Inspiration Shared By Lady Braids

Inspiration On 12/7/11

When you say your prayers, please remember
those who have served and are currently serving.

The Final Inspection

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

'Step forward now, soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?'

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I have not.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint. 

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough. 
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough. 

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep... 
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills just got too steep. 

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear... 
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears. 

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears. 

If you've a place for me here,
Lord, it needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand. 

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly, 
For the judgment of his God. 

'Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well. 
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'

-- Author Unknown

Inspiration On 04/28/11

A certain medieval monk announced he would be preaching next Sunday
evening on "The Love of God."

On that day as the shadows fell and the light ceased to come in through
the cathedral windows, the congregation gathered. In the darkness of the
altar, the monk lighted a candle and carried it to the crucifix. First
of all, he illumined the crown of thorns, next, the two wounded hands,
then the marks of the spear wound and then the two wounded feet.

In the hush that fell, he blew out the candle and left the chancel.

There was nothing else to say.

 -- Author Unknown