Where memories linger

Sometimes words aren't enough
And seem so empty
When the void of love stings
Where memories linger
Pain now frequents
Those places we wandered
Entrenched in my mind
In the pit of my stomach
My body it aches
My spirit is lost
In a pool of depression
A hopeless omission
Of passion now lost.

Copyright revdjo 20/8/15

My tears wash the feet

I have been away on the East Midland Baptist Association's ministers' retreat this week. We were blessed with two fantastic speakers again this year, Julie Kilpin (you can find her on twitter @julietkilpin) from Urban Expression (@urbanshalom) and Ian Stackhouse. Juliet was talking about alternative expressions of church and Ian on his book Primitive Piety. I have already blogged on Ian's book - when I eventually find the post I will post you a link! Why am I always so amazed at how much God speaks to my heart during this time?

We ended the retreat with praise and worship and Ian spoke to us on Luke 7: 36-50 - the women who anointed Jesus feet. As I reflected on the following verse and the love expressed I wrote this short poem.

'As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.' Luke 7:38

My tears wash the feet

My tears wash the feet

Of the Saviour I meet.

My scares are seen

In his hands and feet.

In the mirror,

That once was dark,

I see the light.

Reflection seen,

The picture of me

And Christ inside.

©Revdjo 27/9/13 

Alone with my thoughts

Alone with my thoughts

I wonder what ought.

I lie in my bed

And wish I was dead.

I toss and I turn

My memories yearn

For sunshine not rain

And no more of this pain.

Distant echoes descend 

Of my long lost friend.

Shared dreams and vision

Was our heavenly mission.

To dance at the ball

The thrill of it all.

To sidestep once more

And tango till dawn.

Your grace abounds

It brightens my frown.

You held me once more

When I opened the door.

You poured out the wine

We ate bread at mine.

Your love lasts forever

Even though I said never.

Alone with my thoughts

I wonder what ought.

I awake from my pain

And call out your name.

© Revdjo 30/6/13

Lent 2015 things that make me laugh (or not)

 

A modern painting 'Christ in Gethsemane' 

by Michael D O'Brian.

I am struck by the pain and agony that seems to be on Jesus' face as he thinks about what is to come. 

I should have posted this last year, maybe I did. Technology does funny things sometimes. It's not always easy to laugh sometimes pain and tears get in the pain. Laughter and tears perhaps belong together as part of the creative tension of life. Being human, and indeed being God, is not always easy.