Originally posted 2021-05-11 08:00:08.
Hi!
Are you a daring person? Will you try things that make you uncomfortable? Yes? Okay I have something for you to do.
LET’S BRING OUT THAT INNER POET. The last time I attempted to write a poem was at 16 years old. It was to my first boyfriend; written while he was away at college. Only the Lord knows why I used every letter of his first and last names to begin each line. But at the time, it was a poem that expressed a young girl’s puppy love. She was bold enough to mail the poem to him.
Below is my second poem ever. This time, I am totally familiar with what love means. But, before we get to the poem, I need you to answer the following question: What will your answer be, if someone asks you, “What is love?” Think about it. Let the word ‘love’ scramble across your mind and settle on a conclusion.
When I think of love, I think of those whom I love. I also think of what the Holy Scriptures say: “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God, Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him.” 1 John 4:7-9 (NRSV) Wow! That scripture makes me want to go into the definitions of the Greek words for love: ‘agapeo’ and ‘agape.’ But not right now…
BACK TO THE POEM! …..WHO IS WITH ME ON WRITING A POEM? …..DID YOU SAY THAT YOU ARE??? THAT’S GREAT!
WELL, LET’S DO THIS!! —— Write an uplifting poem of Love to the Lord or to the Love(s) of your life, if you prefer. Use the letters of “Your (first, middle{if applicable}, and last) Names, to begin each line. Here is my poem to the Lord:
R – Righteousness came one day and knocked on the door of my heart
O – One, two, four, six, eight; yes there were more than 10 patters apart
C – Comfort stepped in and overshadowed life’s tolls
H – Heaven became my primary focal point and my principal goal
E – Everything I say and do reminds me of where I want to spend eternity
L – Lord my display of love for you springs forth from what I feel internally
L – Love entered my life and now flows to family, friends, strangers and enemies
E – Eagerness for peace directs me in airways filled with strife, gossip and false theories
L – Loving my neighbors as myself comes from a joyful place
E – Envy is definitely not allowed in my prayer and praise filled space
A – Always pressing towards the mark is what I do while being empowered by God’s grace
L – Lord thank you for calling me to serve you and to serve your people
A – All the ministry gifts you have given me are treasured and valued as equals
M – Many afflictions have dampened my door throughout the years
P – Precious Lord, thank you for being my life source and sustainer amidst rivers of tears
K – Knowing you more and more Lord has become my greatest aspiration in life
I – I am appreciative of your consistent mercy; especially when I occasionally sway from doing what is right
N – Now faith, love, worship, prayer, praise, reading your Holy Word and listening to the Holy Spirit are my rituals morning, noon and night
~~I Love You Lord!~~
Wow! This poem may not meet a professional poet’s standards, but, I love it!
Merriam-Webster defines poem as, “1. a composition in verse. 2. something suggesting a poem (as in expressiveness, lyricism, or formal grace).” When you read this definition, it seems as if the above really is a poem. It expresses, throughout the lines, my love and appreciation for God and how serving God enhances my life. Now, do not misunderstand. That conclusion does not mean I plan to try and make a living as a poet. But, writing this second poem after all of these years was fun, and it made me think about how much I really do love the Lord. Maybe, poetry writing will be a new hobby.
Okay my friend! It is your turn. Write a poem where each line begins with every letter in your entire name. Pay attention to, and take notes of the emotions you feel as you write the poem. Do me a favor, and come back to this post after you write your poem. Place in the comments section of this blog post, your observations of how this exercise in creativity sparks emotions and intellect. Give examples, only if you want to. You can also email me at info@rochellellampkinministries.com. Please know that this is not an assignment (smile). As The National Enquirer’s slogan stated years ago, with a couple of changes, “This Enquiring Mind Just Wants To Know!”
Thanks for joining me today! I will leave you with the question of this post. ‘Do you have to be a poet to write poetry?’ We will talk with you soon. I love you!
Blessings!
Rochelle 🌹
