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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Concentration (07/24/08)
I paused along the corridor and breathed a simple prayer,
“Lord, help her have a better day today.
The pain in Mother’s body seems to worsen by the hour;
Help me to comfort her in some small way.”

She smiled wanly, took my hand and kissed it tenderly.
“I’ve had an awful night,” she whispered low.
I saw familiar worry lines carved deeply in her brow;
‘Twas hard to see my mother suffer so.

“I’ve been so very sick and also very frightened, too.
The devil has been here tormenting me.
He told me I’m not worthy to be called a child of God;
That Jesus never died on Calvary.”

I put my arms around her neck and wiped away her tears.
“There’s no way he can hurt you, Mother dear.
The devil is a coward and he picks on the infirmed.
But God’s eternal love casts out all fear.

“Let’s stake our claim in Jesus and resist the enemy.
We’ll concentrate our thoughts on Christ alone.
Let’s praise Him for salvation He provided full and free
By giving us full access to His throne.

“Let’s sing the songs of triumph, adoration, boundless joy
To Jesus who inhabits all our praise.
There’ll be no room for Satan to invade this hallowed room;
With thankful hearts, our hands to God we’ll raise.

"We’ll plead the blood of Jesus over you while you’re alone
And dwell on things of good report and true.
We’ll focus on the honest things, the lovely and the pure*
And all the things that God has done for you.”

Then Mother raised her bony hand, a smile crept o’er her face.
“There’s power in the blood” my Mother cried.
“All glory be to Jesus, Hallelujah for the cross!
He bore my sins and chose me for His bride.”

Twas just a few days later when the Lord called Mother home;
Her confidence and trust had been restored.
She left her earthly vessel full of victory and praise
By concentrating on her precious Lord.


*Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there
be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8 KJV
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This article has been read 1449 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Helen Dowd
07/31/08
What a wonderful testimony of your mother...It so brings memories of my mother, too. Both these mothers will be out there to greet us when we reach the other side...I love the way you wove the theme in with the story. What better can we do but "think" or concentrate on God and His Salvation. If we think on things that are true, good, etc., as it instructs in the verse you used, we will never lose our concentration on the Lord...I love your style of poetry and recognize the poet...Lots of love and prayers...Helen
Yvonne Blake 
08/01/08
Ahhh...so sad and beautiful, mixed together. You painted such a tender scene, full of love for your mother and the Lord.
Thank you for writing this.
Charla Diehl
08/02/08
I liked this and the way your point came across. I saw a loving, caring daughter giving her mom strength and hope when she needed it most. And of course the daughter drew her strength from the Lord, knowing her mom was at peace now. Good job.
Deborah Engle 
08/03/08
This was lovely. What an encourement for anyone who might be discouraged, or for others who need to be an encourager. Nice job.
Chely Roach
08/04/08
Beautiful. Simply beautiful.
Karen Wilber
08/04/08
Beautiful message--concentrating on Jesus leaves no room for Satan. I like the meter on this one too.
Lynda Schultz 
08/04/08
Wonderful message that we can all profit from. "Infirm" rather than "infirmed" — just one of those nit-picky things. Nicely done.
Betty Castleberry
08/06/08
Touching and precious. I watched my own mother become frail in her final days, too. This is a wonderfully done poem with a great message of hope and faith.
Joy Faire Stewart
08/06/08
So beautifully written. Touching scene between mother and daughter and very uplifting message.
Edy T Johnson
08/06/08
What a wonderful message woven through this story-poem! Be prepared to meet the accuser with praise to the Lord, keeping our eyes on Jesus; and the enemy cannot stand to hang around! Such a blessing we can share with the vulnerable around us. This is so well done, I wish I'd written it myself. (^&^) I hope when the author is revealed, I can share this with others in need.
Lyn Churchyard
08/06/08
A lovely tribute to your mother and he faith. It is so hard to watch a loved one suffer like this. Praise God she could rejoice in her Saviour to the end.
Beautifully written Mariane!
Verna Cole Mitchell 
08/06/08
This was the first verse that came to my mind for this week's topic, and you showed it so beautifully. I remember how Satan threw his darts at my own dear Christian mother in her last days of weakness. Thanks be to our wonderful Lord who gives the victory. Your love for your mother and your confidence in the Lord, as well as hers for you and Him, are depicted wonderfully in your lovely poem.
Loren T. Lowery
08/06/08
This is one of my all time favorite Bible verses; and, when I see it being used to express truths as you have done in this wonderful poem, I know why I hold it so dear.
Your work is so good!