Because Actions Speak Louder Than Words...

Originally I entitled this poemSermon to Poets and Silver-tongued Scribesbut that felt a bit harsh and its connotation a bit off the markso I changed it😅 (all that to say, words ring hollowwithout rubber-meets-road corroboration!) Bit of satire to self today, as well asall of us struggling with easier talked than walked!Below, is a glimpse of the scenery of general muddled mayhem of many hours of mental workouts,frustrated/vexed scribbles and mumbled prayer-stumble!!Yet all of this can never take the place ofa single step to aid/accompany a fellow-traveler! (lest I/we forget) My hope is that here and there a poem hits home like a hug that needs no explanationand an act of kindness tendered in ink! I’d take a stumbling sermon livedOver a smooth rehearsal, talkedAnd if I had to choose a giftI’d take mercy’s second mile, walkedI’d take the ink of honest toilOver spouted theologyAnd if I had to choose love’s spoilI’d take a friendly cup of tea I’d take the smallest gentle deedAbove intent, pious and grandAnd if I had to choose my needI’d take an earnest helping handThe pen, though mightier than swordIs not a supple substituteFor living out God’s Holy WordUntil the branch is bent with fruit Sermons are not misunderstoodWhen preached in meek obedienceBetter than pulpits carved of woodAre stepping stones of reverenceAnd in the thick and thin of costMidst love’s ado of This and ThatBetter a kindness-buoy tossedThan a poetic lariat The fine art of rhythm and rhymeCan kindle senses with delightBut cannot take the place of TimeSpent on knees in the dead of nightAnd, lest words miss the sacred markOf pure religion undefiledBetter prayer’s closet in the darkThan podiums where crowds go wild © Janet Martin ESV Little children, let us not love in word or talkbut in deed and in truth.