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The Shadow Of The Cross
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The Shadow Of The Cross |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California 
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THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS In the shadow of the cross, I sit in silent tears. Cause I can't help but feel a loss To look back these past few years. I can see the holes in the wood Where the nails pierced my Lord. The blood on the frame only could Be where His side took the sword. Yet I look upon the life I live, This life He's given me. And for all I may have tried to give, I've taken most selfishly. I can't imagine the burden Of my Savior as he cried. As I slept in the garden, The night He was crucified. I can't imagine how He felt To hear the rooster crow. I can only tell you of the guilt In forsaking Him so. Now I sit here in the shadow Where they raised Him to the sky. As He forgave those who did not know, And even those who did - as I. Recalling looking on Him, Three words given I must keep, For when I told Him I loved Him, He simply said, "Feed my sheep." And I've failed Him most every way, But still He holds me high. So friends believe me when I say These are joyous tears I cry. I look upon the cross of shame Where Jesus died for me. Boldly now I proclaim His name For all the world to see. Jesus Christ, who redeemed me, I give my every effort for. That my love for Him never be Hid in shadow anymore. Michael Anderson 3/07/2000 |
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| © Copyright 2000 Michael Anderson - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Lost Dreamer Member Elite
since 1999-06-20
Posts 2464Somewhere near the Rainbow |
Michael, This is fabulous, seems the only word I can say right now, even though theirs so many more that wish to come out, but I can't seem to put them right, just know I loved this one my friend. |
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deleeme Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 1766NEW ENGLAND, USA |
Michael welcome back, we have been missing you around here-and what a comeback, with such a great poem as this, to put your self in your experiences back there where it was all happening, as being among, the apostle, even being as impetuous Peter-a marvelous perspective--and a glorious truth, ibeing in the shadow of the cross, and finding it's power & conviction leads us to NOT HIDING in the shadows of shame & indifference anymore! Thank you for your Wonderful message, God Bless you, David "Our Creativity points to a Higher Creator--we couldn't have just happened, and for what ability we may possess--to God be the glory." -dlw- |
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rwood Member Elite
since 2000-02-29
Posts 3793Tennessee |
My first time reading your poetry and hopefully never my last. This is deeply touching and spirit filled. He shines right through! Sincerely Rwood |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
Glad to see you back most definitely. I sure have missed you around here! Another awesomely described poem, so well in fact I stand here looking upon the scene you describe. Oh, what He went through for us, and how forgiving He is for all our mess up's. Excellent Michael!  |
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Alle'cram Senior Member
since 2000-02-28
Posts 1816Texas |
Oh Michael, You have captured Jesus on the Cross, taking the sins for us all, that brought tears to my eyes. We must always remember as long as we are flesh, we will sin. All of us. That is why He died this horrible death to take our sins to Him, after becoming, One with Him; He forgives us each and every time. What a wonderful loving Jesus we serve, The Heavenly Father and Holy Spirit to help us along our journey. Marcy |
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PhaerieChild Senior Member
since 1999-08-30
Posts 1787Aloha, Oregon |
WOW!!! This is powerful!! The atheists are trying to have the cross in our town torn down. Do you mind if I send this to some who are trying to save our cross? I promise that all rights and credits will be yours. Please let me know thru email or here in Forums. Very well written piece!! Poetry~ Words falling on paper, painting a dream. Shawna R. Holder Boise, Idaho |
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ellie LeJeune Member Elite
since 2000-01-10
Posts 4156King of Prussia, PA USA |
Dear Michael; There are no words to describe how moved I feel. I'm humbled to know that I am that loved. Ellie 02 |
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Compgirl Member
since 2000-02-19
Posts 85USA |
When you told me of the title of this poem I waited with great anticipation. Knowing of your words I longed to hear of what you felt in this particular area. What a wonderful feeling you have shared. Well worth my wait. Thank you for reminding me and others of that one true love in our life. My work day will be a lot better..All my smiles.. |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
