Not Without Hope

My heart was heavy today, thinking of all the brokenness in this world. The weight of it resting upon my shoulders like a wet, woolen blanket. Tears filled my eyes as I pondered the wounded, the shattered, and the lost. Heaviness so intense, I could hardly breathe. Air stagnant with heartache, weariness and emptiness. So many wandering in this place. So many without a face.

I drove by this house sitting beside the road. Abandoned, dark, damaged and alone. People driving by, hurrying to their destinations, never stopping to see, never stopping to care. Shoved off to the side, barricade built, weeds and trees rummaging to find a home. Broken down roof, shattered windows, busted doors, all haunted by lost potential.

The broken lives of those lost are a lot like this old house. They take the abuse, receive the ridicule, accept the blame, wondering all the while if anyone cares as they wander aimlessly in the dark. Others are like those who moved this old house. Hard working, simply pragmatic, fighting to succeed at the task. More are like the ones who vandalized it. Kicking, biting, clawing, shattering the dreams of a once well made life.

Can you see them? Can you see yourself?  Who are you? Where are you going? Do you feel that all is lost? Do you wonder if there could still be any life inside? I am here to tell you. I am here to help you see, if there is still breath in your being, there is still hope. If there still a beating of your heart, there is still a chance. For your life is never so lost that He cannot see you. You are never so far gone that He cannot hear.

See that foundation? He placed it there in your heart before you were even born. It is that longing you feel to find something of worth, something to adore. It is that deep inner desire to be more than you are today. He placed it there. It is His drawing of your heart to bring you love, hope and life beyond your dreams.

He can rebuild a life broken. He can mend dreams that have been shattered. He can give hope to the hopeless. He can bring life to the lifeless. All can be renewed if you will just let Him in. Let Him see the abandonment, the pain, the desperation. He can change and transform. All you must do is believe.

Wrapped Inside

I see you wrapped inside those heavy chains

You think you have nothing more to gain

The smell of death is yet growing stronger

You hold out just a few moments longer

 

I try to reach to you, but you push me away

I try to stop you, but you keep me at bay

Why are you leaving, there’s no one to know

Why are you running, there’s nowhere to go 


The chains, they bite and claw at your skin

The weight of them breaks you, never allowing  to bend

The nights are closing in, the screams can now be heard

The bondage you long for makes this all absurd


Can’t you see Him, His light shines so bright 

He longs not to harm you, but to make this world now right 

Can’t you hear Him calling out your name

If you will but love Him, you will never be the same 


Penned – MG – 4/22/15


The reflection

IMG_8219.JPG

What is in a reflection?

A face

A memory

A smile

A tear

All the changes through the years.

The light is changing.

The light is bright.

Let your life shine tonight.

The candle

IMG_8220.JPG

The candle burns bright into the darkened room.

It chases away the shadows, bringing comfort to the tiny heart.

The candle burns long to shine a path across the plain.

It leads the way home, weary travelers returning from unknown parts.

The candle flickers as it’s battered by the wind.

It resolves to stay lit in spite of the threat.

The candle flickers on as the enemy tears at your soul.

It stands firm within your heart, preaching a sermon, casting the net.

Trim the wick.

Pour the oil.

Fan the flame.

Don’t let the trials lessen your foundation, silencing your claim.

Light the fire.

Shield with truth.

Block the gale.

Don’t give the enemy a foothold, causing you to fail.

Light Of The Son

The sun shines bright this morn, unlike it did yesterday

It burns with a brightness I have never seen

Its light shines through the clouds of darkness

Like the dawn interrupts the dream

 

This brightness is not coming from the fireball in the sky

This light could only manifest through You

You are the Almighty One, Life Everlasting

You came into my darkened heart and gave me life anew

 

This sea of unforgiveness was quickly drowning me

Turning me back and forth until I knew not which way to go

I went over to the left, returning to the right

Always trying to prove to all, the right of way I clearly know

 

I was entrapped too deep, in way over my head

Then You came and rescued me, showed me Your true way

You covered me, washed and made me whole

You showed me Your path and surely brightened my day

 

Now, I am a new creation, bathed in Your royal blood

Washed so white, purified, and made in Your righteousness

I praise Your Name on High. You are above all else

Awed by Your beauty and the light of Your Son

 

Penned – MG – 4/8/90

There Is Someone

You live your life just going your own way

Never seeing the One who’s made this day.

You’ll never find what you’ve been looking for

Until you find the One who is knocking at the door.

 

You’ve been the hurting one so many times

But you always say that you are doing fine.

Won’t you let Him carry you on your way

Can’t you see that you’re running out of days?

 

He’s calling out your name, please come to Him

You’ve got to turn before the light grows dim.

He wants to show you all He has to give

Won’t you let Him show you how to live?

 

There’s Someone who will care for you

He’s just waiting for you to see.

There’s no one else to take the place

Of all He can make you into be.

 

Turn around and let Him show you today

There’s so many things He’s longing to say.

He wants you to see how special you are

He’ll never let you wander too far.

 

There’s someone who will care for you

He’s just waiting for you to see.

There’s no one else to take the place

Of all He can make you into be.

Penned – MG – 4/12/89