When Poem by Val Jennings

When you can keep your faith when all about you
Are loosing theirs and friends are but a few.
When you can keep your head while discouragement surrounds you,
And hold a lifeline to the drowning crew.
When you can count both vice and virtue
As hollowed ground you've traveled o'er,
And know repentance has lifted you from quicksand
And stand erect although your feet are sore.
When faith and hope, and love and service,
Have found their place inside your heart.
When every breath is exercised in kindness
And no ill thing can seed and get it's start.
When you can stand alone in crowds and be surrounded,
yet feel alone because you honor self,
or stand alone and feel exalted.
When God and angels minister your health.
When you endure until the harvest,
The race and prize will then be won.
And God & Christ, and saints and angels
Will echo, 'Well and faithfully done! '