Category: Patriotic Poetry

 A Tribute to Each Veteran-Each Hero

(To All Who Have Served and are Serving)

 

A Hero sat beside the grave

His friend was buried there

He wondered if he’d be as brave

When bullets filled the air

 

A Hero stood beside the bed

A Comrade lying there

“She’ll never walk”, that’s what they said

It all seemed so unfair

 

A Hero walked-some foreign street

The people turned and stared

Some would run to hide-retreat

                   While others simply glared

 

Did others know the choice they’d made?

  Protect, to serve, to save

Whate’er the cost, their post they stayed

For love, their all they gave

 

A Hero walked into the room

The doctor standing there

The saddened face, the sense of gloom

An illness, very rare

 

A Hero stood with stoic grace

Though sadness filled his eyes

The gentle smile upon his face

His broken heart’s disguise

 

These veteran Heroes stood the test

With all that they did do

We must now give to them our best

Our service, our “Thank you”

 

We cannot see the battle scars

The evil they did face

The pain within their own memoirs

We cannot ere erase

 

They chose to go for you and me

Because of love you see

They paid the price that we might be

A land where all are free

 

So, let us sing our anthems loud

Salute the flag with pride

Their sacrifice made us endowed

With hope we’re unified

These veteran Heroes stood the test

With all that they did do

We must now give to them our best

Our service, our “Thank you”

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Blessed to be the daughter of Charles William Garner; I grew up respecting all people equally, regardless of financial standing, race, political affiliation, or social standing.  My father demonstrated respect toward all people.  He presented in his life a respect for the law and an unwavering moral compass; judging men only by their actions, not their place in life.  His strength, character and warm smile; earned respect.  Perhaps that is why no one said anything when I as a three year old carried around a black baby doll.  When I pleaded to understand at 5 how a farmer cheated a Mexican worker by giving him a bad check; mom and dad explained how evil does exist in the world and the farmer was evil.

Growing up with those beliefs etched in my memories, I have trouble understanding either extremist views.  Oh, yes; there was a time when I was told to either get an abortion or resign; because, I was carrying a Hispanic child and married to a legal Mexican-American citizen.

There were those times, when my phone rang with “get out of town” messages or even once a dead pig laid on my front yard; because, my children were of Mexican descent.  At that time I told my children, “People react out of ignorance; because, no one showed them the truth.  So, you must work harder, make better grades in school, set a higher example of  character and morality.  That way you teach the next generation the truth.  Do not use this as a excuse to prove them right by being disrespectful. You must be kinder, better mannered, and more gracious than the rest.” They did and they earned the respect of an entire town; changing the ideas of a generation.

ACROSS THE DIVIDE

On the other side of the fence, I remember working as the only white nurse on the floor in Birmingham, AL.  Immediately, I was treated with disdain and hostility.  Often in silence, I accepted the blame for every error made on that floor; even if, it happened during my day off.  Every night, I walked four blocks through the dark streets to the parking garage alone; because, no one wanted to walk with a “white girl.” It didn’t matter we were told it was too dangerous to walk alone at night on the streets. That is, until one day; the secretary (who was a black, gay gentleman) spoke up, “You’re all wrong!  She’s not the problem.  In fact, no one treats me kinder or with more respect than she does.”  Grace changed the mindset of the entire floor of nurses.

Furthermore, I lived in Mexico for years before women in the higher socioeconomic class accepted me; because, they believed no “Gringa” could have any moral principles.  Every party, the women held tightly their husbands; despite my having come with mine.  Somehow, they believed that I wanted to steal theirs or have a fling.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Quietly, patiently I lived my life with God’s Grace and they later accepted me with open arms; but, it took years.

That is all an introduction to a poem I wrote today.

Humble Hands of Grace Reaching Across the Divide

In the midst of this world, between black and white

We scream very loud and think we are right

The bitter divide that comes from each side

Is built on one word-and that word is pride

 

Yet, humbly each side should look in the face

Of God who has offered to each man His Grace

For God sees our hearts, filled with sin, guilt and shame

Yet, He sent His own son to die all the same

 

To save us from sin, to pay there our price

Despite all the times, we really weren’t nice

Undeserving we stand before His great throne

Redeemed by His Gift given by Grace Alone

 

And yet, does that mean that some should be free

To riot and kill. How could that be?

God calls us to stand in respect for the law.

Who risk their own lives for one and for all.

 

We never can be a land that is free

Without laws to guide us, there’s no liberty

Only chaos and anger will grow in its place

Until we destroy the whole human race

 

Can we reach out our hand, to cross the divide?

Instead of closed fists, standing firm on one side

No matter what color, no matter what race

Can you reach out your hand with kindness and grace?

Another Thing My Daddy Taught Me and I Passed On

My daddy taught me to always show respect for the law officers and that I passed on to my children.  When an officer pulls you over, get out your ID, insurance card and registration quickly; then, make certain that by the time the officer walks up beside your car, you have your hands in open position laying on the top of the steering wheel in clear site.  Also, always say, “Yes, sir or mam.” Do whatever they ask you to.  This is not the time to argue.

Once I was arrested and taken to jail; although, I later was released with no charges.  Yet, at the time; I did not speak back.  Humbly, without a word; I allowed them to handcuff and even shackle me.  Every order they gave, I followed.  Whatever they thought I had done, I was innocent; however, at the moment when they arrested me, I knew was not the time to argue.  An attorney could do that for me later and did.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Whatever else; I must always remember this.  When I stand before a Righteous, Holy God; I must bow before Him in full submission, knowing I deserve nothing.  Still, He gives me Grace, Mercy and Love as I bow before Him.

