Grace Moment by Moment-weekly column
Perhaps it is the combined memories of my mom and dad weighing heavy on my mind these days. But whatever the reason, I would like to continue to give thanks to God for the men and women who serve this country. In conflicts great and small, through peace time and war, you are always in my prayers and in those of fellow believers the world over.
In 1995, I wrote the following poems. Their message is as relevant today as it was then. I pray you find a loving welcome and an easy adjustment when you come home. Thank you for your courage and your sacrifice.
Honoring All Veterans
From the beaches of Normandy
to the sands of Saudi,
we stand before you today
paying homage to those soldiers whose sacrifices paved the way
for us to live free.
So too, has Jesus' death and resurrection brought us freedom from sin for all eternity
if we only believe!
Then we too will receive
His Peace
and all misery will cease.
This is why we can sing,
Jesus Christ is Lord of Lords, the Eternal Father of Fathers and King of Kings!"
Written on:
May 14, 1995.
Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie
A Soldier's Psalm
Past:
Strafing fire rakes the night sky,
a sniper's bullet meant for me,
catches you behind the knee.
Present:
Drug wars ignite,
drive by shootings in the neighborhood,
pine is the choice for coffin wood.
Danger works
to make my mind think everything's a trap,
as my tight control crumbles and snaps . . .
Sweating, I realize the only solace I see
may be
for me to disappear in a forest of trees.
Future:
God's "future" for me:
In my "heart, soul and mind" the war has finally ceased,
and through His Grace I truly have found Peace.
Written on:
October 29, 1995.
Written by:
Belle Ann Leslie
Scripture Reference:
Matthew 22:37-40.
About Me
- Belle Anne Leslie
- I love to write poetry, fiction, non-fiction and feature articles!
Friday, July 28, 2006
Honoring All Veterans, Part One
Grace Moment by Moment-weekly column
I've been reflecting lately on the men and women who serve in the military. How difficult it is for them to receive good news when all they see every day is fighting. I wish to thank them personally for their courage and commitment as they are on the front lines fighting to keep America safe.
I can think of no better way to do that than with this poem.
The Good News!
To the officer in the Navy,
who is fighting most bravely.
To the person in the Reserves,
who is willing to give more than we deserve.
To those in the Air Force,
whose mind is set on a steady course.
To the strong, stalwart Marine,
who has courage the like I've rarely seen.
To those in the Army,
who willingly drop everything to help ye.
To those in the Coast Guard,
who protect our shores from enemies afar
Thank you
for all that you do . . .
There is One,
proclaimed as God's Son
who came to set you free
from sin for all eternity.
He paid the ultimate price
to bring you and I, Life!
Yet, that's not the end
He rose from the grave, My Friend.
And now amid the battle zone,
He wants you to know, you are never alone.
For as you face our common foe
remember, He is with you wherever you go.
And even through the fear
you can still draw near,
for He came to declare the Good News,
you are free to choose
the Gospel of Jesus Christ
when you surrender to Him your life . . .
If you ask him to come and dwell within
your heart, He will cleanse you of sin.
Then the victory will be sweet,
when you meet,
Jesus Christ in the air,
when He comes back to reign down here.
At that glorious shout,
there will be no doubt
of One mind you will be
for the rest of eternity!
And in joy you can sing,
"Jesus Christ is King of Kings!"
Written on:
August 1, 1992.
Written by:
Mildred A. Baker
&
Belle Anne Leslie
I've been reflecting lately on the men and women who serve in the military. How difficult it is for them to receive good news when all they see every day is fighting. I wish to thank them personally for their courage and commitment as they are on the front lines fighting to keep America safe.
I can think of no better way to do that than with this poem.
The Good News!
To the officer in the Navy,
who is fighting most bravely.
To the person in the Reserves,
who is willing to give more than we deserve.
To those in the Air Force,
whose mind is set on a steady course.
To the strong, stalwart Marine,
who has courage the like I've rarely seen.
To those in the Army,
who willingly drop everything to help ye.
To those in the Coast Guard,
who protect our shores from enemies afar
Thank you
for all that you do . . .
There is One,
proclaimed as God's Son
who came to set you free
from sin for all eternity.
He paid the ultimate price
to bring you and I, Life!
Yet, that's not the end
He rose from the grave, My Friend.
And now amid the battle zone,
He wants you to know, you are never alone.
For as you face our common foe
remember, He is with you wherever you go.
