The Enemy Within

each self is
infected by an
enemy within -
a self-centered volcano
poised to erupt at the
slightest provocation
imagined or not
a corruption handed down
throughout the ages from
humanity's original decision to
attain self's control /
dominance / an
independent identity -
free from a
willing surrender to
their Creator's Desires
turning away from
Selfless Love to
selfish passions that
immediately transformed their
integrated nature into a
disordered / broken vessel
no longer insulated from evil
no longer able to easily forgo
behavior / attitudes /
thinking / feelings that would
now pull to overpower
any semblance of orderly
self-donation for the
good of the other
the "I" would reign supreme

rather than "Thou" and be
concerned only for its own
distorted welfare
first and foremost and be

be easily deceived and easily

choose evil attractions... 

The Father's Love was
made unattainable - a
Loss that created an
idol of self to be
worshiped / adored /
served with a dedication that
stripped humanity of its
Innate Dignity and
made ready to accept
indignity's onslaught of sin
every corruption of integrity
imaginable in the name of
self-determination / freedom
but in reality abandoning itself into
Satan's power with all his
deceptions / confusions now
gaining direct access and
forming humanity into
seeing reality in terms of self -

attracted to evil and
ruled by transitory feelings
instead of objective reality

and the Love of their Creator
so that rebellion /
pride and selfishness
became humanity's identity
its modus operandi...
and yet...My Love did not
abandon you in your misery
I took on humanity's flesh

sent by the Father to
became one of you and
pay the price of
redeeming humanity's brokenness 
by being pierced and broken Myself
that you may become whole
to know your True Identity as a
Son or Daughter of God
and share...
My Life
Know My Love...
Pure and Holy
Eternal and Immutable
Always Intimate
Always Dependable...so now...
Come by the Power of My Spirit to
overcome the power of
your wounded self...sin...evil - even
through life's trials and tribulations
showing all its fleshly limitations -
so that you learn to...
- love as I Loved you
- sacrifice as I Sacrificed for you
- serve as I Served you
- depend as I Depended upon the Father
- glorify and I Glorified the Father
giving you the ability to
put to death the
incessant pandering to self
which enslaves mankind to
the enemy within

Reflection / Discussion:
-Describe our fallen nature.
-How do you experience its pull?
-How does Grace help you overcome its influence in you?
-Find a support group for your Christian life.
-Pray daily, read His Word, frequently receive the Sacraments.
-If you are doing these things, be faithful.
-If not, why?  What will you do to change?

The Objectified

I have created you to be a
subject not an object
you are a unique person
imbued with innate dignity
made in My Image and Likeness
designed to share My Divinity
a union of body and soul
formed by and for Love-
the gift of self to the other-
a mirror of My Nature
most purely embodied in the
sexual union of
husband and wife-
the whole-hearted donation of
one's being to the betrothed
accomplished and signified
through their bodies-
a mystical sign open to new life-
passion's fruitful expression of
two complimentary hearts
each committed to the
good of the other-
subject to subject but...
when a subject becomes
an object to be used for:
-selfish gain
-exploitation
-taking not giving
Divine Life dies within
only the flesh remains
leaving the body to be
treated as a commodity
whether for pleasure / money
fame / career / self-esteem
flaunted for favors while
losing all sense of self-respect
whether admitted or not
it should be no surprise that
the subject now object is
regarded as such by all...
understand that the
exterior expresses the interior
respect for self
means to
treat yourself and others
with reverence and honor
which the world pretends it does
while objectifying the body
rendering it only for what our
fallen nature deems as
suitable for self-gratification but
not true love and therefore
without worth in and of itself
it is the way of
-darkness not Light
-sin not Holiness
-self-gratification not self-donation
-flesh not Spirit
-using not revering
the way out of all this is simple
though not easy...
surrender your heart to Me and
let My Spirit empower you to
treat yourself and others as a
subject not an object
that is the Way of True Love
but if you fall ..
I am here for you...
-repent / turn away from
 lust of the eyes to
 modesty of the eyes
-do not place yourself in the
 near occasion of sin
-treat the other as a subject
 even when they do not
-reverence yourself and others as
 you would your Sister / Brother
 in-the-Lord whom you love / respect
-pray for those who do not do so or
 who are not there yet because
 they need help
I call you on...
run...do not walk to Me
you are made Perfect
through your weakness for
My Grace is sufficient for you
despite the strength of
your temptations
you are My Witness to the
Truth of My Creation's
Purpose and Dignity to be
subjects not objects
Sons and Daughters of God
Holy in body and spirit

Reflection / Discussion:
-Where do you see subject v object most played out in our culture?
-What does "modesty of the eyes" mean?
-What is a "near occasion of sin"?
-How are we "made perfect through weakness"?
-What does it mean that "we are created to share in God's Divinity"?
-How can you get/give support for this area?
-How can the Sacraments help us?

The Truth

I AM

The Word of God

The Truth

spoken by The Father

from the Beginning

His Eternal Son

together We send 

The Spirit of Truth

into a fallen world to

Witness to My Calling as

The Way / Truth / Life

I took on human flesh 

in doing so I

took upon Myself 

all of humanity's sin
all its consequences

all of its just punishments by
My Sacred Passion and Death

Rising to New Life

Transformed  and Transfigured

into Radiant Glory-

a New Creation- which now
I offer to you if

you let go of your

old self by giving your
whole heart to Me in order to

Love Me above all else as
your Lord and Savior
consciously renewing your
Baptism by which you
became a Son / Daughter
of the Father - your
True Identity...
in this revived Commitment you
share in My Divinity and

are equipped to share in

My Calling to 

Speak My Word of Truth /

Love / Mercy / Forgiveness /

New Life to 

sinful humanity in

The Power of the Holy Spirit

but...know this as well...
in Witnessing to My Truth

you shall also share in

My Passion...perhaps My Death

for as they hated Me 

so shall you be hated

as I was persecuted

so shall you be persecuted

for...even though I have

already won the victory 

over Satan - the liar / ruler of

this world - that realm of

deceit / darkness / death -
rooted in the flesh -
humanity's idolatry of self
rebellion and pride - you are -

by your very existence -

engaged in this warfare 

but like Me you shall
conquer even in death for
My Truth is Not...
-hidden in the darkness but
 revealed in the Light
-subjective but Objective
-relative but Absolute
-confused but Clear
-based on feelings but on Reality
-passing but Constant
-just for some but for ALL
-temporal but Eternal
-oppressive but Liberating
yet...as I now speak

so many perish.....

do not follow Me.....
are deceived to....

