the fatherless would be defended;
the homeless, find a place;
more parties attended; songs sung with gusto
as we reflected grace.
buildings would mean so much less;
neighbours, so much more;
family hardships, divided by
our blessings laid in store.
there'd be cold water given;
there'd be seeds, planted deep;
manly men could stand and fight,
and cuss, and pray, and weep.
women could sit down and learn,
then rise, and change the world.
their works would praise them in the gates;
no slander would be hurled.
children would feel free to ask;
adults could question, too;
pride rebuked by fruitful faith
This is amazing. I was just singing Brandon Heath's Your Love in Target and the line 'songs, sung with more feeling' really stood out.
ReplyDeleteoh this just makes me want to pray so hard for a heart like God's. would it be okay if I printed this out and put it up on my wall? I'll credit you, of course.
"But we all, with uncovered face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." ~2 Cor. 3:18
ReplyDeleteoh my friend.... this is stunning. this is so necessary. this thinking, this understanding. how come it seems so many of us want this, yet the world trembles at such an idea? it seems even those Christians want strife sometimes, too? this is just so poignant.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of more parties attended and more songs sung with gusto! By all means, let the church be about mending those broken places and then singing with gusto because Jesus really heals.
ReplyDeleteAn insightful window into the subject of a livable faith.
ReplyDeleteYes, Jesus, don't let us hoard the You inside. Press us like grapes. My fish and bread are small but You can multiply. Praying with you today, Bethany Ann. Thanks for this.
ReplyDeleteLove it. Thank you. And I think your link phrasing is one of the best parts. This really is what church means, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteA new world...one day...
ReplyDeleteHmm...this makes me think. May we be more like Him!
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful.
ReplyDelete"women could sit down and learn,then rise, and change the world.
their works would praise them in the gates;
no slander would be hurled."
I like this version "no slander would be hurled." and so the law of kindness is on her tongue.
Such a good reminder the whole thing flows together in remembrance to be more like Christ.
I'm with Rachel just above me - the whole thing sang - to be more like Him - but these lines hit
ReplyDeletewomen could sit down and learn,
then rise, and change the world.
I write completely differently than I once did - only because of women writers. I'm a guy. Women write with heart - and it changed everything for me. That's why I blog in this community - even though I stick out like a blackbird among doves. I for one, learn sit and learn from women - and follow their example AS they change the world. God bless you and yours.
Your words keep hitting me as this is the second time I've read this piece. Now to figure out how to be like Him in this world.
ReplyDeleteso whats stopping us?
ReplyDeleteOK I am amazed EVERY time that I come here!! This is beautiful and full of a raw conviction.
ReplyDeletechildren would feel free to ask;
adults could question, too;
LOVE!!!
women could sit down and learn,
ReplyDeletethen rise, and change the world.
you, woman, are changing the world...
i'm so proud to be your friend.
I am so moved right now--this poem strikes me at a time when Half the Church and Global Soccer Mom lay on my bedside, while confessions of a woman wanting to do so, so much more, fill my blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this.
So profound.