Here's hoping...

Conversions

(by R.P.Edwards)

I believe in conversions

Newton

Luther

Paul

Who, through revelation

Saw self-made towers...fall

Eyes divinely opened

To see

Then kneel 

And turn

Then walk a new direction

The old direction...spurn

With knowledge born of bonding

With He whose way is light

To suddenly see contrast

Between the wrong...and right

To cease from fruitless labor

Amazing grace, receive

To know the righteous standing 

For those who just believe

Yes, I'm a believer in conversions. It's that light-bulb, ah ha!, now I see it! moment in a person's life when divine revelation is--usually by desperate invitation--given from above.

Along this line some of the more famous historical converts are mentioned in the poem. For instance, John Newton; the vile former slave trader who, after conversion, penned the most famous Christian hymn, Amazing Grace. Also, Martin Luther, who, after travailing over the seemingly unattainable goal of earning God's righteousness, his eyes were divinely opened to the liberating Biblical truth of salvation without works (again, amazing grace). And then there's the Apostle Paul, who, frankly, seemed quite content in his zealous persecution of the followers of the Nazarene until the Lord showed up and abruptly put an end to his spiritual blindness (temporarily blinding him in the process, Acts 9). Yes, conversion; each genuine believer has one and, although "earning" is not a part of the experience, the "works" that follow give evidence to the work...within.

So, why this little blurb about the "turning?" Well, as this humble offering is written mere hours before the president addresses the nation as to his "strategy" to deal with an evil in the east, I am (perhaps naively) hoping that a deeper work is being done in the chief executive. Often a subject of prayer, I know that the Commander in Chief has been in the crucible of late and, as the pestle of monumental problems has been increasing grinding on his psyche, I am hoping, hoping! that the "Christianity" he professes becomes a genuine joining with the enabler of kings. Yes, that like some before him (President wise) he lay bare his very human soul to the omnipotent being that can then...lift him up.

Here's hoping...

By-the-way, a final verse to the poem...

So take heart, fellow pilgrim

For they who scoff at true

Conversion suddenly appears

Just like it did

For you

****

Little Eyes

Little eyes

Looking up at me

I hope love is what you see

Little eyes

(from the song, Little Eyes, by R.P.Edwards)

Another song saved from extinction. Located in a apple-collection bag (as in: initially a holder of apples from an orchard visit long ago), another cassette was found amongst the jumbled others in the basement. It was one of those black, unlabeled types, bought in bulk and, in this case, used in a small recording studio on the outskirts of Fresno, California. 1980's.

The backstory (as best I can remember it). Around the mid-decade (80's) there was a solicitation for songs having to do with the pro-life movement. Don't remember how I heard of it, but a song was made and submitted (not chosen). My two oldest sons were mere tots at the time (one, a pre-toddler). They served as inspiration.

Sometime later I was working towards a degree in Radio/Television Broadcasting at CSU Fresno  (Why? Well I figured my talents would lend themselves to this area [How did that work out?...I'm currently a steelworker.]). At class one day I heard a fellow student mention an internship at a local recording studio. Not long after I found myself at said establishment, quickly discovering that the nuts and bolts of the process were not so much in my skill-set. 

Anyway, the owner was a fine and patient fellow and, as a thank-you at the end of the semester he quickly put "Little Eyes" together (a talented individual, he added keyboard and guitar). He made me some cassettes (with, and without vocals) and, in the course of time, the song has been sung at a few baby dedications. Alas, the accompaniment tape is now missing. 

As an aside: hoping the song could be used SOMEHOW, I gave it to the local Children's Hospital (Now, Children's Hospital Central California). Called a couple years back to see if they minded if I youtubed it. (Uh...go ahead ["Who is this guy?"]).

My son collected a few pictures (am I really that old?) and my first grandson takes the place of ALL the precious children in our lives. If you click the closed caption feature, the lyrics are listed.  Enjoy.

****

Radicalized?

 To Believe

(by R.P.Edwards)

Hear

The lie

And then

Believe

Then actions

Follow 

Though

So stop

The course

With truth

Of course!

Before 

The end

Of you

“It would not be impossible to prove with sufficient repetition and a psychological understanding of the people concerned that a square is in fact a circle. They are mere words, and words can be molded until they clothe ideas and disguise.”
 (Joseph Goebbels, Nazi Minister of Propaganda)

"So faith comes from hearing..."
(Romans 10:17)

We've heard the terms, "Radicalize" and "Radicalization" in the news of late. These, as you may have guessed, referring to American youth who have latched onto Islamic Jihadist rhetoric (mainly through social media) and, thus inspired, they abandon their western roots and traipse off to the middle east in order to kill and be killed, or worse...to come back home and spread the disease.