-worship self and are thereby
 enslaved to Satan's rule
-rebel against rationality while
 exalting emotion's authority thereby
 choosing death
 instead of Life

-seek this world's allures
 instead of My Kingdom's Riches

 following the broad road to 

 hell's perdition
 instead of the narrow road to
 Heaven's Joy
so then Today.....
-Hear My Call

-Take up My Banner

-Speak My Word of Truth

-Live for My Kingdom

-Love as I Love

-Be Merciful as I AM Merciful
-Embrace My Cross
-Be led by The Holy Spirit
-Rejoice and Be Glad

Now is the Time to

Stand for The Truth for
The Spirit of Truth is upon you

Reflection / Discussion:
-What does it mean to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
-Why is being a Son / Daughter of God your true Identity?
-Where can you find mutual support from others who have done so.
-How is Jesus The Truth?
-Is morality objective or subjective, relative or absolute? Why?
-How is the Spirit leading you to witness to Jesus?
-What Gifts has He given you?
-What does it mean to Embrace the Cross?

The Encouragement

lovely ladies

alluring women of all
ages / races / nationalities
I encourage you to
be all you can be
go after it
don't let anyone stop you
exploit your charms
you are powerful
take the advantage 
whenever you can

you call the shots
you're in charge of
your life
your body
who you sleep with
who you don't
what you do or don't do -
don't let others use you to
satisfy their sexual fantasies...no

you play them for yours
you're in control...after all...

you have what they covet so...
you determine when / where / how /
with whom you receive all the
pleasures you so richly desire...

watch what happens...it will be 

so easy...try it....just a tiny

tease..a furtive glance made

to be seen...a sly smile when 

unexpected...the faint trace of

perfume ...even a friendly

lingering  touch on the arm when

thanking for a favor..and....game over.

every time... isn't flirting the ultimate 

power-trip?...and...so much fun... 
it's the final frontier
equality is long past due
you deserve every
opportunity men have
you can have it all...
yes... you'll have accept not 

having some things in your life..

but...so what...everybody knows
nothing worthwhile comes
without maximum effort and

a little sacrifice...but remember...

don't get entangled with messy 

relationships that will only 

complicate your life or

hold you back from your goals...no
keep it simple...
freewheeling
no commitments
no problems
no worries
you call the shots...
not men...a new day is here..
you can get whatever you want
and not have to surrender yourself
remember... contraception is a
godsend as they say...
protection from that dreaded burden
that ruins plans and dreams...
but even if that
horror happens there's
a perfect solution...
abortion-my personal favorite-
ahh...freedom... yes... freedom is

the name of the game...so...
flaunt it girl..whatever you want...
hookups galore
friends for favors
live together
whatever
it doesn't matter
it's your life so
live and let live
yeah that's it
go get it all...but....you..
no you... yes... you the reader...
sushhhhh....don't tell anyone
keep this little secret
between you and me....
all this is exactly what I have
led men of this world to crave...
it's their wildest dream
come true...you see...
deception is my specialty
temptation my forte
yes... now you know my identity-
the prince of this world-
this is my perfect scenario
once these things pop
for the ladies of this world
then men get all the
goodies they want as well with
no consequences
no responsibilities

no strings attached
so... go for it everybody
debauchery is delicious so...
let libidos run free
'cause now...
I gotcha both!

Reflection / Discussion:
-What is promiscuity?
-How has contraception / abortion activated promiscuity?
-Is it moral or immoral? Why?
-Is morality subjective or objective? Why?
-How is promiscuity used by satan to destroy us?
-How does the "company you keep" help or hinder you in this regard?
-What is the virtue of chastity?
-Is it important? Why / not?
-What concrete steps can you take to remain chaste?

The Journey

lost

desperate for

direction in the 

wilderness of life

without a destination to

confidently google

from wherever I

happen to be 

but now I can only 

search for an answer that

makes some sense of 

all this confusion which

overloads my abilities to

process conflicting information

hoping for hints of clues

that cast shadowy 

replicas of unfamilar shapes

upon the blank screen of

my dreams buried deep within

hidden there by
what I imagine to be a

quiet mysterious voice

long long ago even 

before my journey began

beckoning me to follow

a would-be guiding star
in the dismal darkness to a

worthy home that would bring
meaning in the midst of
my empty existence

bruised and battered by life

pushed to grasping for 

security in the 

din of isolation

made pointless by 

ephemeral goals while
so many around me
boast of trophies from
winning not-so-grand

trivial tournaments of

mundane pursuits

so useless

so annoying

so pitiful

it seems though that

someone must be

praying for me

because I am still here

continuing to search

day after day

sometimes without any

conscious decision

it is as if 

someone is pursuing me

like magnet to metal

a drawing force that is 

constant yet gentle

a wooing rather than a

sharp grappling
some say it is Jesus
I don't know
maybe it is
I'm not religious but
I'm not totally closed to the idea
though sometimes it feels like a
song of wishful thinking
within the winds of yearning

that stir in my heart 

when drifting into sleep

or crying for completion

in lonely dreams 

only to find myself 

awake to face 

another empty day

foraging for 

more of the same and

besides depressing

it is all I can do to 

do the next right thing

in front of me

hoping to find hope

something significant that I

can embrace and in doing so

'fight the good fight'

as they say

for a higher purpose

even becoming-

though it is far beyond me now- a 

light in the darkness

Reflection / Discussion:

-How does / did this poem relate to your life?

-What helped you in your journey?

-What do you need now to support you?

-How can you help Jesus find others when they're not "religious"?

-Do you know others who travel this path?

-How can you support them?

-How can you become a light for others?

