Parables

When he walked in the streets of ancient cities, I don’t think the Messiah, (some called him a prophet) tried to impress anyone with his theology or to yell louder to prove he was right.

He simply taught with stories, sometimes called parables….

or he gave examples, unique illustrations of the human heart and how we should be to each other. Here’s one of my favorites:

“Before you try to take out the speck in your brother’s eye…..you should take out the wooden plank that’s in your own eye.”

Ain’t that something?

Poetry and Image Copyright © 2021 rivers renewed

Heart Broken

This is not poetry. This is not fiction.

When people have cancer they often build a small community with friends, who are often going through the same. Even if the cancer is different they share stories, bonding in special ways.

My wife and I are heart broken today after just receiving news our neighbor has passed away. She died late last night. We’ve known them for a long time and my wife and C. were good friends. They often talked, and during the pandemic talked to each other from across the street.

Years ago they even watched our children several times when my wife was rushed to the hospital regarding complications from her cancer. My wife almost died, was in ICU, her kidneys were shutting down. She had several heart attacks etc.C.’s family went through this with us.

C. was only in her 40’s, and was a woman of faith, a wife and mother. I think the youngest child is only 7 years old. How do you explain dying to a young child?

C. had been struggling for the past few weeks. Knowing what could happen doesn’t make it any easier though.

I ask that you send prayers their way. That God would comfort them. Yes, positive thoughts are welcomed too.

I’m really grieving today, and will be off line for a day or so. Eventually I will answer your messages.

Peace.

P.S. People who fight cancer are the bravest people on the face of the earth. They are more than survivors. They are warriors, the finest and bravest God has ever made.

Writing Copyright © 2021 rivers renewed

I Saw the Light

I saw the light of my people, of all people

walking over rugged terrain,

in small towns, in the cities,

sometimes through ruins

marching peacefully

with fire in their hearts,

huge crowds gathering

for their brothers and sisters,

for all people…..

demanding liberty

and justice

for all.

      

Poetry © Copyright 2020, ancient skies, image from unknown news agency

Happy Mother’s Day

This year perhaps more than any other, we need to honor and thank our Mothers.

Thanking them for who they are, and how much they mean to us. She not only carried you in her body,

but in most cases she has loved you as only a Mother could. She has carried you, in her heart.

You will always be her child.

And this year there are even more Moms out there as warriors, fighting a pandemic, many on the frontlines,

trying to provide for their families, some without benefits, many without the wealth, or luxury to stay at home

behind a computer. Make sure you thank them for their service including…

the grocery and retail store workers. And there are so many more…..Maybe give them some flowers if you can find some.

Happy Mothers Day everyone!

And thank you to all the Moms. We are all in this together!

      

Writing and Image © Copyright 2020, ancient skies

What Would He Say?

If God himself came down to bring judgment on our nation what would He say to the rich attempting to remove healthcare from the poor?

Many with pre-existing conditions?

What would He say to leaders still putting brown children in cages?

What would He say to White Nationalists, some in government or even in media, continuing to spread hatred, inciting violence?

What would He say to leaders refusing to acknowledge the devastation of our climate changing, putting us all in danger and in harm’s way?

What would He say to a leader that lies about paying off women to keep quiet, about having sex with them?

And most of all what would he say to the people calling faith their home, as they bow down to their vulgar conservative idol, doing all they can to protect him, simply because he is called conservative?

What in heaven’s name would God say? 

    

Writing and Image © Copyright 2019, ancient skies

Emergency Personnel

Have you ever been in a car accident? Or had your house on fire, or needed an ambulance? Or been caught in a blizzard?

This is a thank you to all of the emergency personnel that help us in our greatest times of need – thank you! 

You are some of the most amazing people! You are the greatest of all heroes!

Writing © Copyright 2019, ancient skies, video from youtube

On This Christmas in Texas

On this Christmas somewhere in Texas, another small child

is locked away

crying, wailing,

wondering

if she will ever see her Mommy again.

Is this America?

She wonders

and begins to cry again

into the empty air.

    

Note: This was very much on my heart. May we always remember the poor and those unable to protect themselves.

    

Poetry and Image © Copyright 2018, ancient skies

On Thanksgiving Day

As we prepare our feasts, bake our pies,

give our homes a warm glow

may we always remember

our own lights within

to encourage, to lift up

our neighbors.

May no one

feel alone.

We are not

unconnected.

   

Poetry and Image © Copyright 2018, ancient skies

Nationalism

Nationalism has never healed anyone, and never will

seeking only division and strife,

seeking chains for children

hating the brown man

and his wife.

And global thinking is simply this:

loving your neighbor,

and loving life.

    

Poetry and Image © Copyright 2018, ancient skies

Bridges

When we are the bridge, our words will carry the validation, the caring

about the other. May our poems bring healing

and a oneness

to our spirits.

    

Poetry and Image © Copyright 2017, ancient skies