I’m not much of a poet, but poetry seemed a good way to try to express my feelings for a group of people I call “The Forgotten.” The Forgotten are those whose pain and afflictions were at the top of the news headlines only weeks ago. Their stories captured our attention, their struggle and causes were held in our prayers. Replaced by the viral news of a virus and its impacts, their unseen fight continues and their lives go on. This is my attempt of a reminder to give “old news” our attention and focus some of our prayers toward “the shadows.” We are the warriors in the poem, whose prayers can change our hearts and the world.
THE SHADOWS
From the shadows,
A weary mother wails for her opioid addicted son.
An unemployed father fears for the future of his family.
A grandparent grieves over the suicide of their loved one.
A homeless veteran retreats further back into the void.
A community struggles to rebuild after disaster.
From the shadows,
invisible and forgotten stories
vanish away likes vapors,
old news replaced by viral headlines
now wisps of causes
that once held the world’s attention.
In the shadows,
life goes on.
Needs still exists.
Violence still destroys.
Death still steals.
Depression still drowns and drags down,
and fear tries to rule.
BUT….
Into the shadows,
Light it breaking through.
The overlooked are seen.
The forgotten are found.
Into the shadows,
warriors release the cries of their hearts.
The incense of the saints fill the air.
Love calls out,
surrender is heard.
Armies of angels are dispatched.
Trust turns to transformation,
Faith forges ways through.
Into the light,
the weary find rest.
The mourners find comfort.
The afflicted are affirmed.
A Redeemer, Protector, and Friend stands guard over hearts and minds.
In Him is faithfulness.
In Him is victory.
In Him is Light.
In His glorious light,
life is not invisible, but abounds in majestic proportion.
Peace protects beyond understanding.
Hope strengthens and gives confidence.
Joy consoles and brings forth gladness.
And Love rules over fear forever.
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