Wednesday, March 9, 2011

The Callused Knees of Mercy,


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


37 comments:

  1. Ah...guess God is trying to speak to both of us, with our parallel theme of Mercy.
    A beautiful read, a beautiful write!

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  2. 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.

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  3. Wow. I need to read this over and over. Everyday, I need to read this. Thank you.

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  4. This is something I need to read again and again.

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  5. I'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. :)

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  6. mmm...carrie this is tight...the calloused knees...great write...

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  7. This one is so good - those damned hard hearts.

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  8. imperfect prose- so perfect... Loved this piece, Carrie!

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  9. Hello Carrie,
    I 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!

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  10. Open arms of humility and calloused knees of mercy. Beautiful imagery.

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  11. oh my, yes. i aim for my knees to get much tougher.

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  12. oh, so true! this is very beautiful and I love the image!

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  13. letting the truth wash over me here . many thanks for sharing ~

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  14. First, 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.

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  15. Oh 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

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  16. I 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.

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  17. A 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.

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  18. Wow, 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.

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  19. So, so true Carrie. This is such a eloquent write, just beautiful!

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  20. This reminds me of what prayer is really about, may your week be full of mercy.

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  21. Have I told you I love your header? Because I do. (And I've watched Les Mis twice this week.)
    The imagery in this is beautiful.

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  22. 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!

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  23. Carrie, your words have touched my not so calloused heart deeply, I bow my head to your compassion.

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  24. oh, carrie... how your words are his heart. beautiful, friend.

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  25. Ah 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.

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  26. Humility, not condemnation, changes hearts. Beautiful words to meditate on.

    Blessings,
    Janis

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  27. Carrie...utterly undone...your poetry...your images...exquisite...thank you

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  28. Blessed are the merciful. Indeed.
    Beautiful

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  29. Lovely and true. Callused knees, yes, the true humility, for surrender is the only escape, and love the only key to unlocking another. - Brendan

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  30. Wonderful poem Carrie!

    I 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!

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  31. when i read your poems i freak out at how much i like them. Theyre just so good in every way possible !! :)



    Crying With A Sense Of Human

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  32. Beautiful, Carrie! You have a wonderful way with words.

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  33. Truly, a hardened heart can be only reached by mercy...Thank for sharing your wisdom.

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  34. oh, carrie, this is so true. one of the most beautiful poems I have read in a while. thank you...

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"Our best thoughts come from others." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson