Lifelines

     Many children live in fear and sadness by living in a home with violence.  I lived in one.  Even with turmoil surrounding them, children can find hope.  At the age of fourteen, I overheard my youth director's wife say her favorite bible verse was Romans 8:28.  I latched onto the verse and have treasured it.
     Since this is a new year, I want to share two poems with you. I pray there is peace within each and every home. Happy New Year!

Within The Walls

Within the walls came the silence of night,

To be replaced by foul exchanges and weeping.

Angry words filtered through folds of cover on the bed.

Sweet morning dawned.

With it came uncertainty.

Times of peace were haunted by times of turmoil.

Within the walls.

                                                     Patricia Westbrook

Lifeline

If trouble reaches out and grabs you by the hand,

There's a time to turn loose and take a stand.

Lifelines exist along life's slippery, fragile days.

They can be a smile or a simple praise.

Each year can evolve into a time of joy.

It can happen for each girl and boy.

You are part of God's plan in this busy life.

He never said it wouldn't be filled with strife.

So, start each morning with hope in your heart.

Knowing you are loved and have been from the start.

                                                     Patricia Westbrook