before we turn...

when things are as hard as hard can get
and life is filled with paths that seem directionless
and people are disappointing and dreams so far away
i often sit and daydream of the turns i could've made.
i wonder what it'd be like to step upon the stage
with a microphone and breath
filled with the words i need to say.
how surely i would sing it
as each note it certainly played.
i know my heart would be completely
fullfilled with each new day.
or if i spent them all
behind a counter grinding beans
tamping, twisting, pulling
designing delights with every stream.
i'd been entirely content
to serve your daily fix of 'ffeine.
and spend the evenings dreaming flavors
scent of coffee all around.
or if i just decided to embark upon the thing
that guides my steps and builds me up
assured sanity.
if i chose instead to decipher, how 1 & 1 make 3...
and despite all this i'm fighting
both external and within
to be what I know is meant for me
and will be in the end.
so regardless of the hardships
misunderstanding
and the rage.
i'll keep on seeking truth and know
these healing hands will stay.

"Turn to Stone" - Ingrid Michaelson

a truth i'd like to remember, written by a friend.

A person's loss of faith isn't an assertion to be taken lightly, and certainly not one that is express without a lot of introspection; a dismissive response only mitigates the gravity of the situation. Most important is to come to an understanding of the person's mindset and their view of the situation, and then help them as best we can to come closer to their own conclusions, without forcing them one way or the other, but also without compromising on the truth. Only God can save someone, and so my effort should not be to rescue them so much as it should be to stay with them through the darkness, watch the daybreak with them, and let God do what He will throughout. In these situations, the faithful are called not to force the person out of the sea and into the vessel, but tread the water with them until they start swimming on their own, in whatever direction, and where ever they end up, remain a loyal friend and a faithful witness to the love of Christ, however they receive it. We need not feel responsible for another's salvation, only for our steadfast witness to the Gospel.