Coming to Ground

 

 

 

 

Coming to Ground
(by R.P.Edwards)

Coming to ground
Emptied of “things”
Puffed up distractions, have all taken wings
Gone with your dying
Our trivial tome
Yes
We’re coming to ground
As you travel…home

Four heads bowed…and mournful weeping.  Four hearts raw and rent…and lowered to earth.  Four delicate petals surrounding the center; the remains of a father, husband, leader, friend.  He…has died.  And we; lonely we…are the less.

My father-in-law passed away a few days ago.  The call came at the midnight toll and, before we got there; before my wife had another chance to look into her “daddy’s” eyes…he was gone.  And, as I stood back--before the influx of the many (though it was so late)--I saw she and her two sisters, and their precious mother, bow their heads and express with tender tears that for which words are without strength.

Now, I usually reserve this space for less personal observations.  But I, with your indulgence (and as we are still in the process of release) would like, for just a moment, to honor the man who was so much to so many. His name is Russell Edwards (I write “is” because he still “is”. Death is but a door). A rather intimidating figure when we first met (as he was well over six foot and I, barely there).  And, as I remember it, he was more than a match for me and my navy buddies who sought, on one occasion, to test his mettle. And, though he was a bit of a bear on the outside, when love needed to be shown…his mushy middle was exposed.  And, perhaps the greatest expression of this (relating to me and mine) was when, at a very difficult and dark time, he offered his home to be shared by my family of four.  No conditions. No limits or lease.  Just…come. 

So, Russell Lee Edwards, till we meet again.  You have traveled on; but your gifts…continue.

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“Coming to ground.”  Getting to that place where only the essential…is essential.  It seems to me, through the many difficulties that have and are coming upon our land, that we, as a nation, are coming to ground.  Coming to that place where the foundation…is laid bare.  How much better it would be; yes, how much better if we actually “sought” that barren spot which demands renewal and restoration, rather than to be forced, kicking and screaming, to lay aside our consuming toys and trivialities.

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Look into the casket

 

 

 

The Whole Truth
(by R.P.Edwards)

Judgment distant
Judgment poor
Look in the casket
Then
Be sure

Fifty-six years ago, this month, a fourteen year old African-American boy named Emmett Till went from his home in Chicago to visit some relatives in Mississippi.  He apparently said or did some inconsequential “something” that rubbed local whites the wrong way and, in the middle of night he was abducted, brutally tortured, murdered, and his body was dumped into the Tallahatchie River. His grieving mother, wanting the world to actually see what had been done to her child, ordered an open casket at the funeral.  Emmett’s horribly disfigured remains became a rallying point for a nation that was beginning to come to terms with the appalling injustice suffered by millions of their fellow Americans  The open casket…showed the truth. And the truth…led to action.
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The other day, as I was searching for pro-life sites to send a book invite (Sir John & the Dragon’s Boast has a strong pro-life subplot) I ran across “The Center for Bio-ethical Reform.”  It’s homepage greeted me with an Emmett Till moment.  For there, on the screen, scrolling before me, was the truth of abortion.  Graphic? Yes.  But jarringly eye-opening. And, I dare say, if the seven black-robed men who, in 1973, took on the mantle of godhood, and passed the death sentence for over 50 million Americans; if these had paused to look into the casket of their actions…they might have reconsidered.  And, if the millions of “I love Jesus” Christians who, without remorse, vote for those who support the slaughter; if these dared to look into the casket…they might reconsider.  And, if the local populace and government of Granite City IL, took a moment to see what their (our) indifference tolerates; they too might reconsider.

You know; I often hesitate at the using of the “M” word but, with the help of the visual truth, I now have no problem calling abortion what God calls it…murder.  And, dear reader, I challenge “you” to look into the casket.  But, be warned, “known” truth …makes demands.  Here's a link: http://www.abortionno.org/

Following is a verse from a Bob Dylan song having to do with the injustice done to Emmett Till.  I have no idea what the “blowin’ in the wind” folks singer thinks of the unborn.  But…the words fit.

If you can't speak out against this kind of thing, a crime that's so unjust,
Your eyes are filled with dead men's dirt, your mind is filled with dust.
Your arms and legs they must be in shackles and chains, and your blood it must refuse to flow, For you let this human race fall down so God-awful low!
(from The Death of Emmett Till by Bob Dylan)

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3 houses down

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3 houses down
(by R.P.Edwards)

Three houses down
10 years apart
Children
And laughter
And feasting of heart
Savor these moments
The hours
The years
For soon “you’ll” remember
As others…you hear

I was standing in front of the backyard grill.  Above the coals; burgers, brats and a few “plump when you cook them” wieners.  And, to my left, three houses down; wafting over the privacy fence; the sound of small children in joyful frolic and, mixed in with the squeals and laughter, older voices; no doubt the careful caregivers; monitoring the merry mayhem and perhaps, like I, shuffling some protein on the grill.

