You clearly love the Word, and I'm enjoying what I'm hearing.
I was in the Air Force myself, for a couple of years during the Vietnam Era. Stationed at Chanute AFB, where I enjoyed all the benefits and privileges of being an airman then an airman first class then an airman again... before I became a civilian again. (I worked in the hospital, and I barely drew a straight breath the whole time: '72-'74.)
But I learned a great deal. Made some great friends.
My point when I wrote this piece is that we do not really know ourselves, or the strength of our faith or our true character until we have been tested in some way. Many a coward may stumble through life thinking himself brave and steadfast until he is given an opportunity to prove himself. Hopefully, that will occur at a time and place that allows him to reform himself, or at least admit his weakness.
We can not know fully the designs of God while we yet live, but we can know ourselves through the ways we deal with the trials we face. Only when we are tested do we know our strengths and weaknesses. That is the only clarity we are allowed.
"We can not know fully the designs of God while we yet live, but we can know ourselves through the ways we deal with the trials we face. Only when we are tested do we know our strengths and weaknesses. That is the only clarity we are allowed"
Since nothing occurs without the consent of God, He must be allowing this testing because it proves something to us about ourselves. He would naturally have known that Iblis was going to rebel. Iblis thought he had achieved some clarity beyond what he actually had. That is the greatest failing of mankind, as well. Never assume that you have reached perfect clarity.
Interesting. I used to believe we went through 'tests' in this way...but I am leaning away from that now...more thinking that pain is a sign we are swimming 'upstream' against the current of our lives somehow and we need to learn how to turn our boats 'downstream' and go with the flow more somehow.
It is a little strange to me to be falling back on a sports metaphore, but "swimming upstream" may actually be a benefit in that it is a strengthening exercise. The pain is instructive, in that it keeps our fingers out of the fan, so to speak. It also keeps our fists out of the neighbors' faces. Seeing injustice teaches you not to commit injustice, because you know how it feels, and teaches the wise person to fight against it when they see it occurring to another person.
I like how you talk in a poet's voice. You remind me of those famous story writers! :D
MikisPantry 4 weeks ago
You really have some wonderful poems and a great delivery too. :) Janet
onewomanandsomesongs 1 month ago
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LOVE IT GREAT VID BIG THUMBS UP GREAT JOB. MARNIE NEW CHANNEL IS [ MARNIE696 ] GO AND SUB AND FRIEND HER
ourkids12341 3 months ago
Cheers Robert,
A Supremely Majestic Insightful writing !
I so appreciate this Masterful painting of words it
is so very Inspiring ! Thank you my friend !
Thumbs Up and Infinite*************stars for
an Excellent Poetic Masterpiece !!!!!
Infinite Blessings !
Peace Always ! Chaz
888CSC 7 months ago
Nice.
periurban 8 months ago
very interesting, and well written! i think people of all ideologies can appreciate the important questions you've mentioned here :)
blastedgoat 1 year ago
Wonderful presence and soothing voice. Thank you for the meditation.
BabatheStoryteller 1 year ago
You Have The Best 'Voice Over' Voice Rivalling Sir Morgan Freeman.
EvolveMonstar 2 years ago
great job.
mft1234 2 years ago
Wonderful, i hope you have work published , if not then thats just wrong
5***** for each line.....Mel
amazongift 2 years ago
You're a thinkin' man.
tomvband 2 years ago
You clearly love the Word, and I'm enjoying what I'm hearing.
I was in the Air Force myself, for a couple of years during the Vietnam Era. Stationed at Chanute AFB, where I enjoyed all the benefits and privileges of being an airman then an airman first class then an airman again... before I became a civilian again. (I worked in the hospital, and I barely drew a straight breath the whole time: '72-'74.)
But I learned a great deal. Made some great friends.
Best to you,
Roy
twohawksfucking 3 years ago
Excellent poem. Reflective, carefully written and thought provoking piece - clear from the comments you have elicited.
dashpoet 3 years ago
Wonderful well written food for thought. Thank you
reVerse2bfree 3 years ago
As the heat of a fire reduces wood to ashes, the fire of knowledge burns to ashes all karma. Nothing in this world purifies like spiritual wisdom.
Bhagavad Gita 4.37
Fine work, indeed, and I like your thinking here, "but He shall show our faint hearts to us..."
Pleased to meet you,
Tom
tjkoz22 3 years ago
My point when I wrote this piece is that we do not really know ourselves, or the strength of our faith or our true character until we have been tested in some way. Many a coward may stumble through life thinking himself brave and steadfast until he is given an opportunity to prove himself. Hopefully, that will occur at a time and place that allows him to reform himself, or at least admit his weakness.
leftysergeant 3 years ago
We can not know fully the designs of God while we yet live, but we can know ourselves through the ways we deal with the trials we face. Only when we are tested do we know our strengths and weaknesses. That is the only clarity we are allowed.
leftysergeant 3 years ago
"We can not know fully the designs of God while we yet live, but we can know ourselves through the ways we deal with the trials we face. Only when we are tested do we know our strengths and weaknesses. That is the only clarity we are allowed"
Well said, Robert and awesome job!
arkgunslinger 3 years ago
You will have achieved perfect clarity when God places your record in your right hand or left
leftysergeant 3 years ago
Since nothing occurs without the consent of God, He must be allowing this testing because it proves something to us about ourselves. He would naturally have known that Iblis was going to rebel. Iblis thought he had achieved some clarity beyond what he actually had. That is the greatest failing of mankind, as well. Never assume that you have reached perfect clarity.
leftysergeant 3 years ago
I truly enjoyed this.
sillysillytom 3 years ago
Very deep and thought-provoking.
janeczka 3 years ago
Inspiring.
NewWarriorMan 3 years ago
very nice...I very much enjoyed this.
5/5 stars
squeky11 3 years ago
Interesting. I used to believe we went through 'tests' in this way...but I am leaning away from that now...more thinking that pain is a sign we are swimming 'upstream' against the current of our lives somehow and we need to learn how to turn our boats 'downstream' and go with the flow more somehow.
Thought-provoking work...5 stars!!
I hope you have a great week!!
Sunbeam :)
xxxSunbeamxxx 3 years ago
It is a little strange to me to be falling back on a sports metaphore, but "swimming upstream" may actually be a benefit in that it is a strengthening exercise. The pain is instructive, in that it keeps our fingers out of the fan, so to speak. It also keeps our fists out of the neighbors' faces. Seeing injustice teaches you not to commit injustice, because you know how it feels, and teaches the wise person to fight against it when they see it occurring to another person.
leftysergeant 3 years ago
Excellent.
MustafaPresents 3 years ago
well done!
911TRUTHINATOR 3 years ago