Losing Our Faith

NPR has done a series on this topic which I find intriguing. In it they interview several people in reference to a research report that young North Americans are officially or unofficially un-affiliated with a religion. Here is a link if you would like to check it out.

http://www.npr.org/2013/01/15/169342349/more-young-people-are-moving-away-from-religion-but-why

What I have been pondering in light of the tragic events of recent months is that tragety and grief can either push you into the arms of God or pull you away from him. Though I am a firm believer that "nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus," (Romans 8:39b) it seems that the acknowledgement of that love can wane or grow depending on our current circumstance and emotion. Said in another way, though we may intellectually and, in faith, be assured of God's love for us, we don't always feel it or see evidence of it. Such is the dilemna of our walk with God.

I have been working on a poem since the Sandy Hook shooting and, though it may undergo a change or two in the future, I thought I would share it now, with many blessings...

Hold Me, Jesus

by Jeffrey D Boesel

 

Hold me, Jesus

Closer, tighter

I'm afraid; don't understand

Why a darkness

Clouds my vision of the path

Grasp

Squeeze my hand

 

Hold me, Jesus

Closer, tighter

I have tried, but cannot see

Why you lead so

Down this pathway, sorrow-filled

Deep

Crushing me

 

Hold me, Jesus

Closer, tighter

In life's maze I've lost my way

Crying louder

Don't just listen! Answer me

Please

Lord, I pray

 

I know faith is

The assurance

Of the things by eyes unseen

But my faith is

Small and waning, please reach out

God

Rescue me!