Suffering, God's Gift

I offer gift to you
suffering, pain & woe.
All stronger than you
can stand or endure.
Will you trust Me
when I offer this gift?
Will you still follow
as you bear your cross.
Cross too heavy
to carry on your own.
Will you join martyrs
ready to die for Me?
In midst of senseless death.
Death of innocents
death unexplained
pain to no purpose.
Will you seek My purpose?
Will you follow Me?
Will you drink My cup
offered James & John?
Will you find joy
in midst of suffering?
Feel My love
in midst of tears?
© 1: 15 PM, September 11, 2001, still in shock at unknown, awful, pain and loss.
Loss that served no good purpose, yet death planned by unknown killers.
Lord, help us see you in this pain.
Help us see you in such awful death.
Help us say, forgive them, they know not what they do.

I wrote those words, or heard the questions, September 11, 2001. I still don't know the answer to the questions. The terror of Beslan reminds us anew these questions don't go away. We only think we can ignore them. Between now and September 11th 2004, i will be posting mostly poems seared into my soul that dark September. They still seem far too relevant. I fear far worse awaits, yet in the midst of this dark valley of the shadow. REJOICE.BE NOT AFRAID.
PresbyPoet
Help us say, forgive them, they know not what they do.