Abraham and Isaac, Isaac and Jacob Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha Jesus and John, Jesus and Peter Paul and Timothy Down through the ages Fathers and sons Masters and disciples Nothing's changed, it's still the way Elijah in motion Mentorship, discipleship, sharpening Tomorrow's generals are today's lieutenants Teaching to lead, learning to teach Oh, that I might be a disciple I don't care who it is The ones I already consider? Or whoever Surely there is a Paul for me Yes, Abba, you are my father But don't you want to give me an earthly one? My dad rests with you A man who never fully possessed his birthright Safe in Abraham's bosom I rejoice for him But I am still here I need a father's voice Am I not worthy? Am I not your son? Provide for me Give me someone to look up to Let me sit at his feet Let me listen like Mary to him To sit and listen in quiet That I might learn to listen to you Touch my hip if you have to But give me this blessing Stephen Pursell, 9/04 During my years in prison I walked as a christian and thus was the object of much hatred for my ability to love those who are generally rejected by criminally-minded prison culture. My refusal to participate in prison inmate politics and my open demonstrations of love for my christian brothers, and others I reached out to in God's love, who were of varying racial and cultural backgrounds was feared and hated by men of evil intent. As a result I was physically attacked many times. Since the system does not care whether one is defending himself against an unprovoked attack and it only seeks to accuse, condemn, and punish, and abuse I was always thrown in solitary confinement for defending myself. I do not remember specifically but I expect this poem came from one of those passages through solitary confinement due to persecution. But what a blessing to be persecuted for the the Lord and share in his sufferings! Hallelujah! |   |
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