A Hand Along the Journey: Poems for the King from One Pilgrim to Another

  “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6   I’ve watched You walk across Scripture’s pages: The holy, spotless One Whose piercing gaze looks through the ages With truth and grace, heaven’s bright Son. You put in us a holy hunger To stand before You as we ought; But in countless ways, the whole world over, Your Divine smile billions have sought.   The thirst to know that You’re pleased with me Can only be quenched one way: “O righteous, innocent Lamb, I plead Give what I could never earn or pay.” Then Your endless supply of righteousness Is mine for eternity! A beggar no more, with Bread I am blessed, Enjoying the cup of salvation* daily.     * Psalm 116:12-13

  “Strength and honour are her clothing…” Proverbs 31:25 Last year on Mother’s Day, I wrote a blog post for my mom and Bill’s mom. Today, I write a tribute in honour of the two grandmothers I knew as a young adult, Mary Boley and Reba Hall. In these two ladies I observed portraits of truly classy people. With all my heart, I hope that as I age I will mirror the timeless qualities they exuded.     What marks a lady who has real class? That unchanging beauty though decades pass. It’s something that white hair and wrinkles can’t mask. It’s a fineness of soul no matter life’s task. It’s dignity and honour in the way that she dresses, And a smile that comes from her eyes and embraces The ones that she loves with acceptance and grace,   For harsh criticisms with her find no place. Class knows Whose she is and acts like He does: With kindness, instead of a frenzied mad buzz, Selflessly giving an interest in others. With courage continuing when she ...

       When I got my first driver’s license, I marked that I wanted to be an organ donor should the uninvited opportunity to do so occur. It was a matter-of-fact decision: of course I would want to make a difference for someone one last tangible way, to give what I could as an expression of the second greatest commandment.     Since last Thursday evening, I have come to view organ donation from a new perspective. The Children’s Hospital of Atlanta flew this flag last Friday – Sunday in honor of my nephew, who received a liver transplant.  I now have experienced the emotions that come from being a family member of someone who was given a chance to live because of the gift someone he will never meet in this life gave. It is such a bittersweet gift. Though we do not know who they are, we have earnestly prayed for the family who lost a loved one. As my brother wrote, “We will be forever grateful to the family who in the midst of tragedy chose to give life ...

"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." Matthew 5:5   Right now the world may pass them by, These strong yet gentle souls; But they have not escaped His eye, Ones whom His Spirit controls. Deference, discipline in word and deed, Reactions yielded to Him - Following Christ has been their creed As self's bold way's grown dim.   "They shall inherit the earth," Christ said. What paradox is this! Sass and schemes to get ahead Never come to know His gifts. Blessing then goes to the meek As their Master they reflect, Who to foul sinners turned His cheek, That they might know Him yet.       *Thank you to people like Aunt Marcia, who have illustrated this beatitude for decades.

"Now upon the first day of the week..." Luke 24:1  One Sunday morning Back in the beginning God’s “Let there be light” Broke forth from the night. With a single command, Triune Majesty’s plan Of Creation began; All came from His hand.   One Sunday morning Despair seemed to be winning, But God’s Son arose, Defeating all foes. The most brilliant of skies Paled before that Sonrise, True Light that the Darkness Could not extinguish.   One Sunday morning A week – gift repeating Thousands of times. Like nickels and dimes, We spend and we use them. May our days ever praise Him: His Sundays to echo, Life and Light from Him show.

  "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4 You’d have fought if you could to keep death at bay From loved ones it’s taken away. But powerless you stand; they’re called from your hand. Sorrow and loss – many forms it may take. The Fall brings an ache, relentless heartbreak. What could have been, had not we sinned… How can mourners be blessed? How can they be comforted?   The key is the word “comforted” Jesus used: Parakaleo means “to call near.” (Verb form of the Spirit’s name Comforter:* The promised “One Who comes alongside.”) He bore your griefs, and your tears He cried.** He calls you; bury your head on His shoulder, Lean in while His arms hold you closer. “I make all things new” is His whisper.***       *John 14 **Isaiah 53:4, John 11:33-35 ***Revelation 21:3-5

"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:3 A beggar crouching down in need, Downcast and desperate,* Who only can for mercy plead From Holy God so separate - This is the way He bids us come, And yet we leave upright; For only when we are undone Can we see Heaven’s light. **   Humility with no pretense Of what we have to offer Knows that at solely Christ’s expense The kingdom’s wealth is proffered. Shun not to own this poverty, To freely admit need; For one whose heart’s a bended knee, Blessedness has been decreed. *This word picture from the definition of the Greek word for poor ( ptochos ). **Luke 18:9-14