Hi friends! It’s been a minute since I’ve posted. I’ve underestimated how difficult it would be to keep everything going in my life, and my sweating has suffered at the hands of my busyness. I have many posts drafted. Perhaps this holiday season I’ll find some time to finish them!
Today I’d like to share a poem written by a friend of mine who is a pastor at Community Alliance Church in Butler, Pennsylvania. His words, not mine. i hope they touch you like they touched me.
Blessings,
SB
It was a great morning at CAC! There were many requests for a copy of Pastor Joe’s poem that he read at the end of the service, so we wanted to post it here for you. Be encouraged and, as we were reminded today, don’t be afraid.
Don’t Be Afraid
Joe Floris
Don’t be afraid
Because your sins are forgiven
Shame can no longer
Bind you from living
My blood was shed
My body was dead
Your punishment is paid
So don’t be afraid.
Don’t be afraid
Because I know how it feels
Torn between what I want
And what God wills
I’ve been where you are
The proof is My scars
See the blood and sweat as I prayed
And don’t be afraid.
Don’t be afraid
Because I will never leave you
Even if you can’t see Me
You’re always in My view
We’ll walk this path together
I won’t bail, not ever
Even on the cross, I stayed
So don’t be afraid.
Don’t be afraid
Because I’ll take up your burden
In your eyes, I can see it
You’re hurting
I’m the One Who cares
Cast on me your fears
I can carry the weight
So don’t be afraid.
Don’t be afraid
Because there was an empty tomb
500 people testified
My resurrection was true
Before, my disciples would fearfully hide
After, they would fearlessly die.
I conquered the grave
So don’t be afraid
Don’t be afraid
Because I’m still writing your story
There’s suspense, there’s tragedy
But it climaxes in My glory
So as the drama unfolds
There’s more to be told
The final scene has not played
So don’t be afraid.
Don’t be afraid
Because I love you too much
To withhold what you need
And only give what you want
In moments of stress
Trust I know what’s best
Fear’s lies may be portrayed
But don’t be afraid.
Don’t be afraid
Because I will fight your battles
I’m your shield that protects
Your armor that rattles
The victory has been won
I’m a fiery-eyed, tattooed thighed, warrior Son
Between my teeth swings a mighty blade
So don’t be afraid.
Don’t be afraid
Because I’m coming back
In world gone crazy
My schedule’s still on track
I’ll fix the mess
I’ll restore justice
It’s a promise I’ve made
So don’t be afraid.
Don’t be afraid
I declare to a world that is broke
In exchange for your fear
I’ll give you my hope
It’s the message of My birth
Salvation has come to the earth
Forever – for you – it was conveyed
Don’t be afraid.
Journey-For-Life 