And I thought to myself, “Ten years.  What a difference ten years makes.” For, you see, a decade ago many of “my” children were the wee ones; bounding, splashing, laughing, as I, with less gray, shuffled the sizzling meat over the glowing Kingsford cubes.  Ten little years.  Ten little years…from “there”…to here.

However, this isn’t meant to be a somber piece.  Just a gentle reminder of the brevity of being. A reality check to bring to light our common illusion of mortal…immortality.  Yes, a centering to “what’s really important.” And…a little post-it note for the fridge to remind that eternal things…are the things…you don’t see.
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Concerning the Book (upper right). A couple days left on the give-away.  Pertinent info can be found at the bottom of the previous post. 

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The Wrong side of Prosperity

 

 

Generic Faith
(by R.P.Edwards)

Generic Faith
A wonderful thing
It makes the saint
And heathen sing
For one can see
The invisible God
And the other sees man
In a lifeless…bog


Poor Tommy
(by R.P.Edwards)

Little Tommy
Fat and fed
Twists upon
His comfy bed
Dreaming of
A life of ease
No more
“Mommy, Daddy, please”
And so upon
His eighteenth toll
He bids goodbye
And takes a stroll
Free from chains
Of Don’ts and Dos
A life of only
“I…will choose”
But soon
With given money…spent
His “life” is labor
Bowed and bent
The world, his tutor
Cold and cruel
His teacher’s taunt
“Now listen, Fool!”
And now see Tommy
Nearly dead
Twisting on
His cardboard bed
Dreaming of
His life of ease
When he said
“Mommy, Daddy…please”

And the thought came to me, “We’re on the wrong side of prosperity.”  We’re on the “handed to me” side.  The “I didn’t have to earn it” side.  And, as is sometimes the case, since we’ve always “had” it, we can get a little “squishy” as to how we got here, and how we can stay here.

Oh, I’ve experience in this.  Mom and Dad provided a fine home: food, clothing, healthcare, a peaceful environment.  But I, as ignorance is wont to do, made broad sweeping assumptions as I jumped into the arms of “the world.” Knowing, naturally, that all the hard earned givens of mom and pop…would go with me.  Nope.

Even so, today, as our parents’ inheritance is nearly spent (financially and morally), and we, at last, become somewhat concerned (well, not in the moral area, we haven’t quite reached Sodom yet), we theorize what “we” will do to maintain the peace and prosperity so willingly handed to us.  And, dear reader, I believe our “assumptions” will lead, if we’re not careful, to the cardboard box, and the tin cup, and the toothless grin, and the diseased death…at an early age.

Ok, enough of that.  Of late, I’ve been busy with the e-book thing (not to mention “the job”).  The words are adequate (maybe, changes with each read). And the punctuation is passable (maybe, changes with each reading) and, I’m a little concerned that there might be a “cat edit” in the mix.  Meaning; in the editing process the cat dashed across the keyboard (at least once.) I didn’t see any damage, but there might be something weird in there.  Please let me know if you find one.

Anyway, the book is back up (to your upper right).  And, till the end of July…it is a “free” download.  So, click on the dragon; put it in your “cart” (there’s some other hoops, of course) and, in the coupon spot, type WN25P.  And, if you don’t have an e-reader device, might I suggest the free adobe reader (that’s what I use on the computer).  Here’s a link:http://get.adobe.com/reader/

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Angela Michael for Congress

 

 

300,000 and counting

The Fourth estate

(by R.P.Edwards)

Ignorance
May bring mercy
But only by
Degree
But what of those
Who “know” the truth
And “keep” that truth
From thee?

The thought came to me, “I’m a supporter; not a reporter.”

The setting: in front of one of the largest abortion mills in the Midwest.  Name: the Hope Clinic for Women.  The occasion: a courageous pro-life advocate named, Angela Michael, is running on the democratic ticket…for congress.  To introduce her; a man of some notoriety, Randall Terry.  If you’re a little older that name may sound familiar.  He was the former head of Operation Rescue; a group known for blockading abortion providers with their bodies; a kind of civil disobedience thing.  And, he’s also running for president.

Well, you might think this “official announcement” might warrant a reporter or two.  Nope.  Even though the “heads up” press release came out two days prior, the regional rag…would have none of it.

