Not to the Timid but to the persecuted - Poem by Raymond A. Foss

To standing in storm
to cry out in the wilderness
to preach the love of Christ
whether or not they want to hear

Blessing not to the Timid
the ones afraid to speak
controlled by society
keeping their light covered
their joy under a bushel
their powder dry

Blessing for those
who stand in the gale
persecuted for standing for the right
speaking when they could be silent
even to a friend
going where they are called
preaching the love of God

July 3, 2010
written as a series of poems:
Matthew 5:3
- Not to the full but to the empty”
Matthew 5:4
- “Not to the joyful but to those who sorrow”
Matthew 5:5
- “Not to the proud but to the humble”
Matthew 5:6
- Not to the silent but to the gadflies”
Matthew 5:7
- “Not to power but to mercy”
Matthew 5:8
- “Not to the world but to the creator”
Matthew 5:9
- “Not to war but to peace”
Matthew 5:10
- Not to the Timid but to the persecuted”
Matthew 5:11
- Not to be praised but to be ridiculed”
Matthew 5:1-13
Beatitudes
and email, “Notes from Peter” (Hey)
received July 1, 2010
“This Sunday my sermon is titled “Pursuing More Than Happiness,”
and it is based on Matthew 5:1-13. If you have a few minutes to read
this passage of scripture prior to attending the service, you might get
a little more out of the sermon. In this sermon, I want to challenge us all
to live with greater intentionality and to find deeper levels of meaning
for our lives. Instant gratification can be the enemy of faithful living.
Intentionality is the path to blessedness.”
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH
July 4, 2010
Independence Day

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.