The Light

I am the Light of the world
you flourish only
in as much as
you live in My Light
satan reigns in the darkness
sin abounds there
as well as its fruit that
festers unto eternal death
Holiness thrives
in the Light as
well as its Fruit that
ripens unto Eternal Life
but because you bear
the effects of humanity's
original fall from Grace:
-darkened intellect
-weakened will
-attraction to your
 lower instincts of self
there is a battle raging
within you and
around you from the
world which is in the
power of the evil one
fighting to ensnare your soul by
keeping you enslaved to its
thinking and ways
glorifying yourself as god

obsessing for adulation along 

with trinkets of fortune which

only leads to eternal doom
but in this conflict
Grace abounds even more to
Live in My Light and
follow My Word in the
Power of the Holy Spirit
however to attain Victory
you must learn this lesson well:
live with both feet
in My Light...you cannot
have 1 foot in the Light
and 1 foot in the Darkness
for to do so is to
live  a double-life-
saying one thing but
doing another
living in both camps means
you are hiding / holding back
living in fear / insecurity
serving self rather than Me
you cannot be
transparent / authentic / vulnerable
in the Darkness but only
secretive / false / guarded
which only crushes
True Intimacy with Me
as well as with one another
all this duplicity must end...so...
in My Mercy for you
I shall shine My Light upon you
that others may see what I see
for I see clearly in both
Light and darkness
pain and anguish shall come upon you
because everything hidden shall be
exposed to the gaze of all especially
those from whom you desire respect
but also know that
in this humiliation and shame
you shall experience both the Blessing of
immeasurable Sorrow embedded in
Repentance as well as the unearned Love
Robed in Merciful Forgiveness
but in Justice you shall also
reap what you have sown
it will be a relief and an
opportunity for a
True Turning back to Me
where you can humbly
learn to rely upon My Spirit
and upon the support of your
Brothers and Sisters
with whom you can strive to be
My Witness as an
authentic / transparent / vulnerable
Faithful Disciple
Living in the Light
you are free to choose -
which will it be -
Light or Darkness?

Reflection / Discussion:

-Are you hiding your struggles with sin / your true self?
-If you are double-minded, repent / confess / be real.
-What are the qualities of Repentance / Conversion?

-Do you have Brothers / Sisters in the Lord with whom you can mutually support one another?

-If yes, how well are you being  authentic / transparent / vulnerable with them?
-What is holding you back?
-If not, do whatevrer you have to do to get support. 

The Quest

at birth each embarks upon

a Quest to find Happiness...

it is a Precious Seed of the 

Eternal which I have tenderly 

planted in your heart meant to 

germinate...grow... and ultimately

blossom in My Love ...it is a 

journey through joy and sorrow 

nurtured by desire's finite / infinite 

qualities seeking both immediate 

and ultimate objectives as your 

Thirst seeks satisfaction in the 

refreshing waters of achievement 

but ultimately in Me where Thirst 

is finally Quenched in Living Waters 

but because of sinful nature's darkened 

intellect and weakened will leading to 

disorientation in this fallen world 

combined with deceptive freelance 

feelings tossed to-and-fro by shiny 

objects that surreptitiously become 

humanity's false idols to pursue and 

ultimately worship - all that this self-

oriented world offers - success...wealth...

material goods...fame...power....beauty...

pleasures of body and soul - too many to 

even count - each having the common 

denominator of seeking the...

Perfect in the imperfect
Infinite in the finite
Eternal in the temporal
all of which remain powerless to bring 

anything except momentary delight but 

then frustration when the ambition 

attained only brings exacerbation with 

the under-whelming fulfillment resulting 

from exorbitant expectations and left with 

no other recourse than to commence once 

again the dance of delusion  - a cruel 

imitation of Sisyphus condemned to an 

exhausting uphill enterprise only to 

hopelessly watch his achievement 

backslide down the slippery slope... 

Satan of course is delighted with your 

treadmill imitation tempting you with 

imaginative dreams of greater conquests -  

more...always more....while gaining less...

always less...but Know that in this journey 

I will never leave you nor forsake you for 

I continue to speak to you especially in your 

frustration because My Hope is that in your 

misery you will be open to My offer of Grace- 

an opportunity to realize the reason for your 

emptiness and set out in a New Direction 

finally comprehending that it is only in My 

Perfect... Infinite...and Eternal Love that will 

ultimately Satisfy your lifelong Quest for 

Happiness...that only I will Truly Fulfill you 

and it is only in your Surrender to Me as your 

Personal Lord and Savior that you Truly begin 

to find the Total Joy that My Own Surrender has 

Won for you

Reflection/Discussion:

-What does it mean that our desires have 'finite and infinite' qualities?
-How do people look for the "Infinite in the finite"?

-Explain the story of Sisyphus.
-What does the "dance of disillusion" mean?

-What does our "fallen nature" mean?
-Using 'success' / 'money' as examples, explain "The Quest".

-How is Jesus' Infinite Love the Source and End of your Quest?
-What does it mean to "surrender to Jesus as your Personal Lord and Savior"?
-What does "begin to find the Perfect Joy" mean?
-How has Jesus' Surrender won Total Joy for you?

The Father Wound

the father-wound
is a plague
all too rampant
among us
sadly most are
damaged by Dads who
pass-on their own
wounds through
sins of what they
do or fail to do
leaving us with
sometimes under-the-
surface feelings of being
abandoned / unloved
angry / alone / insecure
neglected / abused
leading us to look for
love and comfort in
places that ultimately
do not mend our hearts but
lead to deeper destruction
all of which delights
satan who makes it seem like
it's all our fault while also
deliciously contaminating
our self-image and that of
God The Father
without realizing the
transference of infected
characteristics and feelings
but... Jesus came not only to
save / free / heal us from the
effects of sin but also to
reveal His Father to us
because through Jesus
His Father has become
Our Father who has
Created us in His Own
Image and Likeness
and who FIRST loved us
through Jesus despite
our sin and weakness-
even while being rejected
He showed us that
His Father is
Tender
Merciful
Loving
Forgiving
Gracious
like the father of the
prodical son story
so...now what?
we need to
go after the Truth by
asking The Father to Reveal:
-any false images
 we may have of Him and
 ourselves and begin to live our
 True Identity and Dignity as a
 Son or Daughter of God
-His Personal Love for us
-by Grace forgive our own Dad of
 his sins againt us- one at a time
-give over our anger and hurt to Jesus
-realize how these have led into
 behavior / thinking that are
 not true / healthy and ask
 The Father to heal us
-get whatever help we need
 in this process
-begin to speak to The Father as
 our ABBA...Daddy.....because
THAT is the TRUTH...and
ask for the Grace to
accept in our hearts that
we ARE precious to Him
He DOES Love us and...
He WANTS us to live in
Intimacy with Him
Now and Forever

Reflection/Discussion:
-What is your image of The Father?
-What was/is your relationship like with your own Dad?
-How has that affected your own self-image?
-Spell out the truth/lies about The Father's image you have?
-With whom can you talk about these matters?
-If you haven't done so, speak to The Father in prayer.
-Ask Him to speak to you and listen for His quiet Voice.

