Redemption
is in the transformation
that
occurs in the hearts, minds, and lives
of those who
are connected to brokenness –
all who
dare not cast the first stone.
Remorse,
like resurrection, is not the end,
but the
possibility for a new beginning;
not a
beginning that jettisons who we were
and what
we did, but a beginning
that puts
all of that and all of us
on a
different road; a road that is not
just the
will or refusal to do it all again
if we had the chance, but a road
that
takes all of us – our experiences
and
choices – to a place where they can be
constructed
into a place of hope
we can
call home again, for the first time.
 |
| Lovers Lane |
© 2014
Todd Jenkins
You are not old enough to remember S and H green stamps! This is a wonderful poem.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes I am! :-)
DeleteI remember too. And Todd, this is so good that I am using it as "an assurance of forgiveness" in worship on Sunday with attribution, of course. Wonderful.
DeleteI am curious: do you have a favorite poet, living or dead, that you enjoy reading?
I've not read much poetry, but Wendell Berry and Mary Oliver are two of my favorites.
Delete:) Thank you for responding. I haven't read much Wendell Berry, but I've read some of Mary Oliver. I am rediscovering poetry after a long hiatus. We did use your poem as the Words of Assurance yesterday in worship and they were well received. I have been gradually introducing more poetry from multiple folks into worship as a creative endeavor...Your poetry is accessible which is why I personally enjoy it...and lends itself well to reflection, personal and communal. Blessings on your week and thanks again..
ReplyDelete