Well, I certainly have missed this forum very much. As most of you know, I have struggled dearly with certain issues in my life of late. Luckily, God never stops working on you... and never stops loving you. It's a hard realization for me sometimes to try and fathom what He gives us and what we give in return. He doesn't ask much, does He? "Feed my sheep". This poem was partly inspired by an email Rebecca sent me, "Isn't It Funny". There was nothing funny about it and it made me realize how we have the most precious gift in the world in Jesus Christ - and yet we don't share it. At least I have not done my part in sharing. I found myself asking, why do we hide in the shadow of the cross? Lost Dreamer, you have been a constant source of strength and focus for me...I can't thank you enough. deleeme, The power and conviction is truly overwhelming. There is no room for shame here. rwood, this definately will not be the last if I have any say in it. Rebecca, it's good to be "home". Truly he did suffer great anguish for us... thank you for always remembering me - see I really do read your emails... Alle'cram, we are of the flesh and this being so, we will always be subject to sin. But where we are weak, He is out strength. In Him, we are freed from the captivity of sin. WildChild, of course you may send this to them. That is of great honor to me, I only hope it makes a difference in some way for that is truly tragic. ellie, I am equally humbled. Compgirl, I am so glad you found this worth the wait. I am smiling knowing you are, and knowing that there is that one true love in our lives. Thank you all so much for the kind replies. michael |
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jbouder Member Elite
since 1999-09-18
Posts 2534Whole Sort Of Genl Mish Mash |
Michael: Just read this and I assume the speaker is Simon Peter. If my memory serves me right Simon Peter was martyred, crucified upside-down, in Rome under Caesar Nero because he didn't consider himself worthing to die in the same manner as the Christ. I thought, perhaps, if this same story was told from the perspective of Peter hanging upside down in Rome, the impact would be even greater. Just and idea. Good job on this. Jim |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
Michael, chain of events. Is really mind blowing! I had no idea, was it the one of where they nailed him to the cross? Just curious. But so see this happen, how it went from person to person, how you prayed to write this, and how it touched a need in another place. For Shawna to be able to use your work, to try and preserve that cross. God does work and we aren't always aware that He's doing that. It's done so "naturally." I'm awed by the whole thing! It is a more excellent work than we can realize! Thanks Michael!  |
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Songbird Member Elite
since 1999-12-15
Posts 2184Missouri |
This poem leaves me speechless, it was truly inspirited. Would make a lovely Easter reading. |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
jbouder, You are correct on all counts on Simon Peter. Simon is my favorite, (if you will) of all the deciples. He was very brash and quick to react emotionally - rather than logically at times, much reminding me of myself. Though his intentions were usually good, the outcome of his actions weren't always so. Simon's death was truly heroic in my eyes, though. It exemplifies how Christ living inside a person can be more powerful than anything in this world, including death and fear of death. Even still, I shun from taking this poem to that event as that would be glorifying Peter moreso than God in my eyes. No "man" has ever been perfect other than Christ and no man (as I interpret the bible) shall be exalted above another. We all come up short - even the deciples. This poem while written through Peter's eyes is meant to show the conviction felt in our failures and in our Hiding (denial) in the shadow while Jesus is (has) paid the ultimate sacrifice for us already - and to bring home the message God gave Peter. "Do you love me - feed my sheep." Rebecca, The email where He was nailed to the cross was very powerful and might have paid slight influence here but the one that really burned inside me - that led me to write this was the one that kept asking "Isn't this funny?" "Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says." "Funny how I can be more worried about what other people think of me than what God thinks of me."...etc. And yes, chain of events is a remarkable thing... I had struggled over this poem for at least a week - I think His timing might have needed to be just right in this. Septsong, this truly was an inspired piece. I thank you. Michael |
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PhaerieChild Senior Member
since 1999-08-30
Posts 1787Aloha, Oregon |
Michael, I agree the timimg could not have been better!! I am in awe of His works and I get goose bumples all the time when He does this. I think I'm supposed to be a seed planter cuz He always sends me garden patches. Thankfully the harvesting is His. It's an awful lot of work and I love it but I am so thankful for His help and for yours in this poem. Thanks for letting me use it. Poetry~ Words falling on paper, painting a dream. Shawna R. Holder Boise, Idaho |
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jbouder Member Elite
since 1999-09-18
Posts 2534Whole Sort Of Genl Mish Mash |