-If you are a Dad, ask The Father to show you where you
      have sinned by what you have done and failed to do
      with your children.. Then, begin to repair. The Father
      will help you. Get help if you need it. 

The World

not the earth but
the sum of cultural
values
thinking
choices
behaviors
powers even laws
that are
opposed to God...
it is the
living out of our
fallen nature -
rebellious
self-centered
proud
sensual
basically full of sin -
orchestrated and
dominated by satan - the
king of this world - and
all who live under his

power and thus enemies of
The King of kings -
this is the atmosphere
in which we live out our
calling to be witnesses of the
Kingdom of God - thus
spiritual warfare rages
within and without
composed of many skirmishes-
opportunities to choose
between  rival kingdoms though
temptations often disguise
their true indentities in order to
lure us into minor
"turning aways" that
down the darkened path
can ultimately result in a
mortal "turning away"- a
victory for the losing side -
in such an embattled world
standing for the Truth of

the Kingddom of God
insures that we receive the
same hatred and persecution as
Jesus -sometimes the same
death sentence - but likewise 

that we also conquer with Him for
He has overcome this world
with all its might and corruption
our challenge is to bring the 

Good News of His Selfless Love 

and Forgiveness...Mercy and 

New Life in the Power of the 

Holy Spirit to a broken world...it is

Only by Grace that
true Justice can be attained...
Only by His Spirit can Truth be 

enthroned bringing Light to the darkness...

Only by Redemptive Suffering can
life's sorrows be ransomed...
Only by Supernatural Power can
our fragile nature be transformed 

and in turn Redeem our world
but even then we will be resisted 

unto death...so...how do we proceed?
we can begin now-today- to
seek the Lord first-
be faithful in our calling to
Love Him and one another in
authentic
transparent
vulnerable and

supportive relationships to
help win our common cause
while embracing the Cross to
entwine with  His
Passionate Victory by
accepting what comes in
living out our duties 

in each of our particular 

circumstances faithful to the Lord...

spending time with Him
learning to hear His Voice then
speaking His Word of Truth in Love
using the Gifts of the Spirit
He has bestowed upon us
but in all this
let us not forget to
find our true Joy and Peace
in the One who
First Loved us
Gave us His All and
calls us to be
in this world but
not of it...

Reflection/Discussion:

-Where do you experience the influence of the world in your daily life?
-What challenges do you have in living out your relationship with the Lord?
-Describe your prayer life.
-How are you growing in knowing His Word?
-What Gifts of the Spirit do you have?
-How are you using them?
-What supportive relationships do you have to follow the Lord?
-How can you develop authentic, transparent, vulnerable relationships?

The Obvious

look around
be open to
what you see
don't be enslaved to
what the world  thinks
it's not working
it never has
life without Jesus is
worthless
it is ruled by the
evil one...satan
you laugh.......
ridicule.......but it's
obvious....sin is
all around us and
in you...if you only are
honest with yourself
nothing in society is
truly life-giving unless
it is from the
Holy One
left to ourselves we
only take
only hurt
only want what
we want when
we want it
be truthful
be transparent
be authentic
be vulnerable
you need help
you are not superman
you are not self-sufficient
you want to be loved
you want to ultimately be
happy.... fulfilled... but
you know in your
inmost being that you
can't do it by yourself
now....know... that
you are loved...
as you are
already
without having to
be perfect
meet a gigantic standard
right now
as you are
Jesus died for you
as you are
He rose for you
as you are
but
He doesn't want you to
be stuck in your rut
He calls you to follow Him
into Greatness
into Peace
into Joy
into your True Identity as a
Son or Daughter of God
think about it....
what did you do to
deserve His Love
a Love that is Perfect
a Love that accepts you
as you are ....with all your
faults...weaknesses...
without r
don't you just want to
give yourself away to Him
give your heart to Him
give your very self because
you are so grateful...
it's free
it's just for the asking
it's just saying yes
do it
say yes
say ok...then...
receive and...
give back
not just to Him but to
each He gives you to love
then you will
KNOW

The Wound

humanity's original sin
has left us wounded...
divided within
from our conception
no one is unscathed and
though Baptism has
removed the stain of sin
its ramifications remain
each must deal with them
but most are ignorant
because it's wound is left
unspoken as if it is
assumed that
everyone of course
knows about it and has
taken steps to overcome
its consequences-
reality says otherwise -
intellects are darkened
easily deceived
wills are weakened
ripe for rebellion
just as Satan declared
'I will not serve'
making 'I' the center of life
creating proud idols to worship
pleasure - power -
success - wealth
feelings rule behavior
confusing right and wrong
while temptations lead us
even to do things we
don't want to do and
not do things we
want to do
it's called sin...
some more mortal -
spiritual life killing - than others
suffering and death are
now part of life
we were separated from
The Father who
nevertheless
reached out to us
through His Son Jesus who
took upon Himself
our nature with all of its
weakness and sin
put it to death and
conquered it all through
His Resurrection and
pours out His Power by
the Holy Spirit so
we can overcome our wound
it's called Grace...
unearned
undeserved yet
freely offered
why?
why wouldn't He
just be angry at our
rebelliousness?
continual failings?
ingratitude?
ignoring Him by
worshiping false gods?
why not just write us off?
Love.....only Selfless Love
but even more stunning is
His offer to
share in His Divinity-
in His very Nature-
the Inner Life of the Trinity-
simply by our yes
our decision to
accept His Love and
Love Him in return
we are still wounded
still weakened
still sin but we can
also choose to
ask forgiveness
walk the narrow path
follow Jesus as Lord and Savior
Love Him above all
depend on His Grace to
learn to love one another
give witness to His Mercy
accept and use the
Gifts of the Holy Spirit and
by His Power
become like Jesus
One with Him-
a transformation called
Holiness-
a lifetime journey to
an Eternal beginning

