Why a poem about soul mates? For years I’ve noticed that the idea of soulmates tends to be a naive idea reserved for the movies, or a Nicholas Sparks book. Thankfully, there is a very different approach. Personally, I find it a much more exciting take on such a beautiful idea.

The experience is terrifying and invigorating, especially when it presents us with a decision to accept or deny the possibility. When the imagination awakens to the vulnerability and inevitability of a deep soul connection, we must make a difficult choice. Will we interfere by demanding cognitive understanding?

Why a poem about Soulmates? Because that “special someone” can help us experience God, love, laughter, and hope since they are in our lives for a reason. After all, romance and friendship are best when they hold hands.

Finally, I think the notion of soulmates evolves over time… even deepens. One day you wake and say, “Wow. I’ve always known, but I know, yet again, this morning.” as you look into her big brown eyes.

Why a short poem about mercy? The majority of my doctoral work focuses on shame and mercy. Specifically, how shame, perpetrated by religious denominations and ecclesiastical authorities, inflicts psychological and spiritual trauma. Then, it examines how mercy can transform that suffering into a renewed vocation. So, why a poem about mercy that seems so straight forward? Because the opposite is true…

The lectionary Gospel for October 13th tells a story of Jesus healing 10 people with leprosy. Luke says they cried out for “mercy.” Mercy assumes a power differential while compassion does not. The mature soul can forgive/save/heal, when young spirituality enforces the rules quickly and harshly.

Jesus said, “Be merciful, just as your father in heaven is merciful.” This poem is from Love, War, and Soul.

The poem “I wait” came to me one morning while I sat in the waiting area at a doctor’s office. I knew I’d wait awhile because the front desk told me, “The doctor is running a little behind this morning. So try to be patient as best you can.” I took my seat and opened a Harry Potter book and started reading. Forty Five mins past when a friend from the military texted me, “What’s up brother?” I text back, “The doctor is running a little behind… so I’m waiting.”

That text gave me a moment of poetic inspiration and I wrote the poem “I Wait” as I sat in a doctor’s office. Enjoy!

Often, as a spiritual practice, I write poems that compliment the weekly lectionary readings. This poem is connected to my recent sermon (found here) “Faith and Forgiveness.” Last week I sat on my porch, looked out at trees that are still scattered all around my property from Hurricane Michael, and I pondered the lectionary text.

Luke 17:5-10

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” The Lord replied, “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, `Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. “Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, `Come here at once and take your place at the table’? Would you not rather say to him, `Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink’? Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, `We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!'”

I realized that anger often becomes an addiction that people rely on to cope with life’s circumstances. The Gospel lesson speaks to increasing our faith so we can forgive and let go of the anger we harbor. This poem speaks to that struggle because it points people to forgiveness at the Lord’s table.

This poem about sunglasses is… a poem about sunglasses. But more than that it’s a tribute to knowing love is with you. Even when we do not feel it, love gazes at us through the lense that filters UV rays.

The poem “Lost and Found” is about God finding us even when the religious overlook us. Pharisees and religious leaders called Jesus a hypocrite when he ate dinner with sinners.

I wrote this poem for my sermon, “A Welcoming Grace.” There are times when I write poetry from the weekly readings because poetic ideas help my sermon creativity.

Luke 15:1-7 The Story of the Lost Sheep

By this time a lot of men and women of doubtful reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently. The Pharisees and religion scholars were not pleased, not at all pleased. They growled, “He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends.” Their grumbling triggered this story. “Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Celebrate with me! I’ve found my lost sheep!’ Count on it—there’s more joy in heaven over one sinner’s rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.

If we are bold enough to choose love by forgiving ourselves and others, then we can live into our dreams of peace and contentment.

Old trees have lived in various conditions throughout their lives. They also know the joys of sunshine and rain, the difficulties of storms and drought, and the dangers of lightning. They endure it all without fear or anxiety.

A poem about awakening.

Most of us can recall a time when we had a spiritual awakening; I certainly can. The spiritual lightbulb frequently brightens when we are at rock bottom with no way out. Then, suddenly, an epiphany occurs, and the world is new. Was it the world or our eyes? Perhaps both. 

Why a poem about awakening? 

Because no one, no matter how powerful or persuasive, can stop God from, as St. Paul said, removing the scales from our eyes. 

“Calvary” is a poem from Love, War, and Soul. In essence, it’s a poem about the crucifixion of Jesus. The death of Jesus was the inspiration because everyone lost hope after his death. When people count you out, and when they come together to watch you die, rest assured that God raises the dead.

When you’re at Calvary to die, life will return through God’s love.