Vapormarks

The Mercy of Cold and Rain, a blackout poem

None of us like trials—the rain and cold of life. None of us want to lose the things we hold dear. Sometimes a trial leaves us with nothing. We lose it all, or we walk away from it all. In those moments of loss, we are drenched in grief and smothered in the dirt of discouragement. But then God comes, and He renews us through His power. He comforts our souls. He begins to take the emptiness and fill it with His decorations. He turns darkness to brightness. He takes our pieces and makes them perfect. He sets our table and prepares us with His goodness. He clothes us with truth. Only God can transform the trajectory of tragedy into our gain for His glory.

The Family Man, a blackout poem

This ode to fathers describes the real superheroes of a successful generation. We need men who become dads to step up to be family men. Men who protect their own. Men who see the mundane matters. Men who are humble leaders. Men with integrity. Men who know how to work. We need Proverbs 31 men, too! The faithful family man—after years of doing this heroic, show-up-everyday-kind-of work—will feel vulnerable and exposed; but a faithful family man who lives a full life, dies a whole man.

Lightbulb Moments, a blackout poem

More than ever, I am of the opinion that reading is one of those bare necessities in life. If someone can read, he can learn. Granted, learning can be done by example; but reading catapults a person to greater heights and imaginations. Reading opens doors, expands imagination, develops dreams, and highlights action. God spoke to us in a written language intending for us to learn to read. It is useful. It is necessary. It is little but everything. Learn to read, then read to learn. Reading will transport you and become one of your best friends.

She Stood, a blackout poem

To be heard, to be seen, and to be considered are beautiful gifts we give to each other. This redacted poem speaks of this gift that brings hope to a hurting human. Sometimes being heard is all anyone needs to have the courage to keep standing. Together we can find splendid gold in living!

Lightbulb Moments, a blackout poem

Freedom Fighters, a blackout poem

I remember very vividly where I was on 9/11. I remember the unbelief at the scenes unfolding in my news feed, the gut-wrenching feeling that war was close at hand, and the effort to fully encapsulate the sacrifice first responders and later our military would make to save lives and preserve freedom. This poem is meant to honor those men and women who wake up every day with the opportunity and joy to serve their country and her people. I am amazed at them. I honor them today. We owe them our courage to do the same from the homeland: make choices that honor life and preserve freedom.

Young One Gone, a blackout poem

Commentary for this blackout poem is below.

When a mom gives birth, she invites pain in multiple ways for a multitude of reasons. We welcome our children to this world only to let them go to start new families and pursue their futures. We spend so much energy being present that when it comes time to feel their absence, the change can be crushing. The solution is to grab God’s hand, sit at His feet, discover His joys for our lives, see Him clearly, and be near to Him. Be still. Look and know. And the heart will follow.

The Isolated, a blackout poem

I am naturally drawn to the walls of isolation. In my mind I think I prefer it. In my mind I think I enjoy it. In my mind I justify pursuing it. Unfortunately, isolation is everything this blackout poem says it is. Fractured. Dark. Destructive. Furthermore, prolonged isolation blocks growth and wholeness. God created us to be in community. Satan uses isolation to fracture humanity, and he packages it up nicely so we don’t recognize it until the fractures have begun splitting us into an island. Social media, individualism, self help — these are activities of island dwellers, those who live on lava with invisible walls. The solution? Find well-timbered mountaintops. These people aren’t perfect; they are very much broken, but they live in community growing together with a wide open view of the horizon. Mountaintops with broken people or islands with invisible walls? It’s a choice.

Remember, a blackout poem

I am a forgetful person, and I need reminders. If only I could remember that being busy does not make me a VIP or MVP. I forget that little things become big things and attitude matters. I forget that my pride is my own worst enemy, and Jesus tells me if I want to lead I start and end that leading by serving. Busy doesn’t get me to the top. Accomplishing big things won’t get me to the top. Humbly but merrily and deliberately doing the little things one step at a time will be and is rewarding. Remember! Don’t forget.

Coattails and Christians

Hey kiddos, I have a thought for you and a warning. They contradict one another, but they also play off of one another in an important way.

First, here’s my thought: “There is no such thing as a second-generation Christian.” We hear the phrase second-generation Christians often in our circles. In one sense, the phrase reminds us of our rich heritage, and you kids have been gifted with a rich, godly heritage. Your great grandparents and grandparents and parents have laid a deep and sincere foundation of biblical living in front of you. But, no Christian is a Christian based on the generation before him. You know this. But…don’t forget this when you begin a family of your own. None of us can ride on the coattails of our previous generation. Your children need you to remember this! Christians don’t begat Christians.

Second, here’s my warning: “Third-generation Christians are in danger of being overexposed and underdeveloped.” And here is the seeming contradiction. Yes, I said there is no such thing as generation Christians. You’re right. So I will re-phrase it. Any Christian is in danger of being overexposed and underdeveloped. No matter your heritage. No matter your parents or grandparents or great grandparents position on biblical truth and faith. No matter how you spin today’s culture in your mind and heart to excuse shifts in standards and beliefs. No matter what circumstance God ordains for your life. None of these thoughts and realities is what makes you decide how you choose today to live and believe. You kiddos happen to be four generations strong…at least for now. Time will tell whether you remain true in your faith, courageous in your beliefs, and fervent in the gospel. Time will tell whether you continue to apply truth to life’s choices or fall for Satan’s tactics and let your guard down by allowing bits and pieces of error in your thinking and home. None of us can ride on the coattails of the previous generation of Christians.

You’ve heard much Bible in your lifetime. Your education through college, home, church, neighbors, and community saturated you with Bible truths. I’m so glad you did get the saturation; but, kiddos, you have to do your part in developing. God grows you, but you water and weed in the process. Remember again, none of us can ride on the coattails of anyone or anything. You are adults now so whatever Bible saturation you continue in your life is your choice. I can’t make those decisions for you. (This blog doesn’t even count since you still have to make the decision to read it.)

My heart’s desire for you is that you continue to walk in truth. Not out of duty to your heritage. Not out of a desire to make the parents happy. I pray God’s truth becomes your mantra today and tomorrow and for your lifetime.