Reflection/Discussion:
-How does humanity's wound affect your life?
-Do you have false idols in your life?
-If so, how is that manifested? How can you begin to change?
-What does it mean to walk the narrow path, to follow Jesus?
-What are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit?
-What Gifts do you have?
-How have you changed your lifestyle to follow Jesus?
-What else needs to change and how can that start?
-Where can you find support in your decision?

The Father

The Father's Identity is
many timesmasked by 

the difficiencies of
our own Dad...
too often we
have been wounded
sometimes seemingly
beyond repair
whether through sins of
commission or omission
compounded by the
lies of the evil one
making those offenses
feel deserved because of
our own woeful self-worth
nontheless
we are wounded
feeling abandoned
insecure
looking to be loved
accepted
even as we fight back
taking what affection we can
we try to make-up for the loss
by whatever means available
though the overwhelming pain
often remains hidden beneath
our ill-formed interiors
protected by our
well-manicured exteriors
yet only an unravelling
led by the Spirit can
begin to heal and renew
our True Identity as
sons and daughters of God
it is in letting go of
our false self
that one crying for recognition
scarred by offenses
disfigured by falsehoods
by allowing ourselves
to be Loved by the
Lover of our souls
the One who purchased
our Redeemption by
taking our sins upon Himself
revealing The Father's
Self-less Love
for each one while saying
through His Son:
'Come all you who are
heavy laden and
I will give you rest'
admitting our plight
accepting His solution
embracing the process of healing
with each 'yes'
breaking away from
patterns of behavior/thinking
that continue to reiterate
our false identity
leading down into the
Darknesss of self-destruction
we can begin to learn
how to live in Trust today
forgiving our fathers
and ourselves for sins of

commission / omission
we recognize that
we are not alone but
precious
secure
Loved
at home with
our Abba

Reflection/Discussion:

-Describe your relationship with your father.
-What is your relationship like with The Father?
-Do you find it difficult to trust others, especially the Father? Why?
-Talk with Him about it all.
-For what do you need to forgive your father?
-Remember that forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling. 

 Ask for Grace to forgive and be specific. 

-How has the enemy lied to you about all this?
-Where have you looked for your self-worth?
-Get into supportive relationships to work through these issues.

The Healing

forever assuming
abandonment by an
uncaring Father
when sorrow's arrow
ends its journey by
finding its mark
in my heart
a recurring nightmare of
debilitating loss
disturbing daily life
without apologizing
for its intrusion
reliving yesterday's pain today
without the benefit of
tomorrow's perspective
despite the protest
from my soul's
rebellious emotions
squandering Faith's life-savings
only to discourage
an embattled belief
struggling to stay afloat
buffeted by turbulent seas of
unanswerable questions that
plague my spinning mind only to
grasp at a lifeline of rescue
when Grace intervenes
through prayer's supplication
leaning on a trusted shoulder of the
Man of Sorrows
resurrected by the Father to
bear my burden
carry my cross
sooth my wound
speaking words of comfort
softly
relieving my agonizing memories
tenderly
knowing my frailness
without remembering
my doubts based on
anxious imaginations and
terrorizing dreads yet
offering only Faithful Love
which overcomes heartaches
with an Embrace of
never-ending assurance
providing relief
though only temporarily
knowing that acceptance
ushering-in Peace is
short-lived... but cyclic
growth is ensured and ultimate
healing is assured yet measured in
increments of daily surrender to a
Savior who Loves to Save while
Trusting despite the challenge of
conflicted Hope

Reflection/Discussion:
-How does "The Healing" describe dealing with loss?
-How can we let Jesus "bear our burden and carry our cross"?
-What does "the challenge of conflicted hope" mean?
-What is your experience of healing?
-How is it similar/different?
-How does sharing with others help?
-How has your healing changed you?

The Glory

bowing down
without taking a peek
wishing I could do so but
I dare not because
I cannot bear the
sight of
His Glory
His Beauty nor
His utter Holiness
without feeling like
I would disintegrate
still
He bids me to
come into His Presence
why? how can it be that
He Loves me so?
He knows full-well that
I have failed Him
time and time again
I have not done
great things for Him nor
brought fruitful numbers to
Love and Serve Him
what have I done to
deserve His
Passionate Embrace?
His Kiss from the Cross?
His Spirit of Power and Life?
Nothing
it is All a Gift with
only a 'Yes' being requested
and yet...
even with my acceptance I
still cannot bring myself to
gaze upon Him without

humbly
acknowledging my
unworthiness...
non-the-less I shall
Worship Him -
The King of Glory
Mighty Lord
Risen Savior
Son of God
Prince of Peace
Lover of my soul
and accompany Him
into the Presence of
The Father by
The Holy Spirit
I weep in Joy only
Knowing that
I am Loved
Grateful  to
Be Here and
Give Him
All I am and

Hope to be...

Reflection/Discussion:

-What can we do to deserve His Love? Why?
-What is the Lord asking of you now?
-How can you prepare now to come into His Presence?
-How can you be accountable to grow in your Love and Witness?
-How can you grow to Praise and Thank Him in your daily life?
-Ask the Holy Spirit to take you into His Presence. Be still. It is He.
-Have you ever experienced His Glory? Describe your experience.

-If not, you will. There is MORE!