And even through the fear
you can still draw near,
for He came to declare the Good News,
you are free to choose
the Gospel of Jesus Christ
when you surrender to Him your life . . .
If you ask him to come and dwell within
your heart, He will cleanse you of sin.
Then the victory will be sweet,
when you meet,
Jesus Christ in the air,
when He comes back to reign down here.
At that glorious shout,
there will be no doubt
of One mind you will be
for the rest of eternity!
And in joy you can sing,
"Jesus Christ is King of Kings!"
Written on:
August 1, 1992.
Written by:
Mildred A. Baker
&
Belle Anne Leslie
The Art of Interdependence
Grace Moment by Moment-weekly column
A friend asked me recently this question, "What does the Bible mean when it says to honor Mom and Dad?" That made me think and like a good writer, I did some research to find answers.
I discovered there are two basic principles involved.The first is the Law, as represented by the Fifth of the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20:12, "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God is giving to you."
Biblical scholars believe that the Law represents a sense of duty in respecting your parents. After all, parents are supposed to take care of, nurture, and raise their offspring to be functional, literate, productive and responsible adults. However, in this day and age, children often wind up raising themselves. Whatever the reason, many children who grow to adulthood perceive taking care of older parents as a burden that drags their own sense of worth into the dust.
Because their own self-worth is tied up in material possessions and accomplishments the adult children fail to prepare for the day when they receive that call. The one that alerts them Mom and Dad aren't the strong capable people they seem to be. Suddenly, the adult children find it necessary to make choices and decisions for Mom and Dad regarding housing, and medical care. The devastating change-of-life event, be it a stroke or debilitating illness, reminds the adult children they too, are growing old. The transition to accepting the parents' very human weaknesses and needs is awkward at best and frightening at worst. But when the adult children do look beyond this they find the invisible rigid code of behavior that binds them, relaxing.
Honoring parents is not meant to be a heavy weight or burden. It is meant to be a time filled with enjoyment. Which brings us to the second principle, Grace. When the adult children acknowledge the evidence of God's Grace, Love. They learn to laugh at life's obstacles, cry over their sorrows, live and see through God's eyes, all the colors of His creation. Most importantly, it is hoped, they learn that God's Grace is a Gift of Love paid for through Jesus' Death and Resurrection.
So honoring Mom and Dad in Grace means going the extra mile when needed, and not easily taking offense when it seems as if every little thing is an excuse to pick a fight. It means remembering that the loss of independence and learning the art of interdependence, leaning on others, is hard for both parties. It also means finding that one bit of humor in an untenable situation. For example, when you try to maneuver a walker through a doorway that is way to small, you quip something such as, "Hey Mom, I didn't know you could dance!"
Finally, it means remembering daily the words that Jesus uttered in Matthew 22:37-40, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it; you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the prophets." (NKJV)
For more suggestions on the art of interdependence, see the following poems.
Gossip
When people get older
I've noticed they tend to be bolder
or maybe, nosy is a better word.
Like, two old gents sat smoking cigars, one commented, "Say, haven't you heard?
This place is draftier than an old barn."
The other one said, "Did you hear the one about the cat who ate Irene's yarn?"
Along came the lady's neighbor
who remarked, "No, I heard her cat laid on it when it was in labor."
"Really?" replied one of the gents.
The other gent said, "No, No. I heard it was a bird caught in her hair net."
And on and on the story is told
until no one knows who started it and why
it was just a way to pass the time.
Written on:
January 15, 2004.
Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie
Life At a Senior Hi-Rise
Living at a senior hi-rise
time slows, and nature bends into a semblance of active lives.
Like fine wine that ages well,
one senior finds it hard to tell
the beauty of his former state
from his current, as slow of gait
he insists, "Don't call me sweet!
Crusty or cantankerous maybe, but I am fun to meet!"
Another calls to a grandchild, "Hop on board."
The child clambers on her lap as Grandma's wheelchair rolls out the door.
There is Euchre, Bingo and dominoes, too.
Don't forget there are also jigsaw puzzles to do.
The best part of living at a senior hi-rise to some
is that losing some independence, doesn't mean you can't have fun.
Written on:
January 15, 2004
Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie
A friend asked me recently this question, "What does the Bible mean when it says to honor Mom and Dad?" That made me think and like a good writer, I did some research to find answers.
I discovered there are two basic principles involved.The first is the Law, as represented by the Fifth of the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20:12, "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God is giving to you."