“So strange,” thought I.  Surely “some” of their readership is interested (ironically: this paper is supposedly the “conservative” voice around here [alright, I’ll tell you, The Belleville News Democrat]).  Mr. Terry’s past, alone, is worth at least a paragraph.  And the story of “why” they’re running is compelling.  But, apparently the “paper powers” don’t want to know; and sadly, tragically, they don’t want “you” to know either. 

A while back I read a snippet of something that Pope Benedict XVI wrote: It was in reference to when Jesus asked the Father to “forgive them, for they know not what they do.”  And, there were a couple other instances in the scripture where the “ignorance defense” was given.  Said the Papal chief: “Ignorance diminishes guilt, and leaves open the path to conversion.”  I went “Hmmm” that sounds about right.  But then I ask myself, “When it comes to evil.  What of those who not only approve of it; but then actually go out of their way to make sure you remain…ignorant?”

In my rummaging about the web I found Mr. Terry’s website.  If you're concerned about the unborn, I would recommend a look.   Also, included is a link to Mrs Michael’s campaign site.
Angela Michael for Congress
Randall Terry


And, you may notice the dragon to your right.  It’s a book that was penned some time ago and is now available for download.  I recommend you read the “free portion” first, and then, (if you are so inclined) wait a week for the rest.  Why?  Because I want to read the thing for the millionth time to make sure I didn’t make a keystroke boo boo in the final phase (if found, it should be corrected by then). 

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Charlie Rangel and Jesus

To enhance your journey (if you can stand it) you are invited to click the youtube link above.

What Would Jesus Do?
(by R.P.Edwards)

W…W…J…D
Words to live by
For you
For me
But please
Oh please
Before we say
Let’s read the book
To learn
His way

Representative Charlie Rangel, 81 years old, Today! (Happy Birthday, Mr Rangel) [oops, "June 11", not July, Mea Culpa].  He’s kind of up there, so maybe a little slack is in order.  But please, Charlie, “What would Jesus do?”

His comment had to do with the debate over raising the debt ceiling.  How some might suffer from the lack of funds.  On a Sunday interview he added, “The issues are so morally clear, and that is we are our brothers keeper…if you read your Bibles, and you read the spiritual scriptures you will see that clearly, God would have; Jesus would have something to say about this debate…”

Well, the logical progression (or digression) is, good sir, what would be Jesus’ thoughts concerning your views of the unborn, traditional marriage, etc.

I won’t go on and on.  It’s an old saw.  It’s one of my puzzlements; that so many who “speak” of and for him, either are misinformed, forgetful, or perhaps “hopeful” that “He” is created in “their” image.

One thing is certain; without question, when compared to Redeemer, we all fall short.  However, as many who would inject "Him" into the debate (whatever that debate might be); heaven help us all…to line up with “His” dos.

Here’s a link to Mr. Rangel’s brief interview on Fox (sorry for the commercial) WWJD

And here’s former Pastor/Governor Mike Huckabee’s take:  Mike's take

The theme music comes from the 1961 movie, King of Kings.  The musical score...by Miklos Rozsa.  I actually love this music.  Why? Because way back when, when I saw these "movies" on TV, the Lord would use these imperfect vessels (Hollywood took liberties) to touch a young man's heart. 

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Washington's Patriotism

 

 

 

The fourth
(by R.P.Edwards)

We remember the colors
Red, white and blue
We remember the fireworks
The boom…and the Oooo!
We remember the food
The burgers and fries
And sometimes
We’ll remember
The soldier
Who dies

You know, when you’re steeped in the stuff; when it’s a part of your reasoning process; when it acts as a filter or prism through which the world is seen, well, naturally you think that most are aware of such things.  That most have a general knowledge.  But, of course, that’s not true and, it is rather silly to live there; in that place of make believe. 

Today is the Fourth of July.  Our nation’s birthday.  When patriotism is in vogue and, no matter our individual persuasion, we can at least celebrate our “being here” with a burger, a beer, and maybe even a nod to “Johnny” on the front line.

And, thinking briefly of the words “patriot” and “patriotism,” I remembered something written by an honorable American who shared his views on the subject.  I dare say you might call him an “expert,” although you don‘t hear his name much anymore.  His name…is George Washington.

Following is an excerpt from his farewell address, circa 1796.

Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness - these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked, Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.

Funny, isn’t it?  How the Father of our Country called religion and morality “indispensable supports;” the “firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.” And that “in vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert” them?  And yet, for decades now, so many in power have sought to do just that; subvert, ignore, belittle, destroy.  And, as we continue to eat of “their” labors, still we speak of liberty, freedom, and patriotism, but, as is so often the case, the children…are not the parents. 

Happy Fourth to all.  As we strive to remember the birth of the babe, let us also endeavor to remember…the labor pains…of true patriotism.

Here's a link to the address:   Washington's farewell address

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