I'm Scared

Last week I realized that I usually combat fear by trying to act brave, hoping that it will make me brave - but I found myself wondering if maybe the more childlike approach would be to admit my fear and run to Father for protection...

I’m Scared

I’m scared;
For the first time,
Not afraid to admit it.

To be like a child
Has been a dream,
But every child has its fears
Of the dark places—

So instead of trying
To pretend I’m brave,
I run to Daddy,
Whisper, “I’m scared,”
And let him take my hand in his…

Streaks of Tar

This poem is a reflection of the consequences of sin, and the only way sin can be overcome.

Streaks of Tar

My sin left streaks of tar behind—
The horrid marks which stained the world;
And all looks bleak—I’m scrubbing hard,
But still the darkness won’t come out…

I’m forced to bear the stains forever,
To wear their seal upon my heart;
In chains, a prayer is all I’ve got,
A last appeal to him who made me—

But as I see His open arms
And watch forgiveness run to me,
I’ve found the key to free my chains
Which lets me live in freedom now—

Forgiveness covered all the marks
I tried in vain to scrub away;
And then His love came raining down
To wash the stains till all was clean.

Blooms of Joy

On Monday two close friends of mine were engaged. This poem is dedicated to them. May God bless them in their relationship together.

Blooms of Joy

This joy is mine? How can it be?
’Twas God who came and planted seeds;
I’ve only watered as He asked,
And now they bloom beyond my dreams—

I simply stepped out where He called,
And now such beauty blinds the eye!
I only asked for His hand to hold,
But see—He’s given me the sky.

The Bliss of Former Days

Remembering the joy of this day last year, and the darkness that came a few months later, and seeing the place where God has brought me to today...

The Bliss of Former Days

The bliss I found has faded,
And only vague impressions stay—
The faintest scent still linger here
Reminding me of former days…

To taste the joy of yesterday
Would resurrect so many smiles
Before the darker days had come
Where love somehow went out of style…

But as I look back on the journey,
And see the times of toil through night,
A peace on this day washes me:
For love brought me to greater heights.

Coming Home

The poem was inspired by the parable of the prodigal son, and by Casting Crowns' song "Prodigal".

Coming Home

To eat the husks of corn was bad,
But I found ways to gulp them down;
It was when I saw how I wasted
The happy days when I was rich,
That lust is worse than eating dust,
I soon was gazing back towards home—

I know my chance of love is nil,
But just to serve is good enough;
I long to see my home again
Yet don’t deserve the slightest welcome—
I need to hold to something real,
But have I nerve to face my father?

But Daddy, I am coming home,
Make me a slave to wash your feet,
I need no welcome, just a home,
No other favor will I ask…
I want no gifts, nor even love—
I know you gave too much already;

But deep inside, I know I need
A love that sees past all I’ve done;
I really come for just the chance
Of finding peace within forgiveness…
If… you possibly would dare…
To run to me with open arms…

The War against Death

On Good Friday I was reflecting about Jesus' death on the cross, and the power we find through His victory over sin and death. This poem is an expression of some of those thoughts.

The War against Death

The earth was trembling, terrified
As darkness battled with the light;
A day once bright was overcome,
The sun was shadowed by the fight—

As darkness won its victory
The people knew that all was lost;
The Holy veil was ripped in two
And God Himself was on a cross—

But even as death won the battle
It knew that it would lose the war;
For death itself, in all its terror
Could not make sin a conqueror there—

And three days later, death was vanquished,
And sin had lost its grip on man;
For in Christ’s death we find the power
To find the life His love has planned.

Coats and Palm Branches

I wrote this poem the day before Palm Sunday three years ago. I've always really liked the last stanza, but I've also been hesitant to share this one, because I thought it might be too vague for easy comprehension. So let me know if you have any questions or comments!

Coats and Palm Branches

Hosanna in the highest!
He’s coming! Jesus, King of kings!
Exalt His name with songs of praise
And find the luminance He brings!

We lay our dreams before His feet
Our lives are cast upon His will!
Desires, like stones, have paved the way
A tempest for His peace to still—

We think it humble sacrifice
To drop what seeks to grave us,
Not knowing He behind the smile—
The Master goes to save us!

One Wish

On contemplating what I want more than anything else, the one wish I would ask for, which is mine to receive...

One Wish

If I could ask for anything
And it would now be mine,
What would my heart chase after?
What treasure would I find?

I’ve had a taste of riches,
I’ve seen a glimpse of fame;
And pleasures run around my flesh,
All calling out my name—

But all the world provides is vain,
The only thing I need
Is love that Father’s holding out
Which I can now receive.