Biblical scholars believe that the Law represents a sense of duty in respecting your parents. After all, parents are supposed to take care of, nurture, and raise their offspring to be functional, literate, productive and responsible adults. However, in this day and age, children often wind up raising themselves. Whatever the reason, many children who grow to adulthood perceive taking care of older parents as a burden that drags their own sense of worth into the dust.
Because their own self-worth is tied up in material possessions and accomplishments the adult children fail to prepare for the day when they receive that call. The one that alerts them Mom and Dad aren't the strong capable people they seem to be. Suddenly, the adult children find it necessary to make choices and decisions for Mom and Dad regarding housing, and medical care. The devastating change-of-life event, be it a stroke or debilitating illness, reminds the adult children they too, are growing old. The transition to accepting the parents' very human weaknesses and needs is awkward at best and frightening at worst. But when the adult children do look beyond this they find the invisible rigid code of behavior that binds them, relaxing.
Honoring parents is not meant to be a heavy weight or burden. It is meant to be a time filled with enjoyment. Which brings us to the second principle, Grace. When the adult children acknowledge the evidence of God's Grace, Love. They learn to laugh at life's obstacles, cry over their sorrows, live and see through God's eyes, all the colors of His creation. Most importantly, it is hoped, they learn that God's Grace is a Gift of Love paid for through Jesus' Death and Resurrection.
So honoring Mom and Dad in Grace means going the extra mile when needed, and not easily taking offense when it seems as if every little thing is an excuse to pick a fight. It means remembering that the loss of independence and learning the art of interdependence, leaning on others, is hard for both parties. It also means finding that one bit of humor in an untenable situation. For example, when you try to maneuver a walker through a doorway that is way to small, you quip something such as, "Hey Mom, I didn't know you could dance!"
Finally, it means remembering daily the words that Jesus uttered in Matthew 22:37-40, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it; you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the prophets." (NKJV)
For more suggestions on the art of interdependence, see the following poems.
Gossip
When people get older
I've noticed they tend to be bolder
or maybe, nosy is a better word.
Like, two old gents sat smoking cigars, one commented, "Say, haven't you heard?
This place is draftier than an old barn."
The other one said, "Did you hear the one about the cat who ate Irene's yarn?"
Along came the lady's neighbor
who remarked, "No, I heard her cat laid on it when it was in labor."
"Really?" replied one of the gents.
The other gent said, "No, No. I heard it was a bird caught in her hair net."
And on and on the story is told
until no one knows who started it and why
it was just a way to pass the time.
Written on:
January 15, 2004.
Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie
Life At a Senior Hi-Rise
Living at a senior hi-rise
time slows, and nature bends into a semblance of active lives.
Like fine wine that ages well,
one senior finds it hard to tell
the beauty of his former state
from his current, as slow of gait
he insists, "Don't call me sweet!
Crusty or cantankerous maybe, but I am fun to meet!"
Another calls to a grandchild, "Hop on board."
The child clambers on her lap as Grandma's wheelchair rolls out the door.
There is Euchre, Bingo and dominoes, too.
Don't forget there are also jigsaw puzzles to do.
The best part of living at a senior hi-rise to some
is that losing some independence, doesn't mean you can't have fun.
Written on:
January 15, 2004
Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Doing The Right Thing
Grace Moment by Moment-weekly column
As a young college student from a small town, the news report the other night on the Prison Camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba pricked my conscience. I seriously began to think about the situation there. Specifically, the conditions the detainees live in, and the fact they are held without legal representation or the right to a fair trial.
The photos captured the haunted look of hoplessness and despair on the detainees' faces. I was instantly reminded of the stories I had heard from World War II veterans of similar reactions they had witnessed, when the veterans liberated people from Hitler's death camps.
Now, I know in my heart that for the most part, the American military honors the Geneva Convention's code of coduct in regards to human rights. I also know no one is perfect. Many mistakes can and will be made in the interests of self preservation. We are a nation at war.
So it may be true many detainees at Guantanamo Bay are considered to be too dangerous to release to the general public. It may also be true quite a few don't wish to return to their own countries because they fear reprisal or death.
It seems, some of the countries whose people we hold would rather let the United States be responsible for the risk these detainees pose rather than take responsibility for their own inaction.
Consequently, America faces a moral dilemma. How does a nation respond appropriately when dealing with prisoners of war when there are ramifications, that shoot off in every direction, to the decisions a nation must make?
The Prison Camp at Guantanamo Bay stands in the crosshairs of a divided world. A planet whose differences seem insurmountable and cannot be easily resolved by a pat on the back or a friendly shake of hands. Or can it?
