The open arms of humility can build a mighty bridge
and reaching hands hold hope
that they shall surely give
but you cannot reach a hardened heart
with the calused hands from condemnation's workings
for it can only be touched by the callused knees of mercy.
Sharing with lovley Emily at Imperfect Prose
Ah...guess God is trying to speak to both of us, with our parallel theme of Mercy.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful read, a beautiful write!
This is so true. Sometimes the only way we can minister is by being broken ourselves. I love your blog! Thanks for the comment on mine.
ReplyDeleteWow. I need to read this over and over. Everyday, I need to read this. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis is something I need to read again and again.
ReplyDeleteI've been talking alot about this, over the past week: "...you cannot reach a hardened heart.." So very true and thank goodness for mercy. It truimphs over judgement. :)
ReplyDeletemmm...carrie this is tight...the calloused knees...great write...
ReplyDeleteThis one is so good - those damned hard hearts.
ReplyDeleteimperfect prose- so perfect... Loved this piece, Carrie!
ReplyDeleteHello Carrie,
ReplyDeleteI love these words. Remorse and forgiveness both within your words.
A fine piece of writing.
Best wishes, Eileen.
Carrie, I love the freshness of your Blog page!
Open arms of humility and calloused knees of mercy. Beautiful imagery.
ReplyDeleteoh my, yes. i aim for my knees to get much tougher.
ReplyDeleteNice photo shopping.
ReplyDeletenellie
oh, so true! this is very beautiful and I love the image!
ReplyDeleteletting the truth wash over me here . many thanks for sharing ~
ReplyDeleteFirst, I love your banner. It made me gasp. Second, I've been meditating on the word "mercy" this week. Specifically Jude 20-22. So your words are an encouragement. You gave me more insight.
ReplyDeleteOh this is so beautiful Carrie, good to see your words a wonderful write and reminder that we all need to get on our needs...bkm
ReplyDeleteI had missed your poetry. Glad to see you here once again. Mercy is aquality we all should strive to have! Not always easy to be merciful.
ReplyDeleteA hard heart is difficult to open, our prayers of mercy is all we have, so love the photo, had to glance at it with every word.
ReplyDeleteWow, from your arresting header to the quotes sprinkled around your blog, I liked you even before I read your post. And then I read...callused knees of mercy...my heart is hushed in this truth.
ReplyDeleteSo, so true Carrie. This is such a eloquent write, just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of what prayer is really about, may your week be full of mercy.
ReplyDeleteHave I told you I love your header? Because I do. (And I've watched Les Mis twice this week.)
ReplyDeleteThe imagery in this is beautiful.
Wow, Carrie, I love the new look of your blog. The top photo is amazing and I love the old woman with the pigeons a lot! This poem is really really beautiful. It speaks a profound truth. I especially love "the calloused knees of mercy". That is one wonderful phrase!
ReplyDeleteCarrie, your words have touched my not so calloused heart deeply, I bow my head to your compassion.
ReplyDeleteLovely.
ReplyDeleteoh, carrie... how your words are his heart. beautiful, friend.
ReplyDeleteAh yes, those calloused knees of mercy! I really really really need to take a lesson and get better at this. Because also so many people around me need to learn this, and I can't teach them because I don't do it yet.
ReplyDeleteHumility, not condemnation, changes hearts. Beautiful words to meditate on.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Janis
Carrie...utterly undone...your poetry...your images...exquisite...thank you
ReplyDeleteBlessed are the merciful. Indeed.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful
Beautifully resonates with me. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLovely and true. Callused knees, yes, the true humility, for surrender is the only escape, and love the only key to unlocking another. - Brendan
ReplyDeleteWonderful poem Carrie!
ReplyDeleteI have selected you to be awarded and hope you pick up your award at http://umaspoembook.blogspot.com/2011/03/exploring-poetry-couplets.html
You deserve the best!
when i read your poems i freak out at how much i like them. Theyre just so good in every way possible !! :)
ReplyDeleteCrying With A Sense Of Human
Beautiful, Carrie! You have a wonderful way with words.
ReplyDeleteTruly, a hardened heart can be only reached by mercy...Thank for sharing your wisdom.
ReplyDeleteoh, carrie, this is so true. one of the most beautiful poems I have read in a while. thank you...
ReplyDelete