Thursday, May 26, 2022

Love Your Neighbor

 


"And the second is like it:  'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" ~Matthew 22:39


I pack your lunch for school

Hold your hand as we walk

To the bus stop, your smile

Contagious as we chat

About expectations

For this school day

Your dreams of summer fun

The noisy bus arrives

Quick embrace and kiss

You disappear within

The transport to your end

No more lunches packed

No kisses, hugs

No sweet smile to grace

Your face, so mourned and missed

I cannot love him

Who had no pity on

The innocent, the one

Who took you from us

Yet, I hear you say,

"It's all right, Mama,

I've already forgiven

Just as you taught me

To do.  Jesus is here."

Amen

34 comments:

  1. Heart-wrenching.

    Prayers to all concerned.

    Thank you so much, Martha. God bless.

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    1. Prayers are absolutely needed, Victor.
      Love and blessings!

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  2. I cannot comprehend such horrific deeds or even image the pain of loss of children. Well written Marhta, tearful.

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    1. Thank you, Marja. Such grief . . .
      Love and blessings!

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  3. We have to forgive the perpetrator, and we have to forgive the people who stood outside the school and did nothing. I don't know how to do that. God does.

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    1. I hear you, Glynn, loud and clear. But forgive, we must.
      Love and blessings!

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    2. What about those who won’t change the laws? They are guilty also..

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  4. Dearest Martha Jane,
    A very emotional and touching poem.
    May God grant those loved ones and all around, the strength to live through this and also of acknowledging Him.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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  5. A beautiful lament. This is beyond tragic.
    Blessings, Martha
    Lulu

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    1. Thank you so much, Lulu. Yes, this whole thing is beyond tragic.
      Love and blessings!

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  6. Hard lines to read, Martha. They paint even harder images to see, and harder pain to feel. The realities you unload in these few gifted, inspired, and darkly beautiful words obliterate the vanities that the devil uses to blind us to the things most to be treasured and defended. Tears await those who take the time to absorb your words, my anointed friend, but hopefully, beyond the tears there's a fresh awareness of the grace that excels all human capacity. We know how to kill, and we know how to exact revenge, but we don't know how to bring life out of death--especially those deaths that are so profoundly deserved. Thank you.

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    1. You have so moved my heart with your kind, reflective words here, Ron. I don't deserve such accolades, but I must say I'm so gratified that your heart was moved. We are in need of God's grace more than ever in these days.
      Love and blessings!

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  7. Couldn't help but think of Luke 10:29 as I read your words dear lady. Much needed this week ma'am. God's blessings

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    1. God bless you, J. D.! All those in need are our neighbors.
      Love and blessings!

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  8. Just when I think I've no more tears. Oh, if only to have the faith of a child!

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    1. The faith of a child . . . Yes, Myra, the kingdom belongs to such as these.
      Love and blessings!

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  9. Oh, this is beautiful, Martha. And yes, to have that all forgiving faith of a child. It will be a long while before the loved ones left behind can find it in their hearts to forgive this heinous crime and criminal. But when we realize these precious souls are safe now in the arms of Christ, it helps us to find some room for forgiveness. But it will always always hurt.

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    1. You are right, Pamela - it will never stop hurting, but with God's help, forgiveness will follow, even if it takes an entire lifetime.
      Love and blessings!

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  10. Lovely writing…you should write a book.

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    1. Thank you, Brenda. I have written a series of books - here is the link: https://gladetrilogy.wix.com/theglade
      Love and blessings!

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  11. Forgiveness is hard at any time. Forgiving blatant disregard makes is even harder. But as you state, we are to because Jesus did. Well said thoughts Martha.

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    1. Thank you, Bill. Jesus never told us that it was easy to forgive, yet He insisted that we do just that.
      Love and blessings!

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  12. Oh Martha, I just read this to my husband and mother-in-law through tears. It's so moving and sobering to think about this tragedy. Thank you.

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    1. Oh, Karen, I'm so glad these words touched your heart so, my friend. I cried while writing it. I know this nation and these families will be in mourning for a very long time. May God comfort them.
      Love and blessings!

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  13. I'm sorry to be late getting here but I'm so glad I didn't miss your beautiful words about the horror experienced last week in Texas. Prayers, prayers, prayers! xo

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    1. Oh, these folks are in such dire need of our continued prayers, Terri, that's for sure! No worry about being late to the game; your comments are always welcome, my friend!

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  14. I just sat here and cried my heart out when I read this. This is your best poem yet. So heartbreaking and sweet. Thank you for sharing with us. Hugs and blessings. 💔😢😢😢

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    1. Coming from an accomplished poet like you, Nells, these words touch my heart so deeply. It is a miracle God's inspiration results in a creative success. Let's keep praying!
      Love and blessings!

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