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

  Everyday Heroism At the forefront of my mind the last several days has been the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Several times throughout the day, I find myself looking up the latest news to stay abreast of developments. Here and there I read snippets of stories of Ukrainian citizens stepping up to the plate in practical and heroic ways to defend their homeland. These inspiring glimpses into real individuals’ lives remind me that there are still people who believe in ideals greater than themselves, and are willing to sacrifice for those ideals. I wrote the poem below describing another set of heroic deeds by everyday people when their national government was experiencing an attempted overthrow. May it encourage us to be faithful to our King – Jesus – Who is worthy of our highest loyalty. We never know when/if we may be called upon to do a heroic deed, but if we are faithful to Him in the little things, we will be faithful in the crisis moments.   Ahimaaz and Jonathan “...

  And the Syrians had gone out on raids, and had brought back captive a young girl from the land of Israel. She waited on Naaman's wife. Then she said to her mistress, "If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy." 2 Kings 5:2-3    Two verses…sharp cliffs of contrast in a child’s life: One side her worst nightmare, caused by national strife; The other a result of her choice to forgive, And make the best of where she now lived. To be torn from her parents she’d never have chosen, Yet faith’s warmth in her soul could not be frozen. Jehovah was with her in a new land and language, And her choices would give to her captor Truth’s knowledge.     Remarkably, she came to genuinely care About Naaman and his wife and how they would fare, And one day in heaven, we’ll meet all three there.* Then from Scripture’s portrait of this captive girl rare, Let us also have courage to do as she dared. ...

“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Isaiah 40:8   A truer compass never marked Directions on which to embark; The finest map of great detail Next to His Book loses all scale. Eternal destiny and faith Are based on “Thus the Lord saith.” His Words the daily bread we crave For here and now, and past the grave. From strength to strength we travel on Undaunted, in our hearts His song That stills our souls when storms arise: His promise true, though dark the skies. Then steady on, we bank our all On Him Whose Word can never fall. With love we linger in His pages, To know Him more, God of the Ages.

  Chattanooga, TN October 22, 2021                Early yesterday morning I mentally revisited events of twenty-five years ago. Then a sixteen year old, I sat in the back of the family mini-van with my two brothers and two sisters on the way to school. Now a mom in the back of an SUV, I looked at my two sons and two daughters. Then, we had recently found out my dad had cancer. Now, we were on the way to drop off our children so my husband and I could go to his first cardiologist’s appointment. Then, I remembered the unwavering faith of my mom. Now, I was the mom.             So, I have decided to write this open letter to any parent who will read it. These thoughts have been a fire in my soul since November 28, 2018, but, perhaps, now is the time to share them. I pray they will make a difference.             The core of the matter is ...

  “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” Genesis 6:8   For decades he worked with gopher wood; As a preacher of righteousness alone he stood. In a world where evil had overtaken good, He found grace and obeyed and did what he could. Surely he mourned for those who would not see That the ark was God’s salvation for all who’d believe. But scoffers didn’t stop him; he’d heard God’s voice clearly, So he just kept right on building, and the rest is history.   God honored his faith; sprinkled throughout His Word Are tributes to Noah’s obedience to his Lord.* And in our own times, where Truth brings a sword, God’s gracious commendation is still the best reward. Then to the faithful: keep cutting down trees; Endure rejection, though it drive you to your knees. If no one follows, yet God you please, The difference that’s made is eternity’s.   *Hebrews 11:7, 2 Peter 2:5, Ezekiel 14:20, Matthew 24:37

  “And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” – Revelation 21:5   30 hours in heaven… What you must now have seen! The face of the Savior, Jesus your King; Loved ones embracing, welcoming; Radiant brilliance, splendor, and peace; All this world’s sorrows traded for bliss. Oh, the unmeasured joy that must fill your soul, As you gaze oft at Him Whose Name was your goal! No longer a pilgrim stranded in time; Forever at home where God’s glory shines.   Soccer mom here just a few weeks ago; Proud of your kids – as your texts to me show. Walking through life with Bruce your best friend; He stayed by your side all the way to the end. And though our hearts ache, we’d not bring you back; For we’re also on the heavenward track. So scope out some places to show us someday; Give our love to our dear ones who’ve finished earth’s fray. Enjoy the shee...

  “Hear, O Israel: The  Lord  our God, the  Lord  is one!   You shall love the  Lord  your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”   - Deuteronomy 6:4-7 A girl and a boy that had a good dad – So starts the legacy of Amminadab. The little girl Elisheba would grow up to marry Aaron, who’d one day the title “High Priest” carry. The little boy Nahshon God would choose to be Judah’s tribal leader when the Israelites were free. Nahshon had a son, Salmon was his name; He married Rahab, for true faith she proclaimed. Their son Boaz kept that faith for himself, Though cultural confusion made the judge of “right” one’s self. Boaz married Ruth as her kinsman redeemer, Th...