Michael: Just curious ... how would that be glorifying Simon Peter when it was the object of Simon Peter's faith that prompted him to be crucified the way he was? Why is it a bad thing to mention a faithful act of the often faithless Simon Peter? Isn't your last stanza focusing on Peter's determination to be faithful from "here-on-out"? "No 'man' has ever been perfect other than Christ and no man (as I interpret the bible) shall be exalted above another. We all come up short - even the deciples. This poem while written through Peter's eyes is meant to show the conviction felt in our failures and in our Hiding (denial) in the shadow while Jesus is (has) paid the ultimate sacrifice for us already - and to bring home the message God gave Peter." Isn't Peter's death evidence of God's faithfulness to provide the strength necessary to surmount any trial ... even that of martyrdom? I just don't see how God is NOT glorified in all of this and I fail to see how Peter's faithful act eclipses God's faithfulness to him. It's your poem and I would never be so presumptuous to tell you how to write your poetry. I'm just really curious to know why you think Peter would be glorified by writing from his perspective during his own martydom. Jim |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
jbouder, I see your point well. I agree, it is all to the glory of God. Nonetheless, I don't see many believers today who can envision themselves hanging upside down and dying proclaiming the name of Jesus the way Peter did. For those that can, this poem wasn't necessary to begin with for the "impact" intended. Many of the Christians I know struggle just to hold the faith they have on a daily basis. Those are the people I am trying to reach with this poem... through the eyes of one who loved God dearly but still failed Him, Peter. The point of this poem I was trying to exemplify is the failures we "all" have, and the fact that God loves us inspite of them. He is made perfect in our weakness. Coming to accept my own personal weakness has been major turmoil in my walk with Christ - and I know it is the same for many others. And while we all would like to have the glorious Faith in death that Peter had, I can see where exemplifying Peter's death might cast further self doubt upon one who's faith is already waivering and I certainly do not wish to be the cause of such. Perhaps one day when my own personal faith reaches that of Simon Peter's in his death, I will be able to write of such. I appreciate you view 100%, please don't think I don't. I just don't think I as an author I could effectively write this poem from that vantage point. Michael |
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sandgrain Member Elite
since 1999-09-21
Posts 3662Sycamore, IL, USA |
Michael, I e-mailed Wht.dove concerned of your absence. Seems I see exactly why God has let you face temptations! As you share your heart in these awesome pieces, you're His instrument, touching all who've fallen short with courage to admit and reassurance of our Father's neverending love. Thank you, Lord, for Michael and his willingness to share his remarkable talent! |
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jbouder Member Elite
since 1999-09-18
Posts 2534Whole Sort Of Genl Mish Mash |
Michael: I really enjoyed your poem and I am genuinely enjoying this discourse. I hope you don't mind it. "Nonetheless, I don't see many believers today who can envision themselves hanging upside down and dying proclaiming the name of Jesus the way Peter did." Agreed. I suspect that the majority of martyrs never envisioned themselves in such a position. If you've ever read "Foxe's Book of Martyrs" you will see this is the case. Also, remember the girls at Columbine High School that took bullets rather than deny their faith? The testimony in such tragedies is of the providence of a loving God who, in spite of the worst of circumstances, provides sufficient strength for that which is necessary to be accomplished. True, most wouldn't be able to identify with Peter hanging upside-down on a cross, but don't you think some measure of encouragement is inevitably received by the one who takes a look at Peter's life. In the Christian faith, God worked through Peter's faithfulness to build His church and Peter was a brash fisherman who required the aid of a translator (Mark) in order to "feed Jesus' sheep". "For those that can, this poem wasn't necessary to begin with for the 'impact' intended." I agree that it wasn't necessary. But even the "strongest" in the faith require encouragement from time to time and I think your poem would serve the "strong" in the faith as well as it does the "weak". "Many of the Christians I know struggle just to hold the faith they have on a daily basis." Why do you think that is? Just curious. "The point of this poem I was trying to exemplify is the failures we 'all' have, and the fact that God loves us inspite of them." And you communicate this point well in your poem. "He is made perfect in our weakness. Coming to accept my own personal weakness has been major turmoil in my walk with Christ - and I know it is the same for many others." That is a big step to take. I've grown accustomed to being wrong about things. The more I am willing to accept my limitations, the easier it is to lessen the impact of those limitations on my life. Now the major turmoil "in my walk" is finding the time to read and study more (my wife thinks I do too much of that already, btw). "And while we all would like to have the glorious Faith in death that Peter had, I can see where exemplifying Peter's death might cast further self doubt upon one who's faith is already waivering and I certainly do not wish to be the cause of such." This is where I think we disagree. I don't attribute Peter's glorious faith to Peter ... I attribute Peter's glorious faith to