Monday, November 11, 2013

Simply Jesus




your blood blooms still 
© 2013 Jennifer Wagner





When there’s not enough hyssop
to cleanse me of all these flaws—
I think I must live with them,
make slow improvements
with the
tick tick tick
of time’s cruel elements.

I know too well this unruly thing
inside me is me,
but there, too,
is the me that hungers for her first love

somewhere buried beneath
bruising, hardening, scarring
it throbs,
however disjointedly.

I am not a girl of
ritual, rules or religion.
I only know that at fifteen
I just wanted
to hold Your hand.

And now,
beyond church
and the things they add to it all,
and bitter politics
and the things they take away from it all,
and morality,
and all these rules I break—

I stand here today
wondering
when did I ever get the idea
You were not enough?

In dark,
in cloud,
in lightless days,
Your blood blooms still.

And I remember
I never needed
anything else anyway.



© 2013 Jennifer Wagner






1 Corinthians 2:2-5.  And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony[a] of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human[b] wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.


34 comments:

  1. nice. the things we add to and take away from it all...so true that...working inside and outside the church...we def fall into that far too often...and thinging them not enough...that we would need to add to...well written jennifer.

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    1. The truth can seem so complex and yet it is so simple...appreciate your thoughts as always Brian.

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  2. Wow! The comfort of home. I love this poem of reality and love--from hyssop to his blood blooms. And the song. And the singer. And the pic.

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    1. Thanks so much Susan! I really like Lacey Sturm too! She's a powerfully gifted artist.

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  3. From the first line to the last BREATH-taking. Wiping my tears as I whisper AMEN!

    Hugs(()) love the passage of scripture you included as well.
    ( SO happy my internet is fast enough to be able to see this. having so much trouble with it and i miss visiting the blogs I love to read.) hopefully 'see' you soon.

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    1. Janet, thank you! Your encouragement always means so much to me. Were you able to see the video? I love it, super powerful stuff. xox

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  4. so well written..honest insight.. and you express things many feel...

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    1. Thanks so much Robert--always appreciate your visit here.

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  5. Wow, Jennifer, very touching and spiritual.

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    1. Thank you Lisa, as always, for reading and supporting my work!

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  6. when did I ever get the idea
    You were not enough?... that was the key for me... i think once we really realize that he def. is enough...we cannot stop to love him

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  7. Strong writing, Jennifer. I also very much liked the video. Sometimes I think eventually (with our faith) we come full circle and return to our own basic truths. We learn to separate 'rules' and 'politics' from our integral beliefs!

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  8. Oh the accretions, the detractions, the power games and politics; when was any of that ever necessary? Like too many others, I have the scars. I've probably inflicted a few wounds on others myself too, if I'm honest

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  9. What a wonderful poem describing the way we all live our lives ..Love it

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  10. This is out of the ordinary, Jennifer. Powerful and alerting us to reality, but with a kernel of comfort and hope and acceptance.

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  11. My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus blood and righteousness, - To love Him and have intimate communion with our savior, is the highest and most precious calling. Your poem is a love song of your heart. Wonderful.

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  12. Heartfelt. I love the feeling and image of blood still blooming. The photo made me think of the burning bush.

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  13. Lovely finish here Jennifer and really like the idea of the bloom of blood - that comes from someone who reflects quite deeply, I think... Thank you With Best wishes Scott www.scotthastie.com

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  14. you've left my spirit singing
    yes, He Is enough, more than enough
    may our hearts open wide to contain Him

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  15. your blood blooms still... beautiful

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  16. Each line gripped me. I think all of us can relate to your words even if not in the same way

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  17. wondering
    when did I ever get the idea
    You were not enough?

    Quite often one tends to question assumptions which may not have mattered before but suddenly appear important. Great write Jennifer!

    Hank

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  18. beautiful... so felt the struggle here

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  19. This piece is fabulous. What a wonderful composition. More, more, more...

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  20. This is my favorite that you've written, both because of what it says about your walk with Jesus and because of what I can see of my own walk within the poem. Do you mind if I share via Facebook?

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  21. Thank you everyone for all your wonderful words. You truly make my heart light up. Justin, I don't mind at all if you share this...not sure if you got my email, but thank you again.

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  22. This is so good for my heart. Bless you. And thank you for sharing.

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  23. Jennifer - You have such a knack for reaching and expressing the pure, simple truth - no less, no more - in your writing. I'm inspired by your writing. I also can relate to this poem (and lovely video too - thanks).

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  24. Cool. I shared it this morning. I think it's really important what you're saying here. Again, well done!

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  25. This was moving Jennifer. I really connected with your 15 year old self-a bit like me too at that age, and the years and stuff that have made faith a difficult thing-great to be reminded of the one thing that really matters.

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  26. Yes, it is never God who walks away from us. Very nice.

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Thank you for your thoughts!