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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Mother (as in maternal parent) (04/24/08)
A Psalm Of Praise And Pleas

For such a gift, I thank You, Lord; my heart I lift in grateful praise,
For giving me my mother dear, who lovingly endured each phase.
I would but ask and have her time, to share a task or listening ear,
But if I strayed, no slack she gave--the price was paid for boundaries clear.

While I was yet a little child, I'll ne'er forget how I adored
The gift to go to Sunday school, and get to know my living Lord.
She didn't go to church with me, unless a program gave a prod.
Yes, mother taught me right from wrong, but sadly, not the Word of God.

A little girl with dimpled cheek, I loved to curl close while she read
Of strange and wondrous times and beasts; we had such fun, then time for bed.
I loved to climb onto her lap and rock, as time with stealth slipped passed;
But soon school's season swiftly came and flooded me with knowledge vast.

She helped with homework as the need arose; a tome still welcomed sleep.
Activities like dance and knitting classes seized our time, but reaped
Rewarding skills that stretched my mind, like climbing hills the muscles tone.
Oh, cookies we would sometimes bake; how rapidly our time had flown.

My teens approached, uncertain ground; the phone encroached upon our time,
Then dad was gone, we raged and cried and seethed upon adulterous crime.
So then she worked as more than mom--depression lurked--I asked if she
Would come to church; for Jesus' peace I hoped she'd search most fervently.

She took the class and got involved, but that would pass away as dew
When I was grown and moved away; faith not her own, no creature new.
But, Lord, I know how good a mom on Earth below she may have been,
No deeds replace the need for faith, salvation's grace to cover sin.

My words and actions, thus far, failed to bring her back toward You at all,
And time grows shorter every day, before her mortal trumpet call.
So please, dear Lord, enlighten me, or send out toward her others who
Will share Your Word as ne'er before her spirit's heard, and yet break through.

I know You don't impose upon free will which won't Your Spirit heed,
But tightly bind the enemy who slyly blinds, I beg, I plead.
May loud and long she hear the truth, Your love so strong a magnet be,
That all resistance slips away--from Satan's prison she'll be free!
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This article has been read 1317 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Jan Ackerson
05/02/08
This gorgeous poem has it all--wonderful use of rich and complex language, and a heartfelt message expressed with perfection. I loved every line, and the last stanza is just so precious with longing.
LauraLee Shaw
05/02/08
I struggle to find the words for how moving this poem was. The meter and style was classical while it told a contemporary story. Just beautiful. And I felt the emotion and sadness behind the daughter's desire for her mother to know Christ. This line made me tear up:
She took the class and got involved, but that would pass away as dew
When I was grown and moved away; faith not her own, no creature new.
Well done.
Leigh MacKelvey
05/04/08
This was very well crafted with each word in the right place for meaning and sound. Lots and lots of alliteration and consonance between the rhymes. The subject was tender and there is much in this poem of both mother and daughter.Altogether there is an emotion about it that is passed from the writer to the reader. Beautiful work.
K. J. Cash
05/05/08
God is faithful. Your mother is blessed to have a daughter like you who cares for her soul.
Chely Roach
05/06/08
What an incredible piece...lovely and bittersweet, ending with the hope of all hopes. Well done!
Joy Faire Stewart
05/06/08
This is written with so much love. It is beautiful!
Debbie Wistrom
05/07/08
You said so many wonderful things and them to make it rhyme. I can't say enough about the depth of the thoughts unleashed here.

I hope you let her read this. ;)
Myrna Noyes
05/07/08
Excellent poem as well as touching praise and petition for the mother! You did a very nice job with this! :) I think if the mother read it, she might try again to seek the Lord!
Joshua Janoski
05/07/08
This beautiful poem shows a wonderful mother, but as you clearly showed, it is not through good deeds alone that we get to Heaven.

It is my prayer that this mother, and all others like her, come to know God during their lifetimes. There are so many good people in this world that could be even better if they would just accept Jesus into their hearts.

I appreciate you sharing this. It was a blessing to read.
Sara Harricharan
05/07/08
Wonderful! I liked the first line best, it seemed to start out with this lovely image that was carefully crafted all the way to the end. Nice job. ^_^
Edmond Ng
05/10/08
Holly, my heart feels the pain, and I understand what you're going through, for in your words I find resounding truth about 'words and actions ... failed to bring her back toward You [God].' My prayer for you and for myself too, is the same words you've written, 'So please, dear Lord, enlighten me, or send out toward her others who will share Your Word as ne'er before her spirit's heard, and yet break through.' May God help us, as we unite to pray for our love ones, and not just ours, but for all whose love ones need the Lord's salvation. May we stay strong and perservere.