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
About Me
- Belle Anne Leslie
- I love to write poetry, fiction, non-fiction and feature articles!
Sunday, July 23, 2006
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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