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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Hope (05/04/06)
The Broken Man

In my walk I have learned many things through the years, but this week I have learned an even greater lesson. In life I have hoped for greater things to come, but now I see the truth of my own worth. Which is lower that nothing.

For years I have sought after the blessings of a family of my own. The old fashioned family values to hand down to my own children. The loving wife and companion, one in mind, spirit, and yes, in body as well. A perfected union of two. Together we would raise our children in the light and love of Lord our God, teaching them of a greater blessing in God that is yet to come. That which is only hoped for.

I reach out to others in God's love seeking to show them a light in the darkness of the world's chaos, giving til I have nothing left, only to be ask more of, pleading, reaching, crying out in their need. But what of my need, my hope?

For my giving to others I have nothing to give to the ones I would care most for. I seek a wife and family, yet can not even afford the price of a dinner for myself. My own dogs eat more and better, as I live on next to nothing, getting by from day to day on nothing more than a prayer, some days without even the strength for that. And yet I continue to hope.

Here I am a poor, simple, broken man in this life, just trying to make it from one sunrise to the next. Others have less than me, I say. No home, no clothes, no food to eat at all. How they would dearly love the meager scraps I consume. Their trials are so much more than mine, a tell myself. Raising children while living on the streets, living literally from hand to mouth, making just enough to squeeze by for one more day.

This week I have learned a great lesson. Hope, in this life, is nothing more than the blind promise of one day being able to reach out to a dream that will never come true. I have learned there is no hope for me in this world.. Not in this life.

There is courage for the fearful. There is strength for the weak. Food for the hungry, and drink for those who thirst. There is light in the darkness. There is guidance for lost. Rest for the weary, and relief for those in pain. For those alone and crying, there is comfort. There is worth for the worthless, it is He that is hope for the hopeless.

This week I have learned how to be afraid. This week I was shown what weakness is. I learned how hungry and thirsty it is to be lost in the dark. Weary and filled with pain, I have learned my own worth. I am a poor lonely man whose worth is lower than nothing, and yet I still continue to hope..
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This article has been read 1677 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
dub W
05/11/06
Note some punctuation problems. With a little work this could make into a devotion, possibly for a men's group.
Ruth Neilson
05/12/06
I agree with dub, watch the grammar and punctuation and I think that this could turn into an incrediable devotional.
Jessica Schmit
05/13/06
Wow, what a gripping, sad account. Great job!
Brandi Roberts
05/13/06
A beautiful devotional here. Wow. Thank you for sharing this piece of yourself.
Dr. Sharon Schuetz
05/14/06
This is a good piece. It does need attention to punctuation and grammar as mentioned. Read it aloud slowly and watch your word usage. Spell checks don't always catch it when you've made changes and the wrong word has been left in. You'be beautifully revealed the emotions.
Cassie Memmer
05/15/06
You may feel you were wrong to submit this, but look at the comments. You have touched people. Many have felt these very feelings. You have shared your heart, that comes through loud and strong, and that touches the readers's hearts. People recognize your beautiful, gentle, loving spirit. May God give you the desires of your precious heart.
Linda Watson Owen
05/15/06
Oh, yes, we've all been there at times, maybe are there now. Honesty with self and with God is the only way to grow...and what an adventure that is!! You've so poignantly painted a true picture of the need for hope. And you've captured the golden glimmer of the tiniest ray of hope that never completely dies in the human soul.
Tiffanie Chezum
05/15/06
I agree with the others. This is a good devotional. You already know about the punctuation issues.
Jesus Puppy 
05/15/06
It was the punctuation I was talking about.. I should have taken the time to do up a better piece. As I said submitting it right away is what I am sorry for. Thank you all for the comments.. And keep an eye out for next weeks... ;)
Rita Garcia
05/15/06
Thank you for sharing this empowering message of hope written from the heart.
Crista Darr
05/15/06
What a treasure! It seems that many of God's people have been in this place. King David cried, "How long, O Lord, will you hide your face from me?" When we have the courage to bare our soul as you did, we find comfort for ourselves and others.
Debbie OConnor
05/16/06
I agree with the comments that this is a diamond in the rough. Your frustration and pain come through, but so does your hope. I'm sorry you had a bad week, but be encouraged, God can use this entry to bless others. It blessed me, as is. :)
Laurie Glass 
05/16/06
Though the details are different, I can relate to what you've written. I could feel your words as I read them. Thanks for this candid piece.
Val Clark
05/16/06
Ah, Pup, you poured out your heart and made me rejoice to be in the company of such a man! So few, men or women, dare to go to the places within that you dare to go to. And in going there you clarify another's journey. A moment of foolhardiness maybe, but it has ministered to ppl. So, go wag your tail! yeggy
Trina Courtenay
05/16/06
Pup,we all make mistakes. A couple of weeks ago I worked extremely hard on a piece only to receive some critiques that crushed my heart. BUT I learned from my mistakes and like you've said yourself...submitting to soon can be the most fatal mistake we make.

Your message speaks loud and clear. That's a bonus and something some of us struggle with. What I've learned not only in your piece but also by the comments left, is there is HOPE for all of us as writers. We are here to help, encourage and yes point out where we could improve.

So if we look at the overall picture here, your piece was two-fold. How many of us were able to do this with our piece this week or any other week for that matter? Chin up Pup, I'll be looking for your next piece come thursday...I'm sure it will be great.

Blessings!
Patricia Charlton
05/17/06
In my brokenness, God uses those lessons to challenge and touch others. Your pain, hope and brokenness came through loud and clear to this broken sinner. When writing a peice that touches my heart, I, too, submit articles too soon. This article is very special and God has plans for this piece. Keep writing!
Beth Muehlhausen
05/23/06
The transparency here makes this invaluable....especially coming from a male point of view. How often do men open their souls like this? Especially to a public audience? I would like to see content like this appear in print and thus inspire other men to speak plainly and without shame - from their hearts. :-)