Church,
I received this poem from our sister Therese Roberts the other day and am sharing with her permission in hopes that it will bless you. In Therese’s words: “I wrote this in answer to how to reconcile suffering with Hope. How do we respond when we ‘get the phone call’ that changes everything in our lives and throws us into the darkness of suffering? How do we sit in both hope and grief at the same time? Is it possible? Here is my attempt in a sonnet to reconcile the dilemma.”
I am always overjoyed to receive your artistic reflections on what God is revealing through his word, whether in poetry, prose, visual art, or another medium. It is a reminder that God has blessed us as creator in order to be sub-creators. Thanks again to Therese for sharing. For your reflection I’ve also included a favorite Van Gogh of mine, entitled “At Eternity's Gate”. As I read Therese’s piece, I pictured how the weeping old man in the painting might change if, in his sorrow, he was able to find his song.
Drake
Earthbound No More
For months I was thrust from my shelter of praise,
Exchanged for a cell of unwanted dark days;
Shackled with questions, chained to my fears
Waiting for answers alone in my tears.
(Selah)
Exhausted from groping among the cold stones,
Your warm breath enfolds me, I’m not alone!
My shifting and hiding isn’t hidden from you,
Your gaze entreats me, “Sing what is true.”
The beat of my heart drummed a beat of a song,
It wafted and rose, a fragrance so strong;
It escaped from my cell of lament to the sky,
Where heavenly angels chorused the cry.
And You tapped your foot on the Earth while I sang,
Praises of freedom to your holy Name.