To do the right thing is never easy or uncomplicated. But when you take that road in a complex, violent world, the simplest solution may be the best.
It wouldn't hurt if the leaders of the countries whose detainees we hold, sit down over "tea and cookies" and talked. Really talked to come up with a solution that benefitted everybody, especially the detainees.
Like the Bible says in Romans 12;18, "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peacably with all men." (NKJV)
As a young college student from a small town, the news report the other night on the Prison Camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba pricked my conscience. I seriously began to think about the situation there. Specifically, the conditions the detainees live in, and the fact they are held without legal representation or the right to a fair trial.
The photos captured the haunted look of hoplessness and despair on the detainees' faces. I was instantly reminded of the stories I had heard from World War II veterans of similar reactions they had witnessed, when the veterans liberated people from Hitler's death camps.
Now, I know in my heart that for the most part, the American military honors the Geneva Convention's code of coduct in regards to human rights. I also know no one is perfect. Many mistakes can and will be made in the interests of self preservation. We are a nation at war.
So it may be true many detainees at Guantanamo Bay are considered to be too dangerous to release to the general public. It may also be true quite a few don't wish to return to their own countries because they fear reprisal or death.
It seems, some of the countries whose people we hold would rather let the United States be responsible for the risk these detainees pose rather than take responsibility for their own inaction.
Consequently, America faces a moral dilemma. How does a nation respond appropriately when dealing with prisoners of war when there are ramifications, that shoot off in every direction, to the decisions a nation must make?
The Prison Camp at Guantanamo Bay stands in the crosshairs of a divided world. A planet whose differences seem insurmountable and cannot be easily resolved by a pat on the back or a friendly shake of hands. Or can it?
To do the right thing is never easy or uncomplicated. But when you take that road in a complex, violent world, the simplest solution may be the best.
It wouldn't hurt if the leaders of the countries whose detainees we hold, sit down over "tea and cookies" and talked. Really talked to come up with a solution that benefitted everybody, especially the detainees.
Like the Bible says in Romans 12;18, "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peacably with all men." (NKJV)
What's the Difference Between an Emigrant and an Immigrant?
Grace moment by moment-weekly column
This week marks the holiday of Cinco de Mayo, which commemorates the victory of the Mexican Army over the French Army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Many communities and cities in Mexico and North America set aside a day, the Fifth of May, to honor the beliefs of people of Hispanic heritage.
As is the case with Cinco de Mayo and many local, regional and national festivals, it is hoped through the sharing of food, music, faith and customs, people will learn to respect the diverse representation of ethnic heritage found in the United States.
After all, when you think about it none of us can claim to be a true American unless someone is of Native American descent. America is a hodgepodge of different backgrounds, faiths and social class. Many of our ancestors emigrated to the United States from other countries. Some came to start over financially, while others came to freely worship God without censorship or persecution. Whatever the reason given, it is wrong to deny someone the promise of a better life based on economics, prejudice or politics. Everyone deserves and needs to be treated as a human being with dignity, respect and compassion. The following poem is inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech.
Treat Me as Christ Sees Me: A Human Being
I have a dream . . .
to be treated like a human being.
"Not by might, nor by power
but by My Spirit, says the Lord."
Not for race, color or position
but for Love in God's disposition.
He alone is the One,
who made me in the image of His Son.
Through His eyes He can see
Christ's blood, shed for me.
Through His love alone
God's Grace has shown
that the pathway to God
is through the power of Christ's blood.
There is no other way
to face the coming Day,
when Christ comes back
knowing His forgiveness is what a person lacks!
Written on:
January 19, 1992.
Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie
Scripture References:
Zechariah 4:6; Matthew 7:13-14; John 3:16-17; John 14:6;
Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11; & Ephesians 2:10.
For more information on Cinco de Mayo, explore Mexonline.com
This week marks the holiday of Cinco de Mayo, which commemorates the victory of the Mexican Army over the French Army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Many communities and cities in Mexico and North America set aside a day, the Fifth of May, to honor the beliefs of people of Hispanic heritage.
As is the case with Cinco de Mayo and many local, regional and national festivals, it is hoped through the sharing of food, music, faith and customs, people will learn to respect the diverse representation of ethnic heritage found in the United States.
