I had a visitor today, uninvited though he came.
I spoke with him for hours, yet I didn’t catch his name.
He offered me solutions to the questions in my mind;
Then asked if I were ready for the answers I would find.
Intrigued to learn of mysteries, so long kept concealed,
I thought of my reaction if the truth were revealed.
Curiosity had been kindled as I listened to him speak.
I said love and life and faith are the answers that I seek.
He sat down at my table while I poured a cup of tea.
As he began to wax rhapsodic, he shared his verse with me.

LOVE is more than what one feels for a husband or a wife,
More than the devotion to the ones who gave you life.
You love your friends and family, a love they had to earn.
For everything you offer them is offered in return.
Love is not a Christmas gift, exchanged that winter morn
Like the gold, frankincense and myrrh on the night our Lord was born.
Love is the sacrificial light, and forgiveness fuels its fire.
It never makes a profit, no return does it require.
A hand always extended to whoever reaches out
Belongs to those who understand what love is all about.

LIFE is not a sacred gift nor is it a vicious curse.
Sometimes it can be better; sometimes it can be worse.
It’s a responsibility to all you represent.
That God was right in making you is in the proof that you present.
If you have more than you need and you feel that you’ve been blessed,
Can you look back on casualties in the wake of your success?
The lives that you have touched reflect the legacy you choose.
Will your touch be gentle or will it leave a bruise?
And when you are remembered, what will your story say?
A man who found salvation, or a man who lost his way?

FAITH is one who walks a path through perilous terrain;
And should he ever wander, he may not find his way again.
But with every step he takes, the light begins to dim.
Until there’s only darkness to pave the way for him.
He doesn’t fall down on his knees and cry out to the Lord.
He doesn’t cease his marching to fumble for his sword.
Fear does not abide in him and doubt does not belong.
On this path he never wavers; his faith has made him strong.
It isn’t light that guides his way; he doesn’t know what he will find.
He cannot see what lies ahead, for the man of Faith is blind.


I sat back in my chair, amazed at what I’d heard.
He spoke with such authority, and there was truth in every word.
I had so many questions; I knew not where to start.
Perhaps his words could fill the space life had left within my heart.
I asked him about happiness, could it be that hard to find?
I asked him about marriage, why it’s so often left behind.
Then my query turned to death, that final cold embrace.
Would that be the end of me when I looked upon its face?
He took another sip of tea, and then began to speak.
I listened to his every word for the answers that I seek.

HAPPINESS is something that few will ever find.
The one who must pursue it will soon be left behind.
And those who try to buy it should heed this good advice.
The thing you wish to purchase can’t be bought at any price.
It’s bigger than your pocket book; no market sells its stocks.
It can’t be held in someone’s hand or contained within a box.
It is shared among your brethren, they who give to those in need.
What they impart is happiness, and their kindness sows the seed.
So if you seek to find it, remember what you’ve learned.
The road that leads to happiness is a path that must be earned.

MARRIAGE is the sacred bond that binds two souls as one,
A shining covenant of love, burning brighter than the sun.
Its power lives forever; even death can’t stay its might.
No darkness overcomes it, for it was forged within the light.
You’ll never run, nor walk away, from a storm’s inclement weather.
No obstacle will bar your path that you can’t overcome together.
But don’t rush into it hastily, with lust to fuel your fire.
That bond will only last as long as your sexual desire.
So if you choose to enter it, those of you who chart its course,
Know the God you’re swearing to does not recognize divorce.

DEATH is like a butterfly, released from the cocoon
To ride the wind unfettered, far above the sun and moon.
Where shackles once did bind her, now freedom does abide.
She spreads her wings of gossamer on the currents that she rides.
They take her on a journey upon the cosmic winds
Where she is reunited with old family and friends.
Paradise then beckons her, its light shines upon her face.
She is drawn toward the glow of its radiant embrace.
The butterfly unfolds her wings, to touch her destiny.
Where she will soar with the angels, for all eternity.


I offered him a meal, and hoped he’d stay awhile.
He thanked me for my kindness, and accepted with a smile.
He ate ‘til he was satisfied, then on my sofa, he reclined.
I threw a log into the fire, and we shared a glass of wine.
I asked him about Hope when we face adversity.
I asked of Good and Evil, and what they meant to me.
Then I thought about Salvation; was there time to find its grace?
Would the scars of my transgressions keep me ever from that place?
He looked into my eyes, starring deep into the man.
Then took another drink of wine, as like a prophet, he began.

