The Encourager’s Role

When running from a bear they say,
You needn’t run to get away;
Just run to beat the other guy,
You’ll live that way (though friend will die).

When operating here in love,
The search for help from God above
Is in first signs of dawning hope,
Which for some time can seem remote.

But if we hold the course I find,
Hope’s markers quickly come to mind;
Picked up by others who can see
Effects of love played out through me.

When we’re up close and working hard
With inching steps which make a yard,
We often cannot see effects
Of work we’ve done (no midterm tests).

It seems the part that speaks to me
Is other folks, who symbols see
Of change – returning folks around,
Who then feel hope in what they’ve found.

“Hey lad (or lass), come work for me,
Play role within our company”;
And when they do they ease the weight
Of inching work with loving freight.

To me, I need such hopeful types,
Whose optimistic ways seem right –
A light which leads out from the gloom
Around this inching loving-room.

They’re not the light, they lead to light;
Here in the dark a welcome sight;
Like anchor when we reach in swamp
To lend a hand to those in want.

Without such anchors we’d be swamped;
Without such glimmers we would want
A sure directing gift of love,
Direct from Savior up above.

But this is fine – flick of a Bic
Which lights the lighter, then the wick
Of lantern with its guiding light,
Which leads us out from dark of night.

O Lord keep focus on my task;
Don’t let me waiver – I have asked
That you restore and heal within
Through me, I’ve seen your work begin.

Purveyors of encouragement,
Who to the darkness you have sent,
Hear hope within the Scriptured note,
Then pass along such words of hope.

Like: “Anna (at the birth of Christ)
Was shunned – her life not very nice –
God re-positioned her that way
To speak on circumcision day”.

From sports: of “timing pass” they speak,
Where counting, quarterback will meet
Success by throwing to a place,
To which receiver first of must race –

“Just get there – that’s your mission, son,
You know the place where you must run;
When you get there, pass will arrive,
Outrun the bear – and we will thrive”.

“And if you fail, it’s just one down;
We’ve lots to play – just look around –
It’s all about the game of life
Here, let me flick once more – give light”.

“A label’s used to put you down;
So re-define yourself – look round
And see what’s really going on;
Pursue the end for which you long”.

“You felt the hunger in this loss;
Through it you’ll make a better boss;
If you’ve not struggled in the dark,
You’ll not appreciate your part”.

“God blesses us the most through loss,
And mostly when that is the cost
Of turning ’round to show you care
By heading off approaching bear”.

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