"When sorrow comes under the power of Divine grace, it works out a manifold ministry in our lives. Sorrow reveals unknown depths in the soul, and unknown capabilities of experience and service. Gay, trifling people are always shallow, and never suspect the little meannesses in their nature. Sorrow is God’s ploughshare that turns up the … Continue reading Sorrow, God’s Plowshare
Poetry
Walk, Don’t Run.
Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. Ecclesiastes 7:3 When you are sitting there alone and you are weeping, and the longing for your child is a thick and expanding heaviness in your chest threatening to erupt from your throat in silent, choking grief. When … Continue reading Walk, Don’t Run.
“The Altar” by George Herbert
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Psalm 51:17 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. Psalm 28:7 George … Continue reading “The Altar” by George Herbert
Inconsolable: “A Villequier” by Victor Hugo
Nothing cheery about this rather long poem and some thoughts here may not be strictly biblical but I love how the words are put together to describe the depth and complexity of the pain of child loss. "Do not be irritated that I am like this, O my God! this wound bled for so long! … Continue reading Inconsolable: “A Villequier” by Victor Hugo
God, Thou Art Love
If I forget, yet God remembers. If these hands of mine cease from their clinging, Yet the hands divine hold me so firmly, I cannot fall. And if sometimes I am too tired to call for Him to help me, Then He reads the prayer unspoken in my heart and lifts my care. I dare … Continue reading God, Thou Art Love
Quite Suddenly
Quite suddenly, It may be at the turning of a lane, Where I stand to watch a skylark soar From out of the swelling grain, That the trump of God shall thrill me, With its call so loud and clear, And I'm called away to meet Him, Whom of all I hold most dear. Quite … Continue reading Quite Suddenly
Let it Come
Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. Ecclesiastes 7:3 When you are sitting there alone and you are weeping, and the longing for your child is a thick and expanding heaviness in your chest threatening to erupt from your throat in silent, choking grief. When … Continue reading Let it Come
It is Raining
It is raining As if nothing has happened It is raining And the trees stand there As they have for centuries Watching me and remembering Sympathetic But unhelpful They've seen this sort of thing before A mother Weeping There are little leaves on the rose bushes Who will graduate into adult leaves That will never … Continue reading It is Raining
The Solace of Thy love
Sweet is the Solace of Thy Love by Anna L. Waring I, even I, am He that comforteth you. Isaiah 2:12 Sweet is the solace of Thy love, My Heavenly Friend, to me, While through the hidden way of faith I journey home with Thee, Learning by quiet thankfulness As a dear child to be. … Continue reading The Solace of Thy love
Holding Fast
Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: Job 13:15. For I know whom I have believed, 2 Tim. 1:12. "In fierce storms," said an old seaman, "we must do one thing; there is only one way: we must put the ship in a certain position and keep her there." This, Christian, is what you … Continue reading Holding Fast
Storms of Bereavement
“Jesus Christ is no security against storms, but He is perfect security in storms. He has never promised you an easy passage, only a safe landing.” Oh, set your sail to the heavenly gale, And then, no matter what winds prevail, No reef can wreck you, no calm delay; No mist shall hinder, no storm … Continue reading Storms of Bereavement
Bells Across the Snow
BELLS ACROSS THE SNOW O Christmas, merry Christmas, Is it really come again, With its memories and greetings, With its joy and with its pain! There’s a minor in the carol And a shadow in the light, And a spray of cypress twining With the holly wreath tonight. And the hush is never broken By … Continue reading Bells Across the Snow
Safely Home
SAFELY HOME I am home in Heaven, dear ones; All’s so happy, all’s so bright! There’s perfect joy and beauty In this everlasting light. All the pain and grief are over, Every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever. Safely home in Heaven at last. Did you wonder I so calmly Trod the … Continue reading Safely Home
It Must Be Bought – Streams in the Desert: November 3
“They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.” Isa. 40:9 “Great truths are dearly bought, the common truths, Such as men give and take from day to day, Come in the common walk of easy life, Blown by the careless wind across our way. “Great truths are greatly … Continue reading It Must Be Bought – Streams in the Desert: November 3