HOPE is like a sailing ship, dependent on the wind
To carry her to safety like an old familiar friend.
When the sea begins to rage, and the sky threatens to fall.
Resolute, she will forge on, though death should come to call.
But she will not give up; her resolve will never bend.
If the sea should try to claim her, she will fight until the end.
She has been here many times, faced death’s relentless wrath.
But still she carries on; she never waivers on her path.
She cannot ask for mercy, too great would be the cost.
Should Hope ever admit defeat, her purpose would be lost.

You know of GOOD AND EVIL, the darkness and the light.
But have you understanding, to know the wrong from right?
Good intentions pave the road that will lead to one’s demise.
You must understand your choices lest ye choose a path unwise.
If you give to someone needy a portion of your wealth,
Will your gift result in good, improving life and health?
Or will he be empowered to take the road once more
that led to his destruction, as he’s often done before?
For good is sometimes evil, the reverse is also true.
Be wary of those shades of gray that lie in wait for you.

SALVATION is a promise, a contract signed in blood.
Greater that the covenant given Noah ere the flood.
‘Tis a pledge to all who seek it; a light that points the way.
A call to every sinner that they not be swept away.
But many will not listen nor gaze into the light.
For they judge themselves unworthy to come into his sight.
Yet that is why He came here, to make us clean again.
To take upon His shoulders the wages of our sin.
He did not come to judge you, however far you roam.
But to offer you salvation and show you the way home.

The hour was getting late and fatigue was setting in,
Yet I still had more questions, knowing not where to begin.
He could sense my curiosity, and so agreed to stay.
He eased back on the sofa, to hear what I had to say.
My question turned to Hell, would I avoid its call?
I inquired after Heaven, could I enter there at all?
And then I asked of Judgment, how can anyone survive?
If no one leads a righteous life will any be left alive?
He smiled at my questions, as if pleased with my choice.
And with hopeful anticipation, I hearkened to his voice.

HELL is not a torment reserved for those who try,
To lead a life of charity and love e’er they die.
For God does not desire it for any of his flock,
That darkness be the road that even one of us need walk.
But those who will not listen are destined for this curse.
Believing they are the centers of the universe.
They’ll be cast into the shadows, far from God’s loving light.
To share with others of their kind, separation from His sight.
Hell is not a punishment for those who listen to His voice.
It is the destination of those who refuse to make that choice.

HEAVEN is your inheritance a reward for those prepared,
to use the gifts God gave to you, for such gifts should be shared.
It’s light will guide you to the gate and your life will be revealed.
No mystery will then remain, no moment left concealed.
Prepare yourself for what you’ll find when you look back on your life.
Be not surprised if there were times your deeds caused someone strife.
Also know there will be lives which were enriched by you.
How your life affected all, will be laid bare in this review.
If you’ve received God and accepted His salvation,
Be assured that Heaven will be your destination.

JUDGMENT comes to everyone according to their deeds.
God cultivates the good crops and throws away the weeds.
Yet if they can be rescued, if salvation still exists,
God shall reach into the darkness and pull them out of the abyss.
But the sins of your life must be completely washed away.
Those who cannot let them go will never find their way.
They will simply wander separated from the rest.
Until that day of judgment when the weeds He will divest.
Do not judge yourself too harshly, your sins do not begrudge.
Lest God leave your final judgment in your own hands to judge.

 
The remainder of the night had quickly drifted by,
The early morning stars now twinkled in the sky.
The fire was still burning, like my curiosity,
I asked if he would answer other questions for me.
He smiled when he nodded, as if up to the task,
I sat down beside him while I thought of what to ask.
Tell me of the principles on which honor is built,
Share your insight with regard to innocence and guilt.
He thought for a moment then shared with me his word,
I listened in amazement at the wisdom that I heard.

HONOR is the foundation upon which stands your word.
It defines your reputation and how you are referred.
If you are a person whom most everyone reveres,
And you are respected by the honored of your peers;
Do not let the accolades cause you to compromise,
Or neglect the very thing that won you such a prize.
For this righteous distinction, which sets a soul apart,
Can’t be found in boastful words, it lives within the heart.
Virtue and integrity are your crowning glory.
While honor testifies to the truth of your story.

INNOCENCE, is defined, as a state of being free.
Freedom from evil deeds, in a life of purity.
It doesn’t cause another pain, nor strive to offend.
For innocence is blameless, no harm does it intend.
In it there is no malice, within no darkness hides.
Sin has never breached it, no corruption there resides.
Evil will never stain it, nor cause its light to fade,
When faced with persecution, it will not be afraid.
It never bears false witness, it cannot tell a lie.
if it should defy it’s nature, innocence would die.

