Monday, January 10, 2011

Peace, my Child


My Saturday Centus last week seems to have struck a chord. Many have sent me emails wanting to know the story behind the story. They wish they could read on and discover how the protagonist deals with her pain and where that pain takes her.

With sadness and regret, I can only tell you that the story is true, so the end has not been written. Knowing my friend as I do, however, the ending is clear to me. This loving, valiant mother will use her faith and strength to come through the greatest loss of her life with grace and courage. She will then go on to bless the lives of others with that same faith, strength, grace, and courage that carried her––magnified immeasurably by the refining fire such suffering offers to those who are willing to walk through it.

And she will walk through it; I know she will. Because that's who she is. And because she knows that she does not walk alone.

©1999, Awaken Your Spiritual Power, Susan Noyes Anderson

I thought I walked this earth alone,
beneath my burdens bowed,
until I found I could not bear
their weight and cried aloud.

And echoing through the darkness
that had framed my solitude,
I heard my cries…first soft and low,
then gaining magnitude.

I prayed for peace within my soul,
deliverance from the night;
and finally, in the distance, I
beheld a flickering light.

The light grew strong and stronger still,
‘til it enveloped me.
The rays were warm and comforting;
I felt my anguish flee.

“Let not your heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid;
for I have known and loved you long
before this world was made.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace
I would to you impart;
and ye shall seek and find me
when ye search with all your heart.”

The voice spake from deep within;
I felt His calm o’ertake me.
With newfound faith, I knew at last
my Lord would not forsake me.

From this day forth, I’ll walk with God,
my Savior by my side.
Alone no more, His helping hand
will ever be my guide.

21 comments:

Caroline said...

Thank you, Sue. Thank you for sharing your poetry with us.

jen said...

So perfect, as always. You have such a gift, and that centus was so perfect.

Jocelyn Christensen said...

You have such a gift!

Wendy said...

I hope the best for the mother and her family. There is hope, and hopefully the faith to continue and grow and know.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

You're a wonderful poet, Sue. This poem inspires.
Blessings to you.
xoRobyn

Grandma Honey said...

I hope that you will be able to share some of the funeral here on your blog, if it's not too difficult for you. I'm thankful the family has such a devoted friend as you. What heartache. It's so sad.

Jo said...

Sue, this is beautiful ... and thank you for filling us in on your centus post.

Amy said...

What a blessing it is to have the knowledge of the Gospel of Christ in our lives! I wish for the best for your friend and her family. What heartbreak. And what a beautiful poem!

Unknown said...

I only hope and pray that your friend will feel that warm embrace. I can't imagine that the pain will ever really go away completely. But, please...the sting of it...take it away.
I almost can't bear the thought of even someone else going through that.

Brian Miller said...

you poetry is beautiful and soothing as well...prayers for your friend...

Unknown said...

This is heartbreaking, but so touching.

Donna said...

I have a blog friend with similar sad circumstances going on and you are right. This person is strong and will go on to help others. How good to have friends and family for support and a faith that gets you through life's worst moments. Your writing is amazing as usual...my guess is that a card or note from you contains strength and words that would have lasting impact. I'm equally sure you are a wonderful friend to her and many others!

CB said...

Wow! I am catching up on blogs and so I had to go back and read. That was heartbreaking and powerful and now you say it is a true story. Women are strong and I know she is a Firework (wink!).
Beautiful job Sue.

Kat said...

Thank you for sharing this poem with us Sue. I am keeping your friend in my prayers. Hugs, Kat

karen said...

As usual I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes after reading something beautiful you've written. I hope your friend finds her peace - my heart goes out to her in her time of sorrow. Wow - your verse really hit a chord with me. Keep writing and sharing your gift.

Em said...

I stand all amazed.

Stef said...

Words are so powerful and you have a way of delivering them! Wow!

anitamombanita said...

Beautiful, truly.

Lisalulu said...

they are comforting words and one would do well to be reminded... Thank you for reminding me!

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

Literal music to my heart, Sue.

Jess said...

you are an answer to a prayer my friend- thank you for sharing your gift with me