The love I hold, tempered by my anger.
I see so much, and yet I cannot take.
Ears they burst from never ending clangor.
The smile I show is oh so very fake.

The care I clench forced me as a hermit.
Buried within this pristine outer shell.
Hatred abound, and the news confirm it.
Would not show my face till the devil fell.

For wishing someone would come to save me,
I love the world. Alas, I hate myself.
The world outside seems to be so crazy.
That’s why I leave the Bible on the shelf.

Oh, God! Oh, God! I pray for your guidance.
But I’ve become cozy with your silence.

When the darkness closes in
And I feel entrapped by sin
May I hold fast the sight
Of God's unfailing, guiding light
If its brilliance becomes obscure
Of its presence I'm always sure
So towards that glimmer I will crawl
Afraid to walk or I might fall
Until, at last, my eyes will see
His grace, the door that sets me free

By. Gina H

Trying to create my own identity
So I can separate the world from me
I take it one day at a time
On step, one breathe, one goal, one dream
Making sure I don’t miss anything on my journey
I take the time to smell the roses
The sweet aroma sedates me into livelihood
Seeing the beauty withing the dark leery streets
The happiness behind the sandiness
The love behind the hate
I separate myself and find inner peace
Freeing myself from my demons
Overcoming my incapability’s
And praising my honor, worth, and beauty
Serenity is my heart, and doubt is my mind
I escape from my mind and live
My space, my life, my world

The fire building inside
   Should cause an alarm

But no one sees
    Nor feels the heat

It rises and grows
    As no one listens

Then finally you'll hear
    There she blows

Before me, the path like an endless chain
Stretches into the infinite unknown.
O Lord, be the path filled with joy or pain,
Roses or thorns, I dare not walk alone.

O Lord, at times when I am seized with fear
I need Someone whose guidance I can seek.
O Lord, I need to know that Thou art near,
So very near that with Thee I can speak.

Be Thou, my Lord, the Sign-Post at each crossroad;
The Compass of my vessel out at sea:
Let not the waves o’erturn my sailing-boat
Ere I reach the shore of Eternity.

Lord, on this holy day in which we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday, we reflect on your love and guidance for your people as the Good Shepherd. You call us each by name and your sheep know your voice and follow you. There is so much noise in this world that distracts us and pulls our attention away from you and your loving word. Lead and guide us and keep us safe from harm. When we are lost and we stray, you bring us back to be with you again. We are a community; a living body united by you. There is strength and safety in numbers. On Good Shepherd Sunday, we pray for our clergy and especially our priests that they would be good leaders, protectors, and providers for their flocks. We pray that you give them strength, courage, and wisdom to do what is necessary. We pray for their safety and peace for, without their good guidance and council, we would be lost. Thank you Lord for giving us our Shepherds and I pray that we thank and recognize them for their leadership. Help each of us look to you, Lord Jesus, as the model and example as we try to follow what it means to be Good Shepherds for those around us. In this regard, we pray also for those in positions of authority and power that you would put good influences in their lives to help them choose the best good. Jesus, you are the Shepherd of our minds, hearts, souls and lives. Thank you!

Amen