Well, hearing and believing is nothing new. It has always been so; from the believed lie whispered into the first couple's ears, to those today who think beheading infidels gets them brownie points with the deity. We hear; we believe; and we act. And, I suppose a term like "Radicalized" is used (as opposed to persuaded, or converted) because it tends to lead to uncivilized behavior, like...cutting off heads.

However--and since I pass by on a regular basis a place of the most hideous doings--may I simply observe that one man's radical view, is another man's accepted practice. In other words, there was a time when chopping little unborn babies to bits and selling their parts (pardon my frankness) would be considered monstrous, but now (as is evidenced by the public's general indifference) it goes on nearly unhindered; week, after week, after week. And why? Because "words" were and are used to persuade, convert, radicalize.

And so, not wanting to leave without a solution, let me finish the scripture begun above: "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." (Romans 10:17). The Gospel, when unfiltered by wayward manipulators, leads to, yes, godliness. A positive influence. A force for good. And, as we have seen on the international scene, when "vacuums" are created (by the removing of a stabilizer) something far worse may come to take its place. Which causes me to wonder: what if the ten commandments had remained in the classroom? Perhaps the sixth admonition (thou shalt not murder); perhaps this, read over and over through the formative years; perhaps this could have prevented some of the carnage that has happened...and is, most likely, on its recurring way.

Radicalized?
(by R.P.Edwards)

"Radicalized"
A curious term
The civilized hear
And then they squirm
For it means death
Of a gruesome kind
By those who have
An altered mind
But wait a minute!
My pampered friend
It's the point of view
That brings an end
And YOU kill people
The smallest size
So are you
Sir,
Then Radicalized?

****

You must be from Ferguson

 Of Names

(by R.P.Edwards)

Names have meaning

Meant or no

Associations

Con

Or pro

So make your actions

Wise and kind

So your name heard

Brings these...to mind

Ferguson. Yeah, I've been there.You see, it's not that far away. In fact it's just an over the river jaunt into the "show me" state from the Land, supposedly of Lincoln (where I currently reside). Of course, when I think of "Ferguson" I think...St Louis; even though, truthfully, it is merely one of the many satellite municipalities that orbit the once great "Gateway to the West." Let's call it "greater St Louis."

Anyway, with the killing of unarmed Michael Brown (18) by Darren Wilson, a Ferguson Policeman, there has been great unrest (surely the reader is well aware). Demonstrations, looting, destruction of private property. All, supposedly justified by the lawless act...of a law enforcer.

Well, it seems that the "conviction" of Mr Wilson by the public and the general media...may be premature. You see, there has been leakage that perhaps; perhaps! the "I will never betray...the public trust" officer may have been punched out by Mr. Brown prior to the shooting. Perhaps...the shooting was warranted.

However, this simple offering is not focused so much on the "facts" of this case that must surely come out. But, rather, with what the people who live in Ferguson (not the temporary carpetbaggers) will do with the information once it is known. Of course, if the policeman really did the dastardly deed of killing a hands raised youth; the pre-judgers will be justified. But, what if the "jury of his peers," after hearing and seeing the evidence (whatever that may be) decides in the officers favor? Will "Fergusonians" collectively demand the officers head anyway? Or, if reasons for acquittal are indeed obvious, will my western neighbors cool their passions and give the public servant (no matter how painful it might be) his due?

So, as the opening poem alludes, what will the name "Ferguson" mean in the future? Will its nuance lean more towards the thugs who rioted or robbed; or will its flavor be that of a noble populace. Time...will surely tell.

****

Liberating Love

Liberating Love
(by R.P.Edwards)

Your selfless love
Has set me free
From prisons past
From guilty me
And in your eyes
No qualm I see
Or fear of pain
From guilty me
But only love
That reaches in
And cuts the tie
Of clinging sin
And sees me new
Makes me believe
Your selfless love
Has set me...free

I don't remember the exact day, or month, or even *year. However, I  do remember the television show; "You Write the Songs." It was hosted by noted celebrity, Ben Vereen and, since I believed that the Lord had put a songwriting talent in me (and there was a cash prize!) I wanted to submit something to this "contest." That's how the song, "Liberating Love" (above) was born.