GUILT is more than acquainted with causing an offense.
It is where the blame is found, for it has no defense.
It hides behind the illusion of false deeds and tasks.
The veil of piety is among its many masks.
Within its selfish nature, there is no consequence.
And every form of flattery is just a pretense.
It doesn’t have a conscience, no soul in it resides.
It retreats from the places where righteous abides.
Wherever darkness is lurking, you will find it there.
It’s seeking a victim, let the innocent beware.

I drank in every word, it was intoxicating.
And the affect on my soul was invigorating.
I could not prevent myself from asking of my guest,
If he would mind granting me another small request.
He seemed content to remain and listen to my plea.
I wished to know the meaning of Christianity.
I asked about perfection, could I reach that plateau?
I thought of creation, would I ever really know?
He looked toward the window, his thoughts drifting away.
When his gaze met mine again, I heard him softly say…

CHRISTIANITY began in times of Roman rule.
If you followed Jesus, you were looked on as a fool.
To give up everything for a life of sacrifice,
Was something gladly done; it was not too high a price.
And in their trials, they persevered, their faith saw them through.
Holding firm to their convictions; to God, they stayed true.
They did not pray aloud in church, nor shout out their praise.
They made no spectacle, of their faith or Christian ways.
True Christianity, has no need of this facade.
Seek it in the hearts of those who give their lives to God.


PERFECTION isn’t something a soul evolves into.
It must be made that way if you wish it to be true.
A diamond can’t cut itself into a flawless state.
Nor can a soul make perfect, what it did not create.
Perfection can’t be attained by one who starts out flawed.
Yet you can be made perfect through the power of God.
He is the diamond cutter; through Him you’ll be remade.
Give your soul to the Lord, and your light will never fade.
Life is a fleeting thing, like a star without direction.
But guided by God’s love, that life can find perfection.

CREATION is the canvas, God’s master work of art.
And every stroke of his brush flows gently from His heart.
Deep within this masterpiece, He gave us each a breath.
Insuring the paths we choose could lead beyond our death.
Here upon the canvas every path has been charted.
Some lead to rewards, others leave you broken hearted.
Jesus is the brush by which everything is blended.
Through the love He has shared, the canvas is transcended.
The brush becomes the bridge into God’s eternity,
The way, truth and life for those who choose that destiny.

The morning sun was rising, the sky was lavender.
The night had passed so quickly, it was almost a blur.
Yet I was captivated, I didn’t want to stop.
I was drinking in his words, consuming every drop.
I asked if he could stay for just a few more questions,
He said he must depart, though he’d hear my suggestions.
Speak to me of forgiveness and the blessings thereof,
Tell me about hate and the meaning of true love.
He handed me his cup, and reflected for a while.
And when he began speaking, he told me with a smile.

FORGIVENESS is forgetful, not dwelling on the past.
Once it has forgiven, forever it will last.
It gently tends the wound until that wound is healed,
It won’t be brought up later as a weapon you can wield.
If it should only last until you are angry once more,
And that wound is reopened as it had been before,
Then forgiveness was not given, only implied,
Used to gain advantage, while your pardon is denied.
The gift of forgiveness never incurs a debt.
If you choose to give it, you choose also to forget.

HATE is symbiotic, it cannot stand alone.
When love or friendship are betrayed, you will hear it groan.
It is fueled by anger, resentment stokes the flame,
A fire as cold as ice, seeking a victim to claim.
It destroys all it touches, leaves you empty inside,
It chews you up, spits you out and brushes you aside.
It cares nothing for your feelings, or the tears you cry.
It spreads like a cancer, while inside, you slowly die.
Emptiness will claim those consigned this lonely fate.
Sad will be the future for those consumed by hate.

 
TRUE LOVE is, by it’s nature, unconditional.
It is neither exhaustible nor transitional.
It won’t mistreat you like the storm does the feather,
It won’t come and go like the seasons or the weather.
Once it’s touched your heart, it will live there evermore.
Both a blessing and a curse that leaves you wanting more.
It won’t happen in a day, true love needs time to grow.
Should it ever fill your cup, that cup will overflow.
It doesn’t disappear when troubled times come to call.
If it dies in your heart, it was never there at all.

And when he finished speaking, he stood and wished me well.
He hugged me like a brother, then turned and bid farewell.
He looked back only once, a smile upon his face.
Then he simply vanished; he was gone without a trace.
Amazed and bewildered, I just stood there and stared.
Then I took up pen and paper and recorded what he shared.
I found understanding in everything I’d heard.
A deeper sense of meaning in each and every word.
This tale serves to guide me through everything I do.
I pray that, in the reading, it does the same for you.