130. Between the Lines
The "Trigger"
We have many elderly, stalwart widows in our little desert Ward. With husbands long departed and their children often scattered across the country, they sometimes question their value to the Kingdom. With advanced age comes illness and worries of further physical and spiritual trials ahead.
One such sister expressed her worries and lamented, “What do I do for the Lord? You write about all these things I see around me. I'm not a poet; I don't give glorious talks in Sacrament Meeting; nor do I send out the deeply moving cards and notes I see from the Relief Society." I attempted to remind her of all the unwritten acts of kindness and cheer she had selflessly given for decades. And I sent her this poem about service “between the lines” to convince her that her Christ-like service was written in Heaven’s Book of Life. Paul said it best in I Corinthians 13:1.
"Between the Lines"
An artist’s song will always fade,
A poet’s verse gives passing thrills.
And actors strutting on a stage,
Quote noble “lines” which bring brief chills.
Earth’s “artists” may bring pleasure now,
Their words as gifts by man inspired.
But only deeds in Jesus’ Way,
Will bring Messiah’s saving fire.
We see and feel “between the lines”,
The love and service from your soul.
And while we may not “read” your gifts,
Your Christ-like actions make us whole.
Thus Heaven grieves at your distress.
Jehovah feels your fears and pains,
And Father bids you trust His rest--
The clouds around you won't remain.
Stay stalwart, sisters of our hearts,
Your silent toil has wondrous worth.
And unseen angels guide your days,
Despite the sorrows of this Earth.
(c) servingjesuspoetry.com
All commercial rights reserved
1 Corinthians 13:1
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”
We have many elderly, stalwart widows in our little desert Ward. With husbands long departed and their children often scattered across the country, they sometimes question their value to the Kingdom. With advanced age comes illness and worries of further physical and spiritual trials ahead.
One such sister expressed her worries and lamented, “What do I do for the Lord? You write about all these things I see around me. I'm not a poet; I don't give glorious talks in Sacrament Meeting; nor do I send out the deeply moving cards and notes I see from the Relief Society." I attempted to remind her of all the unwritten acts of kindness and cheer she had selflessly given for decades. And I sent her this poem about service “between the lines” to convince her that her Christ-like service was written in Heaven’s Book of Life. Paul said it best in I Corinthians 13:1.
"Between the Lines"
An artist’s song will always fade,
A poet’s verse gives passing thrills.
And actors strutting on a stage,
Quote noble “lines” which bring brief chills.
Earth’s “artists” may bring pleasure now,
Their words as gifts by man inspired.
But only deeds in Jesus’ Way,
Will bring Messiah’s saving fire.
We see and feel “between the lines”,
The love and service from your soul.
And while we may not “read” your gifts,
Your Christ-like actions make us whole.
Thus Heaven grieves at your distress.
Jehovah feels your fears and pains,
And Father bids you trust His rest--
The clouds around you won't remain.
Stay stalwart, sisters of our hearts,
Your silent toil has wondrous worth.
And unseen angels guide your days,
Despite the sorrows of this Earth.
(c) servingjesuspoetry.com
All commercial rights reserved
1 Corinthians 13:1
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”
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