Poem: Push Hands

We start slowSilent and listeningWhole body aware.Energy flowsBack and forthForth and back.Speed increasesThen complexityConscious thought is abandoned.I win by letting goI fight by giving groundI strengthen by relaxing.It becomes playJoy fills my spirit.I am capable of so much moreThan I e’er dreamt.

Poem: Chen Tai Chi

It starts slow.I moveIn perfect control.SlowlyThe rhythm speedsAnd energy flowsSuddenly it stops.I’m just getting startedFaster and fasterI move.Sweat drips downMy naked torsoFinally readyI take up the blade.The dance begins againMore lethal this timeMore demanding.Cold steel flashesBody movesAnd I amOne with the Spirit.For a momentThe cosmic tumblers align.The moment is gone too soonBut with each danceMyContinue reading “Poem: Chen Tai Chi”

Poem: Job Search

Another dayAnother lack of dollar.Time slips awaySearching the WebFor seeds of hope.Darkness limitsEverywhere I turnI am confronted by disability.“Come home”My mother says to meBut knowledge of healthKnowledge of needKeeps me away.I search some moreDespair growsFrustration mounts.“Why can’t I be normal?”I cry.“It serves a purpose.”The Lord says to me.So on I go.Keeping busyKeeping healthyBuilding strengthBuilding resilience.IContinue reading “Poem: Job Search”

Poem: When You Come For Us

When the drums beatWhen the wind howlsWhen the rain poursWhen the storm ragesWhen darkness closes inWe will stand firm.Strong and unbowedShining light for all to see.When you come for usWith violence in your heart;When you aim to spreadTerror and fearDespair and heartbreak;When war reaches our shoreAnd love ones are lost;We will stand firm.We will notContinue reading “Poem: When You Come For Us”

The Value of a Nuisance

When I was in my third year of university, I read the Bible cover to cover in two weeks. This is what caused me, finally, to become Christian. One of the things I noticed immediately was that there were some subtle differences between Paul and Christ that I found objectionable. I have since come toContinue reading “The Value of a Nuisance”

Poem: Sea Of Pain

The darkness is closing inI struggle to stay afloatSwimming in the sea of my pain.Storm waters rising highLightning fills the sky.She cries:“Hold on, love!Go with the flow,You can do more than you know.Though it doesn’t seem so,The skies will clearThe sun will shineThe sea will calm.And you will see thenThe glory of love.”Peace fills meContinue reading “Poem: Sea Of Pain”

Same-Sex Relationships and Christianity

This past fall, I read two books that were a huge comfort. The first was God and the Gay Christian: The Biblical Case in Support of Same-Sex Relationships by Matthew Vines. The second was: Bible, Gender, Sexuality: Reframing the Church’s Debate on Same-Sex Relationships  by James V. Brownson. I was very pleased to read these twoContinue reading “Same-Sex Relationships and Christianity”

Poem: Balanced

I have walked many roadsIn my life thus far.I have takenThe road less traveledAnd forged my own pathThrough fire, fog, and storm.All the time you were with meGently by my side.Now I am balancedForged strong and pureAble to sense youIn darkness and in light.Life still has strugglesLove, work, and faith.At times I still stumbleEven fall.ButContinue reading “Poem: Balanced”

Poem: Suffering Servant

PainPain fills my being.My heart clenchesMy eyes waterMy breath quickens.I amA suffering servant.Honor and loveHope and faithAnd strong determinationThese keep me moving on.“Why must I suffer so?”I cry to the Lord.The Lord answers me:“To teach others.To teach yourself.To forge youInto a shining light.”Peace fills me.I feel refreshed.RenewedI walk on.

Poem: Lord Of Night And Day

Close your eyes.Listen.Can you hear it?Can you seeWith sight beyond sight?When winds howlWhen thunder crashes;When seas rageWhen everything is dar;When all seems lost;God is there.God is Lord of night and dayOf all creationOf all time,God is always with you.I am full of darknessFull of painGod is always with m.eHe always has beenHe always will be.CloseContinue reading “Poem: Lord Of Night And Day”