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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Hope (05/04/06)
Life is great, the day is bright, I’m feeling satisfied.
It often seems that’s just the time my faith is sorely tried.
I’ll stretch a little higher, maybe now I’ll reach my goal.
My fingertips have brushed, and now dislodged the fragile bowl.
In an instant confidence comes crashing at my feet.
There it lies in shattered slivers, threatening my defeat.
One moment all I strove for was nearly in my grasp.
In haste it was destroyed before the next moment elapsed.

This scene has been replayed, and now I ache with a desire
To sweep the pieces up and drop them in God’s blazing fire.
His skillful hands mold broken shards into a vessel healed,
Each more exquisite than the last, His workmanship revealed.
The fire is hot, the process sometimes painful and severe;
But with each trial I’m learning better how to persevere.
When at last my vessel glistens, completed by His grace
I want to see more clearly the image of His face.

Exulting in my circumstance so tragic, yet assured
I find in Him the strength I need to patiently endure.
The confidence restored is in my Savior, not my self.
Tenderly I place it on a not-so-distant shelf.
Resplendent in its beauty, when I look at it I see
A reflection of my Master where my handprints used to be.
New hope expands within me, stirred by the Spirit’s breath;
A hope that never disappoints, and fears not even death.
( Based on Romans 5:3-5)
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This article has been read 1718 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
dub W
05/12/06
Good meaning conveyed within these verses. Sometimes, however it is simply better not to try to rhyme and to count the verses into workable language. Keep writing you have much to offer.
Rita Garcia
05/13/06
Thanks for blessing my day with your words.
Maxx .
05/13/06
I liked this... I thought the rhyme worked well ... and certainly the content / message was great. Keep it up! I enjoyed it!
Dr. Sharon Schuetz
05/15/06
This was great. The rhyme, rhythm, and message were all done very well. I loved it.
Trina Courtenay
05/16/06
WOW!! This was great. HOPE to see it in the winner's circle.

Blessings!
Trina
David Story
05/16/06
You've touched my heart.
Thanks.
Edy T Johnson
05/18/06
My favorite line:
"Resplendent in its beauty, when I look at it I see
A reflection of my Master where my handprints used to be."
I love the analogy and the images you create with words. I also like the catchy rhythm, like sailing through rippling waves. Altogether, very poetic! Thank you.
Trina Courtenay
05/18/06
Sharlyn, you won 2nd! Awesome job! I had HOPED you'd place,
George Parler 
05/18/06
Great flow and fantastic message. I loved this line, "When at last my vessel glistens, completed by His grace
I want to see more clearly the image of His face." That is the definition of my passion, to see His face. Nicely done.
Edy T Johnson
05/18/06
Congratulations, friend! I'm just thrilled to see your name in the winners' circle, this week. [I had you picked as a winning writer when I read your "Love" entry (The Picture of George and Ruby)!] I'm so glad you joined the Faithwriter family!