Poem: Speak Up

I turn on the newsI see the hate.I feel guiltyFor not speaking up.When familyWhen friendsJoke and teaseSpeak untruthsSeemingly innocentlyIt’s never “appropriate”.It’s never“The right time”“The right place”.They’re never“In the mood”.“Live peaceably with othersSo much as it depends on you”These words I try to livePerhaps too well.What happened toThe boy I wasWho tried to be rightWhile notContinue reading “Poem: Speak Up”

Poem: See Clearly

I look around me.I seeSo much judging wronglySeeing only skin deepFeeling only hate.Seeing only awkwardnessFeeling only annoyance.I want to shoutI want to shakeI wantTo make them all see.Deep breath.Reach for calmPray for serenity.I say it nowI say it loud.If you wantTo avoid someoneIf you hate themIf you dislike themInstead do this.A challengeSimple but strongBecome theirContinue reading “Poem: See Clearly”

Poem: To Stay Or To Leave

I stood at a crossroadsNo idea where to goClouds blind my sightNo stars to guide me by.I was full of fearFull of despairSo I picked up the phoneGave her a call .She said, “Hold on a while longer.”I said, “Thanks Mom,”And hung up the phoneStill not sure what to do.So I cried to the LordAsked,Continue reading “Poem: To Stay Or To Leave”

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”