Poem: Romans 12:2

Romans 12:2

It does not have to be this way,
a wreck of a life, a ruin,
always on the verge of collapse,

the bright paint of love long faded,
the sturdy beams of faith rotted.
No, this house, this place you live

hand in hand with your soul,
in deep shadowed hallways,
rocking in fear,

can become a storybook,
rags to riches, love borne again
on wings of faith

beyond wishing,
beyond hope,
beyond knowing.

I tell you this
because I know
ruin.

I know the darkness
and the realness and power
it believes it has, and does

when we reach alone for the light.

But we are not alone,
love flows around us like the wind, waiting
for us to have the courage

to claim it as our own,
opening the rusted shutters,
letting in the light,
claiming what we were meant to be.

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The picture is of a house in Jennings Creek, Virginia. I have a weakness for old houses, and a sadness when I find ones abandoned like this. But at the same time, I know that houses are like people: all it takes is faith to rebuild them, no matter their state. You can click on the picture for a larger version.

The bible text reads: And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good, acceptable and perfect..." It is from my readings this morning. That reading, and this article from Christianity today, inspired the poem.

Happy Valentine's Day, all.


Tom