Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Sounds of War


We hear the sounds of war
and the cries for peace;
We hear of destruction done
in the name of peace;
We hear of rallies done
for peace,
and for war.

Let us keep listening
to the messages
from a world at war;
from a world calling for peace.

Let us keep listening
to the still small voice
of a loving God,
a peaceful God;
A God who is with us,
both now and always.

(BJL-January, 1991)


This poem was written six months after my father passed away, and just a few short weeks after my brother was sent to Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War and what was subsequently called “Desert Storm.”  Our lives are full of war, whether one such as “Desert Storm” or the wars within ourselves.  Yet, God IS always with us – though it is sometimes hard to see Him.  May our God surround His people in whatever war they are in the midst of, and give them strength and courage to handle their wars inside.

14 comments:

  1. I am reading two books right now on WWII .... We should always be reminded of Gods protection during that time and the horrible sacrifices people made for freedom.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you for reading and commenting! I thank God for his protection throughout the years...my father served many years ago in the Korean War (or conflict or whatever they called it!!); my brother was in the Gulf War; and my son served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is currently not serving but is in the Army National Guard so could be called up any time. God protects us...yet there have been many who sacrificed their lives. Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  3. As someone who has been to war, I can really relate to this poem. Thanks for sharing. Another gentle nudge from God to keep pushing forward and sharing my story.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for reading and commenting; and especially - thank you for your service! And, YES keep pushing forward and sharing your story!!!

      Delete
  4. What a poet you are friend...and love the background behind this poem too. I used to write poetry as well...may consider sharing on my blog! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for reading and commenting...I have never - until this 31 day challenge - considered myself a WRITER or a POET...but - well, I guess I AM; and I love sharing on my blog...I need to write something new and am hoping to do that on my retreat this weekend. And, some of the poetry IS from a while ago (this one from 1991!!); so, I am sure others would LOVE to read what you "used to write"...and who knows, maybe the inspiration will come to you also!!!

      Delete
  5. Thank you for the reminder that God is always with us whether at war or at peace.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for reading and commenting...it is good to be reminded that He IS always with us!!!

      Delete
  6. Thank you for sharing. I love the contrast of war at the beginning with the God of peace at the end.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for reading and commenting! These words just came to me...as I guess do all words in the life of a writer - oh, am I a writer?! It's hard to think that I am...but...

      Delete
  7. What a poignant poem. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you for sharing your poem, Barbara :). The wars waged within us are certainly devastating, aren't they? May God bring peace to each of us so that we can live in peace with each other.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! May He bring peace to all of his People!

      Delete

Thank you for stopping by to read my post today! I appreciate your reading and commenting - your comments are a welcome encouragement for me to continue one of my favorite things - writing!

You are special to me; and your words help in more ways than I can number...Thank you just isn't enough!