“When Not A Water People” (Rom.5:35; Ps.139:7; 107:23-32; Lk.5:3; 8:42; Matt.14:29; Gen1:2;,10) [Reflections on Ralph D. Sawyer's Translation of One Hundred Unorthodox Strategies - Battle Tactics of Chinese Warfare #7]
Of all the years and writing spent
On warfare’s methods, little went
Into engagements on the sea,
Or rivers, where we plainly see –The Chinese grew as people strong –
Two rivers moved their state along,
As people of the valleys – but –
They liked their land, indeed, so much –That little ink flowed out on this –
“Just cross it; stay up-wind”, insists
Sun Tsu and other authors here,
“En guard, for it can cost you dear”.Lord, as I ask what it’s about,
I’m hearing, “If technique’s in doubt,
Avoid such places, and repair
To better space to show your care.“For if it’s just a barrier,
And work elsewhere is merrier,
Go where you can effect your craft;
If option’s yours – don’t be so daft.”I think of numbered business-world,
Which panics me, sets up a whirl
I’m not at home in – others are –
But me? It is indeed bazaar.“Stu, it’s okay, the Navy boys
Like boats and oceans, subs, and buoys,
With pomp and circumstance of flags;
Of missile-launching it now brags.“A world of Transport, Seals, Marines;
A place where airstrike-launching means
They can get close, take pirates on,
Pull up their anchors, move along.“So water is a specialty –
If it’s not yours, what’s it to thee?
Just move along, cooperate,
But don’t bog down – don’t hesitate –“To move to where My care can flow
From Me, through you; where folk will know
They’re not cut off by barriers –
Like Hound of Heaven’s terriers”Lord, now I get it – waters cause
A barrier to folks, because
We’re not a water-people now,
So “breach” and “bridge” – do not allow –The great divides to separate,
But rather go – participate
In worlds divided into parts,
Where apostolic-life can start.“A border-crosser’s what you are,
Decoding cultures” – seems bazaar,
But now I see – “What is their block,
Or puzzled-piece on road they walk?”Lord, now I see – it’s not my space,
Except so far as, by Your grace,
You wish to decode issue’s spin,
So other folks can work begin.Lord, now I see, because I’m not
A part of them, fresh view I’ve got,
Which You can use now in Your task –
Defeating evil – to the last.Lord, thanks for this fresh insight here,
How barriers can make it clear
What’s keeping folks from walking through
Their cluttered world, engaging You.Thanks Lord for this.
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