The Trials

trials are the power washings 

of your soul and that is why I

permit them...they push you 

beyond your limitations..
beyond your own strength /
coping abilities / endurance to

where discouragement - even

feelings of despair - turn your

focus inward to protect yourself

as the storms of life threaten 

your stability and expose your 

weakness of talent...character...

faith... hope... love in the midst 

of circumstances you cannot /

will not control and bring you to

humility's realization that you
simply need help and no longer
can do it all by yourself...that
you... need to change...are not 

easily transformed into Holy men /

women - sometimes resisting 

what you know in your hearts 

to be best for you... frozen by fear 

or stubbornly seeking your own 

will...even sometimes pursuing
deadly behaviors to satisfy fleshly 

desires or avenues of worldly quests
that enthrone the self in order to
build your own kingdom not Mine
these harden your heart to My 

Love and can lead you to turn away 

from My Light down into the Darkness...
I have so much More for you
than you can ever realize -
Realities of the Kingdom that 

I freely offer but many times are 

never accepted and though you 

may not understand the why's 

and the how's of this particular 

trial you are now enduring

what I am presenting to you is a
powerful opportunity to enter into 

My Passion which bore your
every sorrow...
every pain...
every doubt./ fear..
every sin by
uniting your trials with Mine
permitting Me to have My Way 

with you to lead you into My 

Tender Treasures that await you by...

Purifying you to become purely Mine...

Growing into My Divine Purposes to...

Think as I Think

See as I See

Hear as I Hear

Speak as I Speak

Love as I Love...

Surrender as I Surrendered
Depending not on your own
strength and natural abilities
but upon My Generous Graces

in the Holy Spirit so Freely Given
by the Father to Re-create you

into My Image and Likeness...so...
Stay close and Keep your eyes on Me...

Simply ask for what you need

Surrender yourself / circumstances to Me

Persevere one day at a time....

Praying...'Jesus, I Trust in you'... 

'Have your Way in me'...and.

My Spirit will Transform you into a 

Holy Disciple...

Faithful Witness...
Joyful Sign of the
Kingdom of Heaven -
your Eternal Home - after
all your trials have passed and
every tear is wiped away

Reflection/Discussion:
-What struck you about this poem? Why?
-What is your experience of trials?
-What have you learned?
-Are you going through a trial now?
-If yes, be open to share it with others.
-How can you support others in their trials?
-Reach out to them in prayer and presence

The Narrative Battle

Satan has a narrative
created specifically
for you
maybe
you don't understand it
you don't even know it exists but
you believe it
you live it
it is the source of
your pain
the basis of your unspoken insecurities
the reason why you may
doubt your worth and
look to trinkets or titles for
value and fulfillment or
live with sometimes
debilitating depression
irrational fears / anxieties
stemming from
wounds that stoke your
anger, resentment
even vindictiveness
robbing your life of peace or
fueling self-destructive behaviors
while stuffing
unresolved pain
together with
justification's unforgiveness
further down your
ever hidden true self
desiring a life of love but
silently harboring in your
heart of hearts the
naked calumny that
you are unloveable
otherwise why these
incessant feelings of
abandonment and rejection
zero self-worth
it all comes from the
lips of the evil one
temptations
lies
accusations
deceptions
all designed to achieve
dominion over your
thinking
behavior
relationships
pushing your "hot buttons"
towards your ultimate destruction
using the sins of others against you
whether of
commission or omission
then you interpret them
construing their motivations
letting your bitterness fester
deciding  to sin in vengeance but
now you open the door to
demons who
play their games with
your mind luring you
into the acceptance of lies
about yourself or others
and onto paths of
habitual sin down the
rabbit hole of annihilation
now they have you where
they want you
living in a web of deception
turbulent feelings of
confusion and disorder-
if only you were ...whatever...
you get angry at God
He should have done this or that
prevented such and such so
you take the
"I'll show you" approach
you rebel
take control of your life
live for yourself
do what you want
whenever you want
obsessed with things
always going your way
or...... be the victim
feeling sorry for yourself
living like you have to be perfect
then you will be loved
but you know you can't
so now you are
insecure and frustrated
always striving
always not quite getting there
always the "do-gooder"
always the one that can be counted on
always so "nice" but
fear and doubt
strip your success of joy
knowing you still have
so much more to accomplish before
you have truly proved yourself...
STOP!!!!!!!!!
STOP NOW!!
it is all LIES
you are already Loved
you are already Precious to
the Father
Jesus died for you because
He Loves you
you don't have to prove yourself
it's ok that you are imperfect
that's the point
He knows that
it's why He became
one of us
He Loves you anyway
He knows your weakness
that's why He
gives you His Spirit to
Empower you to change to
become the person He
calls you to be
He has a Purpose for you
your restless heart now
can Rest
so it all comes down to a
Relationship
His Love for you and
your love for Him
let TRUTH be the
narrative you live by
looking to Him for
Freedom from sin
Freedom to forgive

Grace to Love and

Be Loved
Power for
spiritual warfare and
deliverance
healing from wounds
long ago inflicted and
rooted in
powers of darkness
ask Him to reveal your
true identity- a
Son / Daughter of God
let Him tear down your
false identity
walls of self-protection
fortifications of lies
bringing them into
Light's revelations
renouncing their
power over you
embracing Truth's power
persevering through the
process of painful healing
opening yourself to
loving relationships of support
giving over your own
goals and desires
in order to
serve His Kingdom first
there is MORE for you
beyond what you can
think or imagine
begin today to
understand and reject the
web of lies
know the Truth
live in Freedom
embracing your
New Life...

Identity in Christ -

a Precious

Child of God

Reflection/Discussion:

-How does this poem relate to your experience?
-How have you been wounded by other's sins of commission/omission?
-What lies have you believed about yourself or others?
-Make a list of people who have hurt you, take them to prayer, repent where you have to repent and      forgive them-verbally-  remembering that forgiveness is a decision not a feeling.
-What is spiritual warfare and deliverance?
-Find out about the "Unbound Ministry".
-Where can you find support for your journey to healing?











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1. 
   

