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VAS
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-11-16
Posts 7450
Oregon

0 posted 2001-04-18 11:23 AM


Pointing Hands
Virginia Salter

Fire and brimstone, the preacher shouts,
pain and guilt’s
declared out loud

Remorse, agony, must grow and grow
bring repentance
make one go

Out of the mire, out of the pit
to seek good news
take heed of it.

Yet how long must one fully dwell
in the dark
down in the well,

Before the gospel reaches one’s ears
soothes one’s soul
dries one’s tears?

How long should the lover of God
point out the wrong
wield the rod?

When does the declaration change
from pointing hands
from strident pains?

When does the good news rain
upon one’s life
and bring one gain?

Oh, Preacher, Lover of God
lift up the hope
put down the rod!

Help me praise His name on high
be cleansed of sin
brought to Him nigh.

©April 9, 2000

© Copyright 2001 Virginia Salter - All Rights Reserved
sandgrain
Member Elite
since 1999-09-21
Posts 3662
Sycamore, IL, USA
1 posted 2001-04-18 01:02 PM


Oh this is so touching and often true.  So often those being told to repent are the only ones who already have.  We all need to hear the awesome love God has for each, the care, compassion, understanding, soothing and uplifting.  Dwelling on His love, makes me automatically repentant when I do wrong.
Thank you and bless you.
Rae

Joyce Johnson
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Member Rara Avis
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912
Washington State
2 posted 2001-04-18 04:50 PM


This is so true.  God seeks us with love, not with condemnation.  This preacher is wrong.  Joyce
VAS
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-11-16
Posts 7450
Oregon
3 posted 2001-04-18 07:36 PM


Sanctuary much, both of you.

I'm not positive, Joyce, but I think this one was written regarding how the many wish to point at people in the limelight that get discovered of doing sinful things.  Even those that have committed the same sins want judgement reigned down upon the guilty one.  This poem is to reflect Christ's attitude...let s/he who is without sin cast the first stone.  Yet, I'm not saying one does not need to repent and turn from the sin, but if we do not forgive on earth, the word says we will not be forgiven in heaven.  It's a really tough thing to accomplish, because 'tough love' is entirely necessary in order that a person will realize forgiveness/repentence are needed.  But when the sinner repents, do we not then have a charge of our own.

Fading Away
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Member Elite
since 2001-03-14
Posts 3131
Lynchburg, Virginia
4 posted 2001-04-19 11:02 AM


This is very touching.  I liked the format and the style.. this has a beautiful message to is.  Nicely done, VAS!

--Marie

subconsciously, i think i can eat so much to make my stomach hurt, instead of my heart.

ellie LeJeune
Member Elite
since 2000-01-10
Posts 4156
King of Prussia, PA USA
5 posted 2001-04-20 06:12 AM


it can be so damaging, it took me years to get over this kind of teaching and discover that Jesus loves me unconditionally and with gently admonition. Ellie

A friend hears the song in my heart, and sings it to me when my memory fails.

Lighthousebob
Member Elite
since 2000-06-14
Posts 4725
California
6 posted 2001-04-20 07:19 PM


VAS,

I am afraid that the concept of Hell is very difficult to understand, especially in western civilization.  What I got from your poem is that we should reach people where they are  at....   somewhere between Heaven and Hell... and I do agree with this idea.   Bob <><

Trillium
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Member Patricius
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098
Idaho, USA
7 posted 2001-04-20 11:27 PM


Very impressive poem and too true.

Betty Lou Hebert

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