bells ringing.

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