Nestled in the Woods

An end lies in the future;
 it could be imminent…perhaps remote,
  but seldom is in view.
To reach the end will somehow tell the tale.
Some basic tools to measure,
 in order to prevent a sideline note
  of pleasures to pursue
or dark distraction that will hide the trail.

A tool drawn from the pocket…
 a soul of charity…a giving love…
  that’s selfless, true, and good…
   to realize that others walk along.
Another is enjoyment
 of life…to do and see and look above
  the circumstance that would
   make many travelers weep and only see the wrong.

Dig deeply; find contentment…
 a peace to over-tread anxieties
  that pummel from all sides,
   and know that inner peace transcends each blow.
Whether climbing or descent,
 find hope that’s just ahead
 and then foresees
  the goal where all abides,
   although the trail is difficult and slow.

But recognize the true fact:
 That hearts are empty shells to hold each tool.
  It is not self-empowered;
   the source is from beyond this mortal clay.
Easy to get off the track,
 where each wayward step tells “here is a fool!”
  Or if the path is flowered
   with seeds that have been planted on the way.

Missteps may happen often
 throughout the journey long; the path is drawn
  and ready for the tread
   of feet that keep in step to reach the aim.
The tools availed will soften
 opposing threats that throng from dark to dawn.
  The purpose lies ahead,
   and just beyond success is there to claim.

BOOK SIGNING CHANGE:

PLEASE NOTE: THE BOOK SIGNING AT FAMILY BOOK AND CARD SHOP IN MOUNTAIN CITY, TN HAS BEEN CHANGED FROM JUNE 6TH TO JUNE 13TH

What a can of worms!  Miss Carrie Prejean is a beautiful woman and perhaps her beauty stems from more than her created physical appearance.  What she has inside of her may and should be a greater asset in the long run.  But…
But the bigger question is should she have entered the world of beauty queens and undie modeling in the first place?  Where is the line to be drawn on limits for a beautiful Christian woman?   Here is the Christian principle (Colossians 3: 17) “…whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
A rule of thumb for me has always been, “Is what I want to do something I would want to invite Jesus along to do, too?”  I believe the Scripture is clear about how we are to present our public image.  Somehow, I don’t think that undie or bikini modeling is what St. Paul had in mind when wrote to Timothy, “…women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control…  but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works” (I Timothy 2: 9-10).  It is right to profess godliness, to do good works, and to take a stand against what is wrong.  Miss Prejean has done these things, according to the media; however, young women seeking role models need to step back a half-step and consider that a role model should demonstrate everything the role suggests.  The difference, perhaps, is this example of womanhood a “star” who happens to be a Christian, or is she a Christian, who works out her Christianity by Christian example no matter what she does.  As the latter, her desire to please Christ will allow her to ask what is right and good before pursuing her life choices.  Yes, we have Christian liberty.  In that liberty we are the most free when we please God and not ourselves.  We must make our choices, not based on what gratifies our pleasures, increases our possessions, or enhances our popularity or power; rather, we make those choices to bring the greater glory to God. 

The following poem may not make sense to the casual reader…one who doesn’t think my thoughts with me as I write.  I am impressed by the Jesus’ compassion as he raised the son of the Widow of Nain from the dead. He went beyond the proscribed rules against contact with the dead, and He was immediately defiled.  If I am to be compassionate and get into the mess of the lives of those God places in my path, I have to set aside the taboos, social concerns, and traditions that preclude my “defilement” and “touch the bier”.    I must live my Christianity beyond symbolic purity and sometimes take on literal corruption.  Jesus took on my corruption that I should be justified, sanctified, and one day glorified. I must be willing to touch…to get dirty if I am to share His love with others.

Luke 7: 13-15…And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.

TOUCH THE BIER

How can I touch the bier?
Why must I be defiled
And kiss the face of death?
This thought strikes fear.

Yet, death—no not the end—
But death that’s merely styled
To breathe in every breath—
To selfish spend—

A life that goes nowhere—
But, by the way, misfiled—
Must end in useless death.
How can I spare

A moment—hour—day—
To pull them from the wild,
Disastrous gasp of breath—
The nether way?

To lay aside my dread,
I see him as my child,
And lift him from his death…
And fear has fled.