I don't know if you can call this a "poem". I follow no rules, but I like the results .. and I thought I would share.

Faith, hope and love

By Samuel Willman



Faith, hope, and love

I have been told all my life that Jesus is love

And not only does Jesus love, but his love is never ceasing and without condition, while the confusion in my brain is increasing.

Sinner

I knew that I was innately bound to die in a fiery pit if I did not read his word and live it daily.

So I read it.

I grew older and even more meaningful were the stories and emotions. I grew to adore this group of believers instilling in me this reason for living.

I was blind. I hid.

My mind was chewing on why am I hearing these things about love, acceptance, and hope still feeling the sting they bring.

Who decided that all people are or sacred worth except you, and you... and me.

When did Jesus add amendments to the offer to all in partaking of the sacred gift that is he to exclude anyone that doesn't look like a certain group, that doesn't talk like a certain group, that doesn't conform, love, live, feel, and come from the same background as a certain group?

When did God add that 11th commandment that reads "Thou shall not question the masses and follow your heart, for the consequences are hell and shame"?

We live in a society that confuses man's will as God's will all too often, and we are quick to recite words that make our hatred and hypocrisy seem less sinful. After all, who can argue with God's word? Only the sinners and condemned would.

Never mind that in the same book you are reciting from included verses that would justify sacrifice and stoning, condemns eating pork and shellfish while promoting slavery.

Sinner

Do not think that I have issues with the Bible or Religion, but I have issues with people hiding behind the conveniences in the book while pretending the challenges have no bearing.

Accepted or condemned doesn't by design mean right or wrong. God's creation and will is one thing that should never be questioned, though mans influence and interruption is fair game.

Faith, hope, and love. The greatest of these is love.

Blindly following without thoughtful questioning is a dangerous combination.