Who Do You See?

Thanks to Kay for agreeing to share an excerpt of her poem (read complete poem here). It came from her personal study of Jesus’ interactions with women, and how His contact with them changed their lives forever.

Who Do You See?

Who do you see, Lord
When you look at me?
What do others see?
Will I be changed? Will I be free?
What will become of me?

You saw Mary
A frightened teenage girl… with a secret
No one could believe her
She surrendered all to you… in trust
And held the Savior of the world in her arms.

You saw the bleeding woman
Suffering in physical pain… 12 long years
No one could heal her.
All she needed was to touch you… and she did.
Your power flowed and her body was healed.

You saw Martha, opening her home
She was concerned about everything being just right… a proper hostess
Everyone depended on her to take care of things
She was distracted by all she needed to do… and missed what was important
You gently reminded her not to worry, but to be with you instead.

You saw the poor widow
She had nothing to live on… except her faith.
Others secretly scoffed at her meager offering
She gave everything she had… and you noticed
You praised her above everyone else for her trust in you.

You saw the woman caught in adultery
She had no dignity left… completely terrified.
Those around stood in self-righteous judgment, ready to stone her
She couldn’t even look at you… didn’t dare to ask for anything
Your probing question dispersed the crowd and you sent her on her way, redeemed and forgiven.

Go and sin no more.

Who do you see when you look at me?
Each woman here… I am all of these.
You look at me
I am full of sorrow… so much pain and regret.
Does anyone know my guilt, my grief? You do.
If only I can rest in the comfort of your love… feel your touch.
You promise to be with me always, to the very end of the age.

Now look at me again, Father
Who do you see?
I am clothed with Christ… it’s Jesus you see!
What do others see?
A sister, a friend… very much in need.
Will I be changed? Will I be free?
What will become of me?
Let my heart be yours alone, Lord… to YOU be the glory!

by Kay Carter

Read the entire poem here

My Battle Cry

by Lisa

Last Wednesday night, the ladies’ Psalms class focused on facing enemies. Using Psalm 3 as our example, we each rewrote David’s prayer in our own words. I offer mine up for the family:

A Prayer for Central

O Lord,
       How big our enemy seems! He is attacking from around every corner. He whispers in our ears: “Your God isn’t big enough; he can’t rescue you from this mess. Not this time.”
       But you, O Lord, are our shield. No enemy ever defeats you!
       So we use our voices to cry aloud to you, and you answer us in your holiness. You have saved us before; you will save us again. We are safe in your protection.
       We need not fear, not even multitudes of enemies. For you, our very God, arise to save. You bless your people. And we thank you, Lord, that by your grace, we are your people.
       Because of Jesus' blood,
       So be it, Amen

More prayers from scripture here on defeating our enemies