The Identity Issue

who are you?
the world -
that which is at
enmity with God -
tells you your
identity resides in your:
sexual preferences

gender decisions
transitory feelings
job / career

bank account
fame

trophies
material possessions
influence
power
physical appearance
talents
but.....
is that really true?
we search...are
looking for.....what?
what makes me..ME
in reality
each one of us is
wounded:
born into original sin
with darkened intellects
weakened wills
self-centered tendencies

attractions to evil

in a word: sinners
then as we grow up
we encounter the
sins of others...including
our parents' sins of

omission or commission -
inflicting wounds in our
tender hearts
even in the best of families -
then we respond
out of our own interpretations
with our own sins of
omission or commission
then the evil one - and
yes he really does exist -
who originally led others to
hurt you 
lies to you about....you...
your issues...value...defects
mostly that you are
unlovable
nothing special and a
loser....otherwise...you
wouldn't have been treated that way or

feel the way you do and that
leads you to look for your 

identity / security in exterior 

things or inward feelings...something...
anything to feel special...
important....lovable...and
not alone...always 
needing to feel wanted

needing to prove yourself
all the while combating the
feelings of rejection whether from
others or yourself
with the logical results of
confusion
loneliness
self-pity
anger
rebellion
self-absorption and
any or all supposed
thinking / behavior -

decisions / vows - that
brings you relief and that
feeling of being happy
but all that is NOT the
TRUE YOU
yes, they are what you
hang your hat on....but
you are more than
all those things put together
you are the Beloved
Created to share...Intimately...
in the very Nature of God
you are formed by the very
Personal Decision of  the Father Himself
to be His Adopted Son or Daughter
to experience His Love
to cherish the realization that
Jesus - the Father's only begotten Son -
suffered extreme torture -
a horrible, unjust death -
stripped of all dignity
why?
for YOU...to take your

sin and its just punishments 

upon Himself because
you are worth it
you are special
one of a kind and
He Loves You Passionately

with all your weaknesses / sins
but doesn't want to leave you there

He has MORE for you...
so...
don't believe the lies
don't follow the world's thinking
don't settle for less
don't look elsewhere because
you won't find
your true self or happiness in
feelings or externals
but only in THE TRUTH:
YOU..... ARE....HIS.... BELOVED!
you can receive that Truth by
receiving Jesus....so....
just ask Him to:
reveal Himself to you.
let you experience His Love for you
forgive you
come into your heart
be your Lord and Savior to
find healing and freedom and
thrive in that Identity
now and forever

Reflection/Discussion:
-How have you been wounded by others?
-Begin to be free by forgiving. Ask for the Grace.
-What have you hung your identity on in the past?
-Reject the lies in the name of Jesus.
-Ask and find support in your new life.
-How can you make the time each day to pray and read the Word?

The Word of the Cross

the Way of the Cross is
the Way of Love
in the laying down of
your will and your
very self that brings
My very Life to you
it is in Loving others that
you Love Me and
are conformed into
My Image and most
become One with Me
there to find the Joy
you were
born to bathe in the
Blood of My Cross
for others
so do not run away
nor hide from My Cross
but rather
embrace it with the
Grace I freely offer you
I know your weakness and
need for My Strength
all are born into frailty
daunted by trauma's potential
even resisting the hardship of Love
that is why I freely offer
My Spirit of Power for
Courage and Persevering
Trust in the midst of Suffering
All  are yours for the asking
the Way of the Cross is
the Way to Eternal Joy
it is the Way back to
the Father
so Come with Me
bear My Cross with Me
let us Till your fertile ground
Sow
Water
Reap the Harvest of
My Saving Cross
Together

Reflection/Discussion:

-Where is the Cross in your life?
-What strikes you about this Word?
-How does loving others bring the Cross into your life?
-How do you feel about suffering in your walk with the Lord?
-How would you relate to others in their suffering?
-How would you encourage them?

The Whisper

He is speaking but
are we listening?
or rather
do we even care?
too much interference
preoccupations
responsibilities
interests
social and financial goals
problems at work or home
or both
so little time to
do so much
it's easy to say:
at least I go to Church
well, sometimes or
maybe when I'm
pestered to go or

feeling a little guilty

for not going in a while
but I don't
get much out of it anyway
so why torture myself
let my wife take the kids
that'll take care of it all...
then... reality strikes a discord
whether it be
sickness / crisis
job loss / lay off
affair / divorce
injury / death
any one or combination
to learn that
life is fragile and fleeting
many times unstable
with heartaches and sorrows
as unwelcomed invaders
things change
sometimes drastically....
so now, I'm listening but
don't hear anything except
echoes in my anxious mind
stability fades away
searching ascends while
darkness descends
only to find that
control is a fantasy
so is self-reliance and
in the end bring only
insecure self-absorption...
it is solely surrender that
opens my heart to
know the One who
gave Himself up for me
in an Encounter that
changes everything
He is Real and Alive
and Loves me
so I decide to give myself
over into His Hands

Ask Him to be my 

Personal Lord and Savior
to Take up my Cross 

Follow and Serve Him 

Always and Above All

for His Love is always
reaching out
the First to speak
actively not passively
with longing not indifference
deep within
piercing my defenses
resting in my soul
only then to recognize
His Whisper

Reflection/Discussion:

-Do you take the time to listen to the Lord?
-How can you practically do that?
-How do you discern if it really is the Lord?
-How does Sacred Scripture help you discern His word to you?
-Talk about this with someone who prays each day.
-Join a support group of fellow disciples of Jesus.

The True Intimacy

though unnamed
nor identified yet
so easily assumed but
so likely undeveloped and
more-often-than-not
un-attained
True Intimacy
beckons us from within
like a soft whimper
lost in the loneliness of night
longing for love
yearning for completion
while telling no one-
even your spouse- of
your emptiness and
desire for more
while you settle for the
status quo despite
vain pledges of
affection smothered by
colliding schedules
self-sufficiency delusions
self-fulfillment dreams and
self-protective habits which
drive you into
self-absorbed fantasies
and semi-acceptable losses
descending into desolation-
alone... wounded from
long ago..vaguely.aware of the
consequences but not
the source and questioning
what happened?
how did we get here?
is this all there is?
what do we do now?
but ...all is not lost because
Grace is always already offered
and can intervene if
we... seek and ask...
are open to
Love's Reality who can
redeem our forlorn
condition when we are
washed by Water and Blood
from His pierced side...
renewed by the Spirit
we willingly open ourselves to
knowing and being known
accepting humility's
confession of failure
giving and receiving forgiveness...
committing to change by
guaranteed Grace....willing to
get whatever help is necessary...
step by step
beginning with authentic
self-disclosure-not hiding
or masking my true
thoughts / feelings but
transparently communicating
what is really going on inside
thus being vulnerable-not
self-defensive / protective  but
making the decision to
willingly reveal our true selves
because we are willing to
pay-the-price to attain the prize
by embarking on the journey into
the promised land of
I and Thou...
Husband and Wife
Brother to Brother
Sister to Sister
a willingness to risk all to
love-as-I-desire-to-be-loved...
a foretaste of Heaven's
Perfect Union...
courageously accepting the
possibility of
getting hurt or
being rejected yet
surrendering to a
healing process of
Divine Transformation to
live out our actual selves in
True Intimacy

