Through the Cracks
Winds blow tones through the cracks within the bones
Always near, this strange music plays inside my head
Others know its shouting is impossible to drown it out
I have accepted this defect as a quality of my humanity
Even in the deepest silence far away from every sense
Gentle breezes whisper sounds as Tinnitus is never still
In between theses waves in subtle volume God illumes
With thoughts in cycled echo’s I have learned to follow
Imagination previews within these hints what I should do
His will always sown in furloughed fields freshly tilled
These wondrous quests an expression of His love to us
Proof how God is always present in the here and now
Perhaps each of us has a weakness that serves this purpose
Instilled deep inside our fissures lies a crevice to be filled
Thoughts of undisguised mysteries of many possibilities
Clues that beckon, pointing forward towards our destiny
This place far different than this shadow we now know
Where love awakens happiness in every breath we take
Because if we react to the music in-between the cracks
God lets what is broken yield instead, an earthly heaven
For as long as I remember I have had Tinnitus. For me it has been this constant slightly oscillating tone in primarily my left ear that occasionally overwhelms my thoughts. Sometimes in these weakest moments of human frailty I find significant strength. I stop to look and listen to the world around me for a fraction of a second to get my bearings again. There is always something extraordinary in this instant, something stands out. I have learned that God becomes visible within these imperfections we call being human. It is in my own discovered brokenness where the Cross of Christ exposes me to the human condition such as suffering. More intensely, in the silence I see that the suffering is not mine and I begin to feel compelled to help others. I am always amazed when I find others already toiling in the same vineyard.
For further reflection:
John 3:1-10 – Scripture
Nicodemus Visits Jesus
3 Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus[a] by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.”[b] 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. 6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.[c] 7 Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You[d] must be born from above.’[e] 8 The wind[f] blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?
Interview between Jesus and Nicodemus by James Tissot (full resolution) or for more detail at the Brooklyn Museum website
This 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