By Nancy Patrick

Ray Miller, the new senior pastor at First Baptist Church, has been preaching a series of sermons entitled Messy Grace. These sermons have reminded me that God’s grace is not always neat and tidy. Life itself is anything but neat and tidy. 

My human nature tends to be mean, selfish, and ugly—the opposite of God’s grace which is attainable, freely given, and non-restrictive. I have always loved language and the power of words. That passion often surfaced in the form of poetry.

The first poem, “Sticks and Stones,” reflects feelings associated with the use of our words. Today, perhaps more than ever, words are used as weapons on social media. These words can maim and spiritually cripple their victims.  

“Sticks and Stones”
Sticks and stones—yes, please use sticks and stones
to break my bones.
My bones can heal, can mend, become whole again.
But that word, that dreadful, killing word
Has torn my heart, has cursed my soul, broken my spirit.
It has stolen my dreams and hopes
And shattered my world forever.

The second poem, “The Closed Door,” relates some of my past experiences. I once thought my agenda for my life was quite clear—neat and tidy. I learned more than once that God’s agenda did not always match mine, and I also learned that his plans were far better than mine—even if they seemed messy. 

“The Closed Door”
When God shuts a door
It’s best to leave it be.
For what we thought was
Bright and fair, waiting for us there
Was meant to go elsewhere.
We can push and shove and enter in
And grasp the shiny thing in our hands.
But soon it rusts and corrodes
And tarnishes, no longer bright and fair.

Nancy Patrick is a retired teacher who lives in Abilene and enjoys writing