Faith

In the middle
of the darkness,
in the middle
of despair,
I cling to the knowledge
that God is still there.

When the fires
fall upon me,
when the waters
race and flood,
God keeps me from burning,
He pulls me from the mud.

His strong arms,
they hold me,
and He does not
let me go.
In the middle of life's sadness,
He allows my faith to grow.

-Sandra Clayton-

Parents And Prodigals

I am sad for you
so sad for you
you run and hide
yourself from whom?
we made you from our love
our very selves became you
and we know you more
much more than
you think we do

though you wound us
with words and care not
that we bleed
we open our arms
to you and your need

are you in sin?
are you afraid?
do you attempt to hide
yourself from you?
do you hear God?
do you know that He's there?
with His arms open wide
your burdens to share?

the tears that He sheds
mingle with ours
to form a dark river
of unending sorrows
yet He extends forever to you
a bridge of forgiveness
your life to renew

that bridge
is sturdy
and strong
and sure
the way back to Him
the way to the cure

-Sandra Clayton-