At the Edge
It seems to me, the edge is always near
Not easy to see, so I have learned to fear
The crevasse wide, shallowness illusion
The other side, hell rewards obtrusion
I must seek peace, pray for my mistakes
Let them release, bonds I need to break
Instead embrace, destroy self-centeredness
Accept Christ’s love, distribute and let bless
When at the edge, I need to face away
Honor my pledge, to never lose my way
Edge ever close, it will always be there
Living Logos, God hears my silent prayer
His love cradles, blocks the other side’s allure
Earthly angels, help guide me and make me sure
With grace sometimes, the edge no longer there
Perhaps sublime, His gift to show He cares
My agape, I offer in return
Let it outweigh, my occasional sojourns
All I can ask, is that loves flame unhide
What is masked, at the edge of this side
Sometimes it seems the beauty I see on the other side is better than what I have. When I slip, as I often do, what I find there is an illusion. I am so fortunate to have a loving God that forgives my mistakes and takes me back like it never happened. I am not alone as I have friends, prayer and God’s unconditional love to keep me from slipping towards the edge.
For further reflection:
Mark 8:14-21 Scripture (NRSVCE Bible)
The Yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod
14 Now the disciples[b] had forgotten to bring any bread; and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. 15 And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out—beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.”[c] 16 They said to one another, “It is because we have no bread.” 17 And becoming aware of it, Jesus said to them, “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you have eyes, and fail to see? Do you have ears, and fail to hear? And do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?” They said to him, “Twelve.” 20 “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?” And they said to him, “Seven.” 21 Then he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”
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