Collecting these poems
      has been quite a trip.
If I think of it much
      my mind still does flip.
I even have poems
      that pass through my brain.
My mind is uncertain
      so to share, I refrain.
It’s not that they’re bad,
      they all are quite true.
I think some are for me
      while some are for you.

Sometimes it does seem
      that many do think.
From speaking their thoughts,
      they never should shrink.
If they have a thought
      show up in their head.
Of course they will speak it,
      it has to be said.
We live in a time
      when we think it’s our right.
To say what we want
      no matter who is in sight.

It seems we’ve forgotten
      an important fact.
To think first of others
      is how we should act.
And part of our action
      is the way we do speak.
So guard your words closely
      their good you would seek.
Truth doesn’t sink in
      if we have no love.
And love that is pure
      must come from above.

So when words do hurt,
      in whole or in part.
Look so much closer,
      examine the heart.
Sometimes words hurt
      because we must learn.
The truth of the words
      is what we did earn.
If love is the motive
      that drives what we do.
The hurt isn’t fatal
      it’s meant to help you.

This I do know
      because of what I have read.
I open the Bible
      and read what God said.
Some of His words
      cut straight to the heart.
But His love does fill me,
      so healing can start.
To be more like Jesus,
      that is my aim.
So I pray that my words
      would do just the same.
©

My mind seems to be filled with poems lately and some specifically that remind me of God’s love and care through very difficult circumstances and in the midst of feelings of unjust treatment at various times in my life.  While these have brought me great peace and comfort, it seems like I get a very clear “Not now” when I think about sharing them.  As a couple of those were going through my head this morning, reminding me of God’s goodness, He put this poem in my mind to share with you.  I pray that it is a help and encouragement to you and that it brings glory to God.

In prayer,
Tom