BEANERY ONLINE LITERARY MAGAZINE
FEASTING AT A WELCOME-ALL TABLE
Della Spearman
Della Spearman is a second year Divinity student at Mercer University McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta.
What is better than silver and gold?
A new house, car, or fancy restaurant…
Maybe a priceless delicacy or some fast food?
Not precious diamonds or oyster’s pearls.
What are you about to lose in order to gain?
For such an Easter spring season, no refrain?
Not food, raiment nor any tangible thing,
Maybe, making a festive vow for forty days?
I’m staying quiet; positive with little gossip -
Allowing more seriousness for less pain.
The sting of poverty, sickness, and injustice
Is too overwhelming and a bit much for me.
It takes daily support from a higher power
To make crooked things straight, you see.
I vow not to have a negative attitude,
And to take life as it comes but differently,
With a new outlook and focused pen image
Hoping for a better world to come is my mission.
Forty days and forty nights is no lifelong guarantee,
Change takes time but brings joy; peace of mind,
To a transformation of our fragile, mortal hearts -
Maturity and steps in the right direction, I march.
I vow to live a life of a different sort,
Helping to lead change a little or more,
Looking at Ash Wednesday and my week,
Maundy Thursday, Good Friday – I weep.
Giving Up Much to Gain More for Lent
The sacrifice of love for you and ‘ole me,
Causes me to fast and now focus upward
With a new routine and more appreciation.
I give up life’s suspicion
And look for truthful reality,
Fighting is not in my world
I now see resistance as a cure.
I fast on gripping darkness
Looking for some sunshine
I fast from slow anger and rot
And desire a patience crop.
I toss worry and mortal concern
For God is Sovereign, Almighty,
My Providence; a Unifying Force
A healer, not an Earth Polluter.
These vows I hope to continue
Past the Lenten short season
Let’s choose life over hate,
No gossip, equipped with a goal.
I embrace a new daily service project
Knowing I will have a fruitful season,
Lent will not be in words, but in deed
Helping those who are less fortunate
Know they are welcome; God is present.
They can feast at the Banquet Table
The door is open, the love immeasurable…
ADDITIONAL READING:
DEVOTIONS:
ARE YOU LIVING IMPAIRED?
BUSY—I’M SO BUSY!!! Lent Devotion #28
Who will take our church from us? Lent Devotion #30
Ashes to Ashes: A Devotion for Ash Wednesday
The Red Tuque
And who will reach the downtrodden? Lent Devotion #18
Belonging to Jesus: Lent Devotion #7
OTHER BIBLICAL WRITINGS:
SHALOM! MY LORD AND MY GOD! The Easter Story as told by Mary
God’s Message to the World
Jesus
A PASTOR’S ROLE IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Part 2
Basic Biblical Teachings for the Godly and Moral Life: 1
Basic Biblical Teachings for the Godly and Moral Life: 2
CHILD ABUSE AND SCRIPTURE
ABRAHAM, SARAH, HAGAR and sons ISHMAEL and ISAAC
WHAT? MARRY A PROSTITUTE, HOSEA ASKED GOD
DRESSING FOR BLESSING: GOD AND FASHION Part 1
FAITH THROWN OVERBOARD
I BELIEVE GOD INVENTED DANCING
Everyday angels
SITE LINKS:
www.beanerywriters.wordpress.com/
www.carolyncholland.wordpress.com
http://ligonierliving.blogspot.com/
http://www.methodists-care.org/
