TO ALL: Whatever your faith, I invite you to read this. You may follow a
different path, but it’s really all about living in love.
In Step With Jesus
(For Bob Gwynne and Monica Wahlberg, with love and thanks)
To be in step with Jesus…
Stop. Wait. Listen.
Allow Jesus to choose your stride.
It may be slower; it may take you
down by the riverside or
wash you in rainfall.
You may see yourself
offering a hand to one whom
you wouldn’t have touched
the week before.
To be in step with Jesus…
Stop. Wait. Listen.
Allow the Spirit inside.
Let your soul be enveloped
by the Divine Sofia, Wisdom.
You may see yourself
in sandals, sharing love,
feeding those in need, even
acting up in the
“Temples of Power.”
You will change.
© 2013 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
Yes, it’s my 666th post. No, this is not the first horse of the Apocalypse, nor do I believe in “the mark of the Beast,” and I’m not going there with any jokes, either (although 6/66 is when my friend Monica was born, so there you go, one happy coincidence, an early birthday present).
This poem was inspired and written entirely at Sunday morning’s praise and worship service, during which guest “sermonator” Rev. Bob Gwynne (an activist of many years; he and his jubilant wife, Jesse, are respected senior members of our church), gave an excellent sermon about being in step with Christ.
For Imaginary Garden With Real Toads’ Open Link Monday, and the Poetry Pantry at Poets United. Also, BIG ANNOUNCEMENT TOMORROW, SO STAY TUNED! (ribit croak gruggle) Peace to all, Amy
Sharp Little Pencil 
Lance
I love this: “Allow the Spirit inside.
Let your soul be enveloped
by the Divine Sofia, Wisdom.”
As a proud lefty Christian, this is athe kind of prayer I would say daily. Congrats on 666, devilish poet.
Kerry O'Connor
How wonderful when words of worship light a spark you feel you would like to share.
Amy, I have emailed you in connection with RT.
aprille
Happy sunday morning for you it was.
McGuffy Ann
Another excellent message, my friend. You are gifted. Thank you.
Laurie Kolp
It’s so true that God has better plans for us than we do for ourselves, and if we just remain patient (b/c it can take a long time), things will improve. What better way to occupy that time than by helping others. I love this affirmation, Amy.
coalblack
Jay is one cool guy.
Sharp Little Pencil
He’s my brother. The Magdalene is my homegirl, though!
kaykuala
You may see yourself
offering a hand to one whom
you wouldn’t have touched
the week before.
It’s so powerful and so real Amelita! The strength of revelation permeates obstacles artificially built around prejudice and unfairness. ‘You will change’, yes, agreed whole-heartedly! A great feel!
Hank
Mary
So much to think about, Amy. Sometimes those Sunday words do really get inside a person and work a change. Love when that happens.
Abin
Amen.may our prayers come true.
Heaven (@asweetlust)
Amy, very meaningful words ~ I believe in His great powers ~
And welcome to Real Toads dear ~
Grace
mindlovemisery
Congrats Amy! Wow 666 posts =) What a beautiful inspiring poem!
Herotomost
Regardless of belief, this one sings true. Its amazing waht a little spiritual practice can do for the soul. Glad to have you as a member now…rock on!
Kay, Alberta, Canada
Wonderful, Amy, to know we would all be happier walking a God-given path instead of trying to force success on our own. You’ve put it so well, and others might say, “Who are we to think we know what the universe has in store for us?” It is one and the same, walking the spiritual path provided for us.
My husband’s ex used to panic at the number 666, and it was years before I could convince him it meant nothing to me. It does mean something if you’ve written that many blog posts, however!
K
Sherry Blue Sky
Beautiful, Amy. I would so love to hear your activist pastor speak. He and his wife sound amazing. When one can be inspired to write a poem in church, the service must be really uplifting. Awesome.
ihatepoetry
Wonderful meditation, Amy. May the love and blessings of the Christ be yours. As my favorite radio evangelist used to say “May the blessings of the Lord chase you down the street and run you over.”
Jim
Congratulations on your milepost. I did a ‘666’ post one time, about a tatoo on my neck. The artist put on a ‘999’ which upside down is 666.
I think writing a poem or painting a picture while listening to the Word of the Lord preached is very meaninful to the writer or artist as well as readers and viewers. Sometimes more so.
..
margaretbednar
Stop wait listen. I’m not very good at any of those. I just want to plow ahead :). One Sunday I was inspired by the sermon and got my iPhone out to jot down notes and words that the priest was saying. I got so many awful looks as people thought I was texting. Ha (didnt stop me…I still do it if I am inspired. Find myself thinking “let the old darts and goody two shoes fuss… Which isn’t very nice of me. 😛
Gemma Wiseman
To feel a stirring of the spirit is always a heavenly experience!