Hatfield
6/5/2006, 08:53 AM
thought I would share.
Evotional - The Final Move
As you know, we've had to deal with death on a fairly consistent
basis over here. It is difficult news to swallow when we hear of
another death or another injury, especially when one considers the
soldier's loved ones back home. I realize that death is not only
happening here in Afghanistan. It is a part of life we all struggle
with, but its even more challenging when it impacts those who die
so young. I was saddened to hear the news of Shannon's death in
a tragic death recently. She was previously in one of my youth
groups. And today, I was informed that the chaplain (CH Mount) I
deployed with last year lost his brother-in-law to cancer. And
we've lost so many young soldiers over here!
All of these events in life have led to much questioning. I know all
of the encouraging and hopeful Scripture verses and I don't
discount those, but I'll be honest, I can't wait to speak to God face
to face. Since that is not possible yet, I decided to write a poem.
The first part contains a plea and touches on the difficulty of death
and the second part is how I think God might respond. It's titled
"The Final Move."
"The Final Move"
The Plea
Beside the bed of her dying son,
She cries out to God with clenched fists.
She pleads for this to be undone,
But the cancer continues to persist.
Young friends gather to lay her to rest.
This sweet soul has left us too soon.
With a pure heart she loved her best.
Silence and innocence fill the room.
She hangs onto her father's knee.
To achieve his mission, he must go.
He's off to fight, to keep us free,
But this time he won't be coming home.
To you O' Lord, we lift up our eyes.
Our souls have had more than their fill.
Witnesses of this world's demise,
O' Lord are you with us still?
How long O' Lord must we endure?
How long must we continue to wait?
I often wonder what faith is for.
Feeling subjected to random fate.
Sometimes Lord, I feel so abandoned.
Like Thomas, I'm full of doubt.
These questions always leave me stranded.
My faith seems to be running out.
The Reply
Beside the cross of my dying son,
I held his hand with clenched fists.
I heard the cry of my forsaken one,
As they hammered the nails into his wrists.
The crowds gathered to watch him die.
This sweet soul condemned to death.
From the cross, I heard him cry,
And then he took his last breath.
The Word became flesh one winter morn.
To achieve my mission, he had to go.
To set you free, my son was born.
Now he's back with me, preparing your home.
Lift up your eyes; continue to seek.
I know your souls have much to bear.
You'll find my strength when you are weak.
You will always be under my care.
It is my love that endures forever.
Nothing can separate you from me.
Faith is what will keep us together.
One day you'll understand this mystery.
Am I your God, or is this all pretend?
Like Thomas, I know you want proof.
My child, death is not the end!
For I, the Lord, make the final move!
In Christ,
Brian
Evotional - The Final Move
As you know, we've had to deal with death on a fairly consistent
basis over here. It is difficult news to swallow when we hear of
another death or another injury, especially when one considers the
soldier's loved ones back home. I realize that death is not only
happening here in Afghanistan. It is a part of life we all struggle
with, but its even more challenging when it impacts those who die
so young. I was saddened to hear the news of Shannon's death in
a tragic death recently. She was previously in one of my youth
groups. And today, I was informed that the chaplain (CH Mount) I
deployed with last year lost his brother-in-law to cancer. And
we've lost so many young soldiers over here!
All of these events in life have led to much questioning. I know all
of the encouraging and hopeful Scripture verses and I don't
discount those, but I'll be honest, I can't wait to speak to God face
to face. Since that is not possible yet, I decided to write a poem.
The first part contains a plea and touches on the difficulty of death
and the second part is how I think God might respond. It's titled
"The Final Move."
"The Final Move"
The Plea
Beside the bed of her dying son,
She cries out to God with clenched fists.
She pleads for this to be undone,
But the cancer continues to persist.
Young friends gather to lay her to rest.
This sweet soul has left us too soon.
With a pure heart she loved her best.
Silence and innocence fill the room.
She hangs onto her father's knee.
To achieve his mission, he must go.
He's off to fight, to keep us free,
But this time he won't be coming home.
To you O' Lord, we lift up our eyes.
Our souls have had more than their fill.
Witnesses of this world's demise,
O' Lord are you with us still?
How long O' Lord must we endure?
How long must we continue to wait?
I often wonder what faith is for.
Feeling subjected to random fate.
Sometimes Lord, I feel so abandoned.
Like Thomas, I'm full of doubt.
These questions always leave me stranded.
My faith seems to be running out.
The Reply
Beside the cross of my dying son,
I held his hand with clenched fists.
I heard the cry of my forsaken one,
As they hammered the nails into his wrists.
The crowds gathered to watch him die.
This sweet soul condemned to death.
From the cross, I heard him cry,
And then he took his last breath.
The Word became flesh one winter morn.
To achieve my mission, he had to go.
To set you free, my son was born.
Now he's back with me, preparing your home.
Lift up your eyes; continue to seek.
I know your souls have much to bear.
You'll find my strength when you are weak.
You will always be under my care.
It is my love that endures forever.
Nothing can separate you from me.
Faith is what will keep us together.
One day you'll understand this mystery.
Am I your God, or is this all pretend?
Like Thomas, I know you want proof.
My child, death is not the end!
For I, the Lord, make the final move!
In Christ,
Brian