Yes, I still vaguely remember going about my janitorial duties at the time (in college, and working a part time job) and pondering what to submit. After all, I was, for the most part, used to writing religious fare. Surely this wouldn't do. So, I considered...and cleaned...and eventually a simple song of redemptive love came to be.

The production was the most basic. No recording studio; just me, an autoharp and a couple cassette recorders in a room with a lovely reverb. 

Well, it never made it to the show. And, no other "music" entity seemed interested. It did, however, make it into a few weddings. But, for the most part it has remained forgotten, and as time wears and tears...its end was in sight.

Well, a little while ago I was searching the abode for an old cassette player that might actually work (hard to come by these days). I wanted to play some instructional cassettes I had purchased at the Goodwill. My search also turned up a copy of a copy of...Liberating Love. This is the recording (after some cleaning and preening) that is above. I hope, with its rebirth, that some will be blessed. And, although it is secular in nature, the principle...is divine. 

 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

(Romans 5:8)

*P.S. Naturally, I looked it up. The show was from 1986-1987

P.S.S The background photo is the actual player used to play the recording. 

****

Mr President, ACT NOW!

ACT NOW!

(by R.P.Edwards)

I empathize

With those who wait

Who tremble at

The tread

Who truly hope

That time will heal

And not bring pain

Instead

Who wish that others

Might engage

And lessen

Their attend

Who dream the dream

That goodness wins

And wars

And conflicts

End

But History

Screams different things

That evil only grows

And left alone
Its lust for blood
Will fill the world with woes
So hear the voice
Of victims past
Who died because...we pause
Then drop the pen
Pick up the sword
And join
The righteous...cause!

Celebrities die, and our minds reminisce at how they had the wonderful ability to play make-believe and distract us for a few precious minutes, meanwhile, at the same time, in a distant, but not unreachable place--children are having their heads cut off as a Nazi-esque cancer seeks to viciously consume all they declare infidels or apostate. Villains, Zealots, murderers, and we; the great leader of the "free" world; we, who are well able--in a one month span of concerted effort--to greatly downgrade this wretched band with their demonic doings--we drag our feet as the blood soaks into the sand.

I speak, of course, of the happenings in what used to be Iraq. The foot dragging, hopeful wishing, do nothing (until recently) approach; has led to the slaughter of the innocent and, without a deliberate, concentrated, overwhelming response, there WILL be more and more and more...of the same.

So I say, "ALL IN!, Mr President! ALL IN!" Do a great good with the time you have left. Rekindle the victory instead of rewording the defeat. Swallow your pride and ACT! Spurn your speeches...and ACT! Drop your distant and distracted demeanor...and ACT! Each day you delay is a death sentence, and another line added to your legacy. Mr President, there's still time for you to be a Churchill, instead of a Chamberlain. But...you have to ACT! And, once you do--once you have girded your loins and steeled your resolve--then turn to the other tyrants who gather at our gates. The time is now, Mr. President. The time...is now!

****

Ebola is one

My Personal Ebola

(by R.P.Edwards)

Ebola kills!
And fear ensues!
The painful death
That none would choose
The world recoils
In Panic!
Dread!
But ALL
My friend
Are someway
Dead

"Do you see the symptoms? They're everywhere." One of the--bordering on macabre--statements from the middle-aged parent to his beginning teen as they slowly drove through the store parking lot, taking note of the "conditions" of the patrons. "Just yesterday they were young, vibrant; in their own mind and actions...invincible, immortal. But now, what will do them in...is shown on the skin. But do they see it? Do they recognize it?"

Okay, it's not a direct quote, but the parent is moi and the beginning teen (as in "13") is my son and, it's just something in me (in most fathers I presume) to drop a pearl or two when a youngster is away from the all-consuming gizmos of our time (and this lad has NO smartphone [yet]). And, as my Christian faith is more than a fancy, there's a tie-in. "Sin is the disease; and death is inevitable. However, the cure...is Christ." 

I suppose what caught my ear as to the "Ebola outbreak" was the mention of the two Americans afflicted as they extended the hand of the Savior. Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol; Christian missionaries, putting action to their words. And, being a huge fan of the Franklins (Billy and son, Franklin) the mention of the compassionate charity, Samaritans Purse; also added weight.

And so, Ebola is in the news. Bad stuff. A merciless virus. But...death is no respecter, and I suspect most will exit this life another way. The question is...are "we" giving thought to the cure that extends...beyond the grave?

 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, 

but after this the judgment:

(Hebrews 9:27)

****