The Repentance Trilogy
The following three poems are based upon a true story both troubling and triumphant.
• “I Your Husband Who Has Fallen” was based upon the despair of a brother who had left his wife and suffered the agonies of infidelity. It was as Amulek prophesied in Alma 12:14. “For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence.” The dark and depressing mood of this poem is only too appropriate—but Jesus extended arms of mercy to this brother.
• “The Wife’s Song” was based upon the actions of his long suffering wife, who, believing that her husband was worthy of the pain they would endure together because of his sin, entreated him to repent and return.
• “Remember Not Past Years” was received after this brother completed the repentance process, obtained again a temple recommend, had his priesthood keys restored, and enjoyed the complete love and support of his family. The experience reflects the essence of Jesus’ atonement, and the highest possible mortal service—to save souls. Who were these Saints whose garments were washed clean in Jesus' blood through His atonement? I cannot recall. What God has promised to not merely forgive, but also forget, man should not remember. Query: Will imperfect humanity in the post-mortal realm have greater knowledge or power of recollection concerning transgressions forgiven than our Creator who forgave them? Consider: Doctrine & Covenants 58:42 "Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more."
27. I Your Husband Who Have Fallen
I, your husband, who have fallen,
Once your friend, how far I’ve strayed.
Every holy oath I’ve broken,
And your sacred trust betrayed.
I cannot endure this anguish,
And my soul is sick with grief.
I have lost all hope or courage,
I’ve abandoned all belief.
This travail began so simply,
As I shared another’s lust.
And, too soon, I found more pleasure,
In my flesh than in your trust.
On and on I sinned, not blindly,
Ever faster did I fall.
I ignored how each new failing,
Hurt and harmed the Lord of all.
So I lied and tricked and cheated,
That you would not see my sin.
And each time you asked or offered,
I concealed the vice within.
I must leave you in my error,
I must go my separate way.
For my treachery would shame you,
Even if you bid me stay.
I cannot abide your goodness,
I can never love again.
And I only hope that death
Will signify a final end.
(c) www.servingjesuspoetry.com
Unlimited non-commercial usage allowed.
Doctrine & Covenants 42:22-25
22. “Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else.
23. "And he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her shall deny the faith,, and shall not have the Spirit; and if he repents not he shall be cast out.
24. "Thou shalt not commit adultery; and he that committeth adultery, and repenteth not, shall be cast out.
25. "But he that has committed adultery and repents with all his heart, and forsaketh it,, and doeth it no more, thou shalt forgive;”
The following three poems are based upon a true story both troubling and triumphant.
• “I Your Husband Who Has Fallen” was based upon the despair of a brother who had left his wife and suffered the agonies of infidelity. It was as Amulek prophesied in Alma 12:14. “For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence.” The dark and depressing mood of this poem is only too appropriate—but Jesus extended arms of mercy to this brother.
• “The Wife’s Song” was based upon the actions of his long suffering wife, who, believing that her husband was worthy of the pain they would endure together because of his sin, entreated him to repent and return.
• “Remember Not Past Years” was received after this brother completed the repentance process, obtained again a temple recommend, had his priesthood keys restored, and enjoyed the complete love and support of his family. The experience reflects the essence of Jesus’ atonement, and the highest possible mortal service—to save souls. Who were these Saints whose garments were washed clean in Jesus' blood through His atonement? I cannot recall. What God has promised to not merely forgive, but also forget, man should not remember. Query: Will imperfect humanity in the post-mortal realm have greater knowledge or power of recollection concerning transgressions forgiven than our Creator who forgave them? Consider: Doctrine & Covenants 58:42 "Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more."
27. I Your Husband Who Have Fallen
I, your husband, who have fallen,
Once your friend, how far I’ve strayed.
Every holy oath I’ve broken,
And your sacred trust betrayed.
I cannot endure this anguish,
And my soul is sick with grief.
I have lost all hope or courage,
I’ve abandoned all belief.
This travail began so simply,
As I shared another’s lust.
And, too soon, I found more pleasure,
In my flesh than in your trust.
On and on I sinned, not blindly,
Ever faster did I fall.
I ignored how each new failing,
Hurt and harmed the Lord of all.
So I lied and tricked and cheated,
That you would not see my sin.
And each time you asked or offered,
I concealed the vice within.
I must leave you in my error,
I must go my separate way.
For my treachery would shame you,
Even if you bid me stay.
I cannot abide your goodness,
I can never love again.
And I only hope that death
Will signify a final end.
(c) www.servingjesuspoetry.com
Unlimited non-commercial usage allowed.
Doctrine & Covenants 42:22-25
22. “Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else.
23. "And he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her shall deny the faith,, and shall not have the Spirit; and if he repents not he shall be cast out.
24. "Thou shalt not commit adultery; and he that committeth adultery, and repenteth not, shall be cast out.
25. "But he that has committed adultery and repents with all his heart, and forsaketh it,, and doeth it no more, thou shalt forgive;”