Mother's Day Sermon

          This morning our pastor spoke on Amos, one of the many books I was privileged to study in depth while in Laos. The point of the sermon was that we are all corrupt and mess up but the Lord does not give up on us! He provides hope and restoration if only we come to him asking for it. Well, the message that I got was a bit different. I couldn't help but think of all those I have known who have been physically beaten, bruised or abandoned. I say this in the physical sense although I know many people suffer things like this emotionally there is just something about not being able to protect yourself outwardly and the harm it does. It reminded me that even for these there is hope. Whether it is a student I have taught, one of their family members, friends or others close to me who have suffered this. I began to pray as we sang that they would find hope and restoration in the Lord. You know the Lord tells us to lead them to the cross for a reason. Thinking of one person in my past in particular I wrote this. My hope is that it encourages those struggling and searching for  HOPE those who are truly POOR, BATTERED and BRUISED! I may not know how to help you but there are people who are out there who do and the Lord loves you!You are worthy in his eyes!

The world coated in pain

The stench of blood 

Swimming in vomit

Creating their own mud

Yet there I stood 

Here I stand

How can I pull them out

They're sinking

They cannot be happy with their sin

What hope did I offer

Oh how I tried

But to understand only You can suffice

The pain from their face

I cannot erase

But You can

Father it is in your hands

I may not understand your plans 

But they are great

Thank You for trying

Encouraging my help

For a willing spirit

Wrap them in your arms

Touch the untouchable 

As only You can do

Cleanser, Healer, Counselor, Savior

Be that to them too

Oh how You love

Love them and me

Please, Please

I beg and plead

Show them 

Show them 

You 

In the world's eyes 

These are the least of these

Help them to overcome the world

See You and your healing sword

For You see all pain 

Suffered to death for our gain

If anyone can penetrate their heart

It is You

So I pray they are open to start

Healing and You

So mighty Savior

Thank You 

Thank You

May they be receptive and open to your touch

For love is not love till mingled with the greatest

And much of much

YOU!

Jesus, Father, Spirit

May restoration win

Because turning isn't easy

From the world they must fend

But You Oh You

Know all 

See all

May someday they'll be able to say 

That they followed your beckon call

May I have the strength to do what I can

Then leave it oh Lord

Leave it 

In your hands