After all, when you think about it none of us can claim to be a true American unless someone is of Native American descent. America is a hodgepodge of different backgrounds, faiths and social class. Many of our ancestors emigrated to the United States from other countries. Some came to start over financially, while others came to freely worship God without censorship or persecution. Whatever the reason given, it is wrong to deny someone the promise of a better life based on economics, prejudice or politics. Everyone deserves and needs to be treated as a human being with dignity, respect and compassion. The following poem is inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech.
Treat Me as Christ Sees Me: A Human Being
I have a dream . . .
to be treated like a human being.
"Not by might, nor by power
but by My Spirit, says the Lord."
Not for race, color or position
but for Love in God's disposition.
He alone is the One,
who made me in the image of His Son.
Through His eyes He can see
Christ's blood, shed for me.
Through His love alone
God's Grace has shown
that the pathway to God
is through the power of Christ's blood.
There is no other way
to face the coming Day,
when Christ comes back
knowing His forgiveness is what a person lacks!
Written on:
January 19, 1992.
Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie
Scripture References:
Zechariah 4:6; Matthew 7:13-14; John 3:16-17; John 14:6;
Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11; & Ephesians 2:10.
For more information on Cinco de Mayo, explore Mexonline.com
Easter Blessings, Part Two
Grace Moment by Moment-weekly column
A friend asked me recently, "Why is Easter so important?" Aside from all the hoopla about the Easter bunny and the hunt for Easter eggs. The single most important fact about Easter is the celebration of the Day that changed history. The day Jesus Christ rose from the grave. In doing so, He defeated Death and became the offering for sin. All humanity needs to do is recognize Jesus died to save us because of His great Love for us. If we believe that and accept Him into our lives as Lord and Savior we will have eternal life.
Easter then, is the fulfillment of God's Promise to humanity. The promise of salvation foretold in the Bible. But Easter is more than that, it is the anticipation of Christians, scholars and the whole world who look for the Day when Jesus Christ returns to bring a true, lasting Peace to this globe. With expectant hope, humanity's gaze turns to the eastern wall of Jerusalem, in Israel. It is said, in the Old Testament, that on that day Jesus Christ will ride through the Eastern Gate of the city. What a day, what a glorious day that will be!
Here is a poem that accurately describes the scene and sums up my feelings for the event that could happen at any moment.
The Eastern Gate
Withe current Israeli-Jordanian talks completed, Peace was made
and though the plans of war by mortal men were delayed
the leaders still made history, for all could see
the fulfillment of prophecy.
With this in mind
we must be conscious of the time
for the day approaches fast
when the final die will be cast
and the efforts of those who are crazed for war
will find instead the world's desire for lasting peace, soar
and the alliances the terrorists would form
at best, lukewarm.
It is then, all eyes will turn towards the Eastern Gate
for the world's hopes and dreams will be realized as on that appointed date
all will lift their voices in praise to sing,
"Hosanna to the Son of David! Our Messiah has come to reign!"
Written on:
August 10, 1994.
Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie
A friend asked me recently, "Why is Easter so important?" Aside from all the hoopla about the Easter bunny and the hunt for Easter eggs. The single most important fact about Easter is the celebration of the Day that changed history. The day Jesus Christ rose from the grave. In doing so, He defeated Death and became the offering for sin. All humanity needs to do is recognize Jesus died to save us because of His great Love for us. If we believe that and accept Him into our lives as Lord and Savior we will have eternal life.
Easter then, is the fulfillment of God's Promise to humanity. The promise of salvation foretold in the Bible. But Easter is more than that, it is the anticipation of Christians, scholars and the whole world who look for the Day when Jesus Christ returns to bring a true, lasting Peace to this globe. With expectant hope, humanity's gaze turns to the eastern wall of Jerusalem, in Israel. It is said, in the Old Testament, that on that day Jesus Christ will ride through the Eastern Gate of the city. What a day, what a glorious day that will be!
Here is a poem that accurately describes the scene and sums up my feelings for the event that could happen at any moment.
The Eastern Gate
Withe current Israeli-Jordanian talks completed, Peace was made
and though the plans of war by mortal men were delayed
the leaders still made history, for all could see
the fulfillment of prophecy.
With this in mind
we must be conscious of the time
for the day approaches fast
when the final die will be cast
and the efforts of those who are crazed for war
will find instead the world's desire for lasting peace, soar
and the alliances the terrorists would form
at best, lukewarm.
It is then, all eyes will turn towards the Eastern Gate
for the world's hopes and dreams will be realized as on that appointed date
all will lift their voices in praise to sing,
"Hosanna to the Son of David! Our Messiah has come to reign!"
Written on:
August 10, 1994.
Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie
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