Fear No Courage
In my youth I was ashamed of it, this thorn in my side
It grew to become the best of me, my joy and pride
For this un-gift has pushed me on to greater things
My faith has left me listening for what God brings
For years I missed the clues of His whispered subtlety
Until one day a hand on my shoulder asked of me
to break free of this human wall of breathing fence
and trust in something that did not come from sense
I fought fears best I could trying deep within my bones
I turned to God to simply say I could not do this alone
On a rock overlooking a brook in the woods I prayed
that God would send confidence to me, to find a way
Wave upon wave of emotions shook me to the core
I watched myself walk through the wall’s open door
Courage overwhelmed, the fear now ancient history
You see I struggle to read aloud even a children’s story
Firmly embraced by the Spirit in comfort at the ambo
The Word is proclaimed with help started so long ago
This gift of courage surrounds the thorn still there
among so many other human deficiencies I still wear
As I approach each one head on, I know the rock
is always there, for me to trust, a place I can talk
to God and ask for help with my human fears
A place I can go to share with Him my human tears
Here I learned to let go the things that hold me back
to let God continue to fill the spaces in which I lack
It is what faith means; to see in what we can believe
With this strength, nothing is impossible to achieve
Many years ago I somehow knew in a very short sequence of events that God found a way for me to become a lector even with a significant learning disability. This singular sequence has continued to cascade into an ever changing horizon that is so very inviting to pursue.
For further reflection:
2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Scripture
Paul’s Visions and Revelations
It is necessary to boast; nothing is to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. 3 And I know that such a person—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows— 4 was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat. 5 On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. 6 But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me, 7 even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep[a] me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated.[b] 8 Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, 9 but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power[c] is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
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This poem is included in the collection of 40 poems in the category of A Moment for Christ within the Immersive Prayer website is also available in book form on Amazon in Paperback or  . All Proceeds go to Charity. |
Additional Thoughts about my Poetry
This site has written permission from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use Bible passages.
I believe my poetry 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 techniquely, 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.
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.
Peace,
Jerry