Reflection/Discussion:

-What comprises true intimacy?
-What does it take to initiate true intimacy?
-Do you have true intimate relationships?
-Why? Why not?
-What prevents you from attaining that?
-How is this a "healing process"?
-Do you have an intimate relationship with Jesus?
-How can that happen?

The Imitation

If you desire to
Follow Me
Love Me
above all...I Call you to
take up your cross and
embrace your mission
with Determined Passion since
My Way is not for the
faint of heart
nor the slothful self
bound to pleasure and

self-fulfillment in this world for
I handed My Body over
that you may gain the
same victory over
death's dominion and

sin's slavery and with Me
gather an Eternal harvest by
Mercy's Donation...
your imitation of My Sacrifice by
your death to self 
requires handing over your
will for Mine...all 
plans...preferences...
egotistical agendas for
Love's discretion - even
self's pride / interest to
wash wayward feet in
humble service -
it is a daily martyrdom
deliberately chosen with full
knowledge and consent...

it is the Via Dolorosa to 

Calvary's Enthronement but

ultimately leading to the
empty tomb
Robed in Glory...Forever!

Now it is for you...

Filled with My Spirit and

Bathed in My Presence...to

Manifest by Love's Sacrifice 
My Image within

Reflection / Discussion: 

-What is necessary to live a life of sacrifice like Jesus?

-How can we attain those elements?

-What is the Via Dolorosa?

-Find a support group to 'walk the Via Dolorosa together.

-What in your life needs to change to walk the Via Dolorosa?

-Start with one area and ask the Holy Spirit to make a plan. 

The Yearning

time lends itself to fathoms

even before its own end surrenders

earthly limits have eternal desires

revealing the longing for
something more than limitations... 

appetites without lasting satisfaction

ends without barriers

even a beginning without an end

then without notice or regard

life impinges our assumptions

pushing questions into our consciousness

why’s douse the flame of un-reflective mania

pushing us beyond daily routines when

emptiness begins to fill us and

limitless waves of  needs / desires 

keep rolling-in to our inner shores

without the hint of fulfillment yet

are real...intentionally intimate

promises planted Divinely in

the innate recesses of our hearts

death’s finality and injustice

leave all seeking more than
life could possibly give

pointing to questions posed incessantly

some finality to seeking unspoken...

unwritten passions for a purpose...

some sense for the illogic of life

where did my journey begin? certainly

not in the limits of sources known

but in a perfection beyond sight

planted in the fibers of my being

in depths beyond knowledge

how soon will seeking cease?

what will be left undone...unfulfilled?

is life destined to the constant slavery of circles?

nature yearns for super-nature

being points to super-Being

time to timeless

temporary love to everlasting ecstasy 

where my limitless longings
can find rest

in a never ending

joy beyond imagination's fantasies 

so meaning’s questions negate busyness

if listening is at all a value for

if all there is lays in sight
though beautiful
it fades just as winter comes and
takes the crown of colors to loss

the cries of today fade to whispers

when tomorrow dawns yesterday’s sleep

without a satisfactory ending while
caught in recurring dreams

finding our endings empty

we are most to be pitied

we ache to
live forever
find completion

for our longings
yearning beyond the
daily filling and emptying cycle of basics and passions to

find our true end beyond ourselves in the

hidden realms of our beginning

a Source for what is...

for who I am and destined to become

a Creator yes but more than a

logical Source of Reality

beyond reason’s visible conclusions

where only Revelation can enlighten that

the Supreme Being is our Abba Father
who Himself is revealed by
His Son the Savior whose
Self-sacrifice is our
initiation into a Reality inspired by 

seeking Union without end

a shared existence of evermore
dreams turning into a progression of
Passionate / Intimate encounters 

melding into an Eternity of Fulfillment

and I and Thou become One...Forever

Reflection / Discussion:

-How does your experience of life concur or differ 

 from the portrayal given above?

-Why? How? Give examples.

-Without Infinite Love, how is longing resolved?

-How do you embrace the invisible?

-How does seeking the Infinite in the Finite work out?

-How does sorrow / loss / pain fit in to all this?

-After achieving a goal in this fleeting life, what then?

The Abandonment

letting go of
treasures long revered as
good and holy ideals
yet rarely
spoken about
though each
cut to the chase of my
need to control
according to
my own desires
my own will
for my present and future
my "who's who" of identity
too much of me
not enough of Thee
repentance bears the
message of peace
borne in sorrow
as forgiveness is received
when
Jesus is my Lord
He saves me from my idolatry-

making ministry my 

'be all and end all' 

the proof of my value but
my life is in His hands
I know He Loves me and
has a plan for my life but
I can't see it right now
there is no clarity and
hasn't been for
oh so long...
when questions about my past
aren't answered
when I don't understand
I can only surrender
not once but
incessantly in weakness
despite my questions
Trust is the issue -
a Faith beyond my abilities 
a Grace unearned yet gifted 

while storms buffet the
foundations of my life
all the more does
His Love fertilize 
my love to grow 

as trust is enriched 
by seeking Him alone
as my All-in-All
my only Life
my only Hope
my only Joy
received in
Thanksgiving
day by day in
abandonment to
His Loving Presence

Reflection / Discussion:

-What are the main issues in your faith life?

-What is the Lord teaching you?

-How are you responding?

-What support system do you have?

-If none, seek one that you are comfortable with.

-Don't try to live your faith life alone.