Tuesday, June 14, 2016

The Love of God: Terror in Orlando


The Love of God: Terror in Orlando
©2016 Susan Noyes Anderson

Religion is no bullet in the night,
no savage spewing of self-righteous might.

Truth is not verified by lifeblood shed,
nor does proof correlate with tallied dead.

Judgment belongs to God and God alone.
Belief, our gift to Him, is ours to own.

His people look on others with His eyes,
heartbound to love and honor, not despise.

God will not justify ungodly deeds,
committed to indulge our basest needs.

His goodness shuns the darkness, shines the light.
And every soul stands sacred in His sight.

Humility proves stronger than the sword.
Evil for evil earns its own reward.

God is not served by cruel, unyielding creeds.
The way is His; in peaceful paths He leads.

Then let us fill the measure of our birth
by walking in God's footsteps here on earth.

For we are His; to Him we shall return.
Love is the lesson each of us must learn.

∞§∞

Praying for the families of 49 young Americans, shot and killed in Orlando. 
Praying for our country, too…and a world that seems to have lost its way.


Such utter and reckless disregard for the sacred nature of human life is a tragedy, 
one I fear we will see more frequently in years to come. 
May we find better ways to face an uncertain future together, 
in love and in unity, refusing to become less than we are 
in the struggle to preserve all that we have been and are meant to be. 

We can and must seek out the light and stand in it. 

"Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, 
until the day of the Lord come…" 
D&C 87:8

7 comments:

cj Schlottman said...

Beautifully said, Sue. Why is this time so hard? The abject disregard for life isn't new, nor are the perverted beliefs that fuel it. Maybe this is the time that brings it home to us personally. Thanks for this beautiful poem. I'm sending you url along to a good friend in Macon. Hugs.

Grandma Honey said...

This was beautiful Sue, and brought tears to my eyes. You said it so well, and it was very heart felt.

Pondside said...

Such a beautiful poem. It stands out for me as a bit of calm and reason and love in a world gone mad.

LeAnn said...

This waa lovely Sue! You said it all in a perfect way. If we could only "Love One Another". This hatred and nurdering must end. The only hope is that perhaps the Savior's 2nd coming will come sooner. Love and hugs!

Gattina said...

To me God and religion are two different things ! Religion starts already with wars during the crusades, followed by so many wars in the name of "God" who certainly doesn't agree at all with that ! A war in the name of God just doesn't exist. It's an insult. That's my opinion.

Rocky Mountain Woman said...

Amen. I feel exactly the same way. My biggest fear is that it becomes commonplace and no longer horrifying so we just go on after a pause. Wasted lives should always be horrifying, always, never commonplace.

Your words are beautiful!

Betty said...

I know in my heart that love overcomes hate, but sometimes I do have my doubts. That was so nicely written. Thank you.