the promise and providence of God. Communicated correctly, Peter's martyrdom is tremendously encouraging to the Christian. Read Peter's epistles and you'll see that Peter attributes perseverence of the persecuted to God. "Perhaps one day when my own personal faith reaches that of Simon Peter's in his death, I will be able to write of such." I think you are selling yourself short. "I appreciate you view 100%, please don't think I don't. I just don't think I as an author I could effectively write this poem from that vantage point." Again, I think you are selling yourself short. How many times do you think "What is so special about me? Why me?" has been asked in the history of Christianity? Probably as many times as there ever has been Christians. This was a very good poem and a interesting discussion. Nice to get to know you a little bit, btw. Jim [This message has been edited by jbouder (edited 03-08-2000).] |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
"Recalling looking on Him, Three words given I must keep, For when I told Him I loved Him, He simply said, "Feed my sheep." And I've failed Him most every way, ***But still He holds me high.*** So friends believe me when I say ***These are joyous tears I cry.*** I look upon the cross of shame Where Jesus died for me. Boldly now I proclaim His name For all the world to see. Jesus Christ, who redeemed me, ***I give my every effort for. That my love for Him never be Hid in shadow anymore."*** I have no words to express the way this piece effects me...jm |
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Alle'cram Senior Member
since 2000-02-28
Posts 1816Texas |
Brother Michael, Of my fifty three yrs on this earth, I have been a Christian, going to a full-gospel church(same church)my entire life and each day, I have to say Lord, forgive me,for my sins! Just this year alone, the Lord completely removed a "suspect" cancerous tumor, from my body, diagnosis "verified" by two seperate hostipals, only to find out when the surgeon took a look, "there was no tumor, the whole thing gone". I took the news in stride, for I was ready, if that be the Lord's will. That was not His will. His will was that He heal me and I testify for Him. I was sent a messenger a couple of days before the doctor "going in", to accept the healing; thats when I started to claim it too. Your poem was right on! If we stand in Simon Peter's shoes or if we stand in your shoes as you wrote this beautiful humbling message of the cross. It certainly touched me and I give honor to you, the Lord's servant, for yielding to Him, in this poem of humility and suffering He took, so that we may have life. Bless You Michael and continue spreading the "good news". God Bless Marcy |
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mirjam Member
since 1999-11-24
Posts 246Auckland, New Zealand |
Wow God has taken you to a place few have been, and what a special place that is. You are no longer in the shadow of His cross, amen! And He has given you the food to feed His sheep, and you're doing an excellent job of it! Loved this poem Michael, it's great having you back around - missed ya! |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
a sandgrain, For many years I held myself in contempt for not giving back to the Lord for all He has given me. I truly thank God for this Forum - it has allowed me purpose in my life. To be able to try to use the gift God gave me to reach others for Him instead of using it for my own selfish purposes. I do believe the trials I have faced were all for a reason now...to be able to reach those in similiar situations from an understanding and not just observing standpoint, and hopefully to allow God's light to shine there. Jim, I must say it's been awhile since I engaged in a debate of any sort. I much enjoyed it too...even though it caught me off guard a little - I will definately do my homework next time...LOL even so, I probably do sell myself short. As I continue to grow in the lord maybe I won't be so quick to do so. I can't promise you anything but I may try to either add a stanza or rewrite form the perspective you spoke of...It will be a challenge, if nothing else. My biggest concern all along way not to take any of the effectiveness away from the poem as it stands now. I prayed intently over this poem as I wrote it as I pray over any piece I write for God. I try as much as possible to let God give me His words if you will... Thank you very much for the time you've given this piece. Janet, Sometimes words aren't neccessary.Alle'cram, Give all the honor to God. He has done all the work....no matter how hard i tried to fight Him. He is a wonderful, loving, and forgiving God. I merely serve Him best I know how. mirjam, it is a great feeling to step out of that shadow. To try to do something He has asked of you that you have feared much of your life. If I can reach but one soul... Michael |
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jbouder Member Elite
since 1999-09-18
Posts 2534Whole Sort Of Genl Mish Mash |
Michael: Be ready in season and out of season, right Michael? I enjoyed this too. Again, nice work on your poem.Jim |
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Howie New Member
since 2000-02-28
Posts 8 |
Micheal, I am not a poet, so I don't have an opinion on how your poem is written. All I can say is that I have tears in my eyes as I write this reply! Thank you, Howie |
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