A Long Way From Yes – Christian Poetry

A Long Way From Yes

At the hikes apogee, peace created space for a question to appear
A why, why did I feel an internal pull towards something near
This was not the first time I sensed this was a place I had to go
Previously resisted, the challenge always waited another tomorrow

Intense summer heat pushed aside, accepting, my arms opened wide
I surrendered to the silence, to the invisible faith nurtured inside
Weighty burdens were gently lifted and I too rose from the terrain
Legs kept pace with the pumping of unspoken words in my brain

There was no choice but trust the unknown of what I was to do
as I had heard myself answer a firm yes to Christ’s subtle clue
My boots again found earth’s surface right where it should be
I knew I was forever changed moving towards a hidden destiny

Time has passed, I am still not sure what is behind the shear curtain
but have no doubt of my correct response to the wordless question
I have found not a what, but rather would I be willing to be blessed
Looking back, the answer seems such a long, long way from yes

Immediately after first getting involved with helping a number of non profit organizations I began to feel this strange longing sensation. Although extremely hot I decided to go on a hike as walking always brings on a temporary inner peace. The intense summer heat at the halfway point became unbearable. I realized I too had reached a tipping point. It made me think of Christ in the middle of the desert reflecting and praying to his Father.

It seemed like the clue I needed, I knew my only choice was to use my faith to agree to whatever this longing was. Out of nowhere I heard myself shout yes.  The second I did I had this overwhelming sensation that my burdens were lifted both emotionally and physically.  I have no choice but admit I have felt very different since that moment.  Looking back I have realized that this was perhaps the first time in my life I had truly accepted Christ into my heart.

For further reflection:

Matthew 11:7-11 – Scripture (NRSVCE Bible)

Jesus Praises John the Baptist

⁷ As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? ⁸ What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. ⁹ What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. ¹⁰ This is the one about whom it is written,

¹¹ Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

The poem above is included in the collection of 40 Christian poems in the The Color of My Heart within the Immersive Prayer website. The poems are also available in book form on Amazon in Paperback or . All Proceeds go to Charity.

Additional Thoughts about my Poetry

I believe my writing fits snugly into the category of grounded mystical Christian theology. I have studied, written, and spiritually and physically applied this practical concept in my life for nearly two decades. I have never seen or participated in what some might call a vision or phenomenon. However, I appreciate that they may be a reality for the person or group, and God has provided them with deep consolation. For me, consolation is the beginning of a two-way relationship with God.

My own experiences are more intellectual in nature because I lean toward engineering and science. The reality for me is that God is always present because we are his tabernacles. We constantly miss His surfacing of lighter than a feather touch because we are a physical people. We talk about opening our hearts to this love, but technically, our intellect gets in the way. I have been trying to prove this virtually every day for well over a decade by documenting what I believe are grounded mystical thoughts in various ways.

The tragedy of 9/11 was a significant transformative moment in my spiritual life because of a first hand experience. I am re-dedicating the thoughts and prayers associated with my Christian Poetry to all those affected.

Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these reflections of the contemplative material of this Web-based ministry? Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.

Prayer for young families:

Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.

Attributions:

This site has written permission from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use Bible passages.

This website follows the guidelines for image web use at the website of the Brooklyn Museum, the Jewish Museum and this Immersive Prayer website.

Peace,

Jerry