The Morning News

Tears on Roses

Not long after sunrise and without invitation, the morning news dropped on my phone screen. How do you begin a sunshiny day with horrendous news?

I first hoped it was not really true. Then, I thought of the depths of hurt, questions, and devastation rippling through the hearts of so many - especially the young. My first words were, “Lord, come quickly!” In efforts to process the morning news that affects me from a distance, I penned this poem.

Though I see the sun shining where I am-

The rumbles of dark clouds hurt my ears-

Voices of those in the path of the storm

Questioning, crying “Why?” with hot tears.

The cardiac pressure rises, yet again;

How can I diffuse this tormenting pain -

Metastasized across countless hearts-

Trust shattered by sin and its shame?

Where do I run to flee the relentless rain?

How can I find shelter in sorrow’s deluge?

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills” for Help-

My God is my faithful Rock and Refuge!

-jlw

“My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.

He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.

In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.

Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.

God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.

Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.”

-Psalm 62:5-12 KJV

Though shaken in grief, I hold to the steady Hand of my God Who will never let go. Never once has my God failed, and never will He. “God is my refuge.”