Beauty For Ashes Poem by Gerald Opio

Times and times again, we trip and fall in life.
Not deliberately, suddenly we are afflicted,
By the unexpected events of life,
So devastating they are! Out of our control, helpless we are.

Seeking for solace from things within our vicinity, solace we don't get.
Drowning in thoughts, seeking for viable solutions - solutions we don't find.
Introspection we partake, in desperation we do fall in distress.
A world void of answers we render in, a cluttered mind we have.

As we ought to search for solutions, a random thought crosses our mind - a thought pushing us to pray.
Fervently, we devote ourself in prayer - earnestly, God heeds to our supplications.
With Thanksgiving, he never forsakes or hides from us - readily available to listen.

Slowly by slowly, by the help of God - a crumbling world we had is subdued, by his mighty works.
Enlightenment we receipt, a relief of burden off our shoulders - extending our gratitude to Him.
A peace that passeth understanding we have, by his works - we are freed.
Freedom that he gives, neither man can give nor take away (everlasting peace and freedom) .

He gives beauty for ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
Praise to the Lord our God. Amen