“Life will always seem unfair when we measure it by earthly standards of health, wealth and power. But when we encounter God in a personal, intimate way…we can gain a heavenly perspective. We’ll begin to see the other part of the picture—that the rewards of this life are temporary and, as a matter of fact, can even hinder us from discovering what is truly important.” (Philip Yancey & Tim Stafford)
Photo Credit: Free photo: Clearwater Villa Ocean View – Free Image on Pixabay …
why the hunger and the thirst,
why the war and death and grief?
why the sickness with no cure
and the pain with no relief?
why the child without a home
and the outcast with no friend?
why the family without hope
and the suffering without end?
why the questions without answers
and the life that ends too soon?
what’s the purpose for this madness
God, dare i question you?
when will you enter in?
will you ever intervene?
can’t you simply lift your hand
to end this suffering?
and yet, you turn to me
a question for my ears…
do i not realize
i can answer my own prayers?
can i not lift my hands
to heal the hurt i see?
can i not enter in,
can i not intervene?
you suffered on the cross
and bore our every pain
then gave to us the work
told us go do the same
and i’m beginning now to see
that the answer lies with me
the things i’ve left undone
the pain that i’ve refused to see
the cries that i’ve ignored
the lives that i’ve betrayed
by turning from their eyes
choosing numbness over pain
how can i question God?
how can i complain?
i cast on him the blame
when it is i who bear the shame
poem copyright Jenna Fernandez
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.” (Luke 4:18-19)
Photo Credit: Free photo: Sunset, Dawn, Mountains, Silhouette – Free Image on …
No matter how small, no matter how average—every voice that rises in outcry against the injustice of modern slavery is one more voice in the battle for freedom.
Photo Credit: Prison Bars | Uploaded with Flickup on iPad | Bob Jagendorf | Flickr
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-9)
Photo Credit: From the stage #47 | From the Stage at JJ’s Blues club. This… | Flickr
“Two things I ask of you, LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” (Proverbs 30:7-9)
Photo Credit: Free photo Loaf Of Bread Bread Boulanger Bread Farmer – Max Pixel
it was a world of hatred, a world of strife
where hearts grew bitter and numb to life
but ignoring the pain
the people still sang
it’s a small world, after all
multitudes lived out their lives of ease
while others were lacking their basic needs
though the poor cried in vain
all heard the refrain
it’s a small world, after all
wealthy men’s dumpsters were filled to full
while the hungry were starving outside their doors
the rich entertained
while they sang and they sang
it’s a small world, after all
humans were bound in captivity
greedy appetites funded their slavery
hungry for more,
oppressing the poor
it’s a small, small world
nations went bankrupt, destroyed by greed
though warnings poured forth, they failed to take heed
corrupted, they spent
until drowned in their debt
it’s a small world, after all
children with guns killed potential friends
reports of destruction were without end
the suffering went on
yet still, came the song
it’s a small world…after all
cultures destroyed due to race and skin
terrorists blinded by mortal sin
innocence failed
while hatred prevailed
it’s a small world, after all?
battles were fought, countless lives were lost
still, they neglected to count the cost
fighting wars uncontained
until no one remained
it’s a small, small world
Photo Credit: ignorance | ignorance | Z S | Flickr
This Life & Beyond 
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