I do not pretend to have any answers concerning those things that divide us; except for this:  God is the only one who can heal our hearts and heal our nation.  The only place where healing begins is at the foot of the cross.  So, let me reach out my hand with kindness and grace to each and every one of you.  Will you come and kneel beside me at the cross; where mercy runs free?

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.

 

OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or if you wish to leave a comment:  comment here

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

If you want to know more about  books I have written:  You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Photo by Samantha Sophia on Unsplash

I pondered today about the symbols of freedom, dear to my heart.  That lead me to write this poem, as from the eyes of a wondering child.  Children have the way of opening our eyes to see truth.  As for me I cannot fully understand the depth of my freedom in the United States and the flag which stands symbolic of it; were it not for my faith.  Without faith and God’s Grace, I know where I would be–running down some road toward despair, always trying and never finding my way out.  Yet, my hope resounds with joy, love, and peace; because in Christ, I have all that I need.

SYMBOLS OF FREEDOM FOR ALL TO VIEW

By Effie Darlene Barba

The Flag

Grammy, Grammy please tell me why

We fly a flag on the fourth of July!

 

Oh, sweet dear child, the flag you see

Is a symbol of hope; because, we are free

To passionately work with all our might

Transforming our dreams into full sight

 

It’s more than a symbol of national pride

It reflects all those who fought and who died

Protecting our freedom from tyrants who might

Destroy and steal all that is right

 

Grammy, then please can you tell me why?

We fly a flag on the fourth of July

And don’t fly a flag every day of the year

Wouldn’t our freedom be something to cheer?

The Cross

Grammy, Grammy why do people say

We worship the cross on Easter day?

 

Oh, my dear child, the cross you see

Is a symbol that Jesus has set us free!

Jesus died on a cross to pay for my sin

Then on the third day, He rose again

 

Jesus loved us so much, He paid our price

For all the times in life that we aren’t so nice

He offers to give us a heart that is new

Filled with love, joy and hope for all to view

 

If only we ask Him into our heart

He promises that He’ll never depart

Walking and talking, right by our side

So, that in His presence we might abide

 

Grammy, then why do people say

We worship the cross on Easter Day?

Wouldn’t we worship God everyday

Singing Him praise, and bowing to pray?

 

Grammy, I think; since all this is true

Wouldn’t our faith then change our view?

Wouldn’t we want to help men to see?

That they too by faith, can then be set free?

 

The flag is a symbol that I can be free

To worship God who helps me to be

The best, the greatest version of me

To be then a light for the world to see

 

So, to the cross I bow on my knee

By faith I am saved, I am set free

From the chains that would bind

And the lies that would blind

 

Then, I will stand, saluting the flag

It’s symbol of freedom, from age to age

May God bless and guide our nation today

A symbol of hope, for this I pray.

THOUGHTS ABOUT OUR FREEDOM

Have you stopped to think today about your freedom?  All too often we take for granted the freedom that we possess in the borders of the United States of America.  Furthermore, in this land, our dreams remain reachable when we choose to reach with all our strength to touch the stars. Yet, there remain some who wish to burn our flag; the very symbol of our freedom, for which many have fought and died to protect the honor of.  Some proclaim themselves, antifascist while burning, destroying and creating the anarchy picturesque of a fascist society- not even understanding the truth of their own ideology.  Then, we have those who wish for socialism; never realizing that more government control, means less freedom to go after your dreams.

Beyond that, we have those who ask the conservatives to be quiet in the name of “freedom of speech”.  Or those who believe that the 1st amendment stands to keep faith and religion far from government; when, the truth stands firm–the first amendment stood to keep government out of religion, NOT to keep religion out of government.  But for me, faith remains at the core of my freedom.  Because of my faith, I can accept, love and be gracious toward even those who disagree.  As I see them through eyes of Grace, I understand the reason for their discontent with life and the world around them, causing them to lash out against the very ones who want to shine light into their world

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

As I listened to Dr. Robert Jeffress last night, I knew he spoke the words of my own heart.  Yes, I voted for and stand behind President Donald J. Trump; a man, who like all men does have flaws; but never tries to hide them.  He wears his own imperfections with honesty; while, seeking to find God’s wisdom to guide him.  Much like us, if we were to be honest.  A group of broken vessels; dependent upon God’s Grace.  At a time when our land quickly ran faster and faster away from God; God chose to send Donald Trump to be our President.  He forces me to look deep within my own heart to remove the boulders there; before, criticizing any of his flaws.   God, in His Grace; last fall, allowed me to see beyond the outside and view the heart of this man.

Every morning I send a post-card with a Bible Verse and a Prayer for Donald Trump, it is the least I can do as a humble servant.

I CORINTHIANS 1:

²⁰ Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?²¹ For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe  ²⁵ Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. ²⁶ For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

²⁷ But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; ²⁸ And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: ²⁹ That no flesh should glory in his presence. ³⁰ But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: ³¹ That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

CONCLUDING TWEETS

[tweetthis]May God bless and guide our nation today A symbol of hope, for this I pray[/tweetthis]

[bctt tweet=”God chooses the foolish by mans standards 2 confuse & bring low those who think themselves wise” username=”effiedarlene”]

[bctt tweet=”We should each day thank God; because our flag does still stand in the land of the free” username=”effiedarlene”]

[tweetthis]Because the true price of freedom Jesus paid on the cross; His truth marches on[/tweetthis]

If you don’t know how to accept Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link, email me by clicking here or comment here

 

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

I wrote and published Ultimate Inspiration-God’s Plan of Love  answering a lot of the really tough questions regarding faith.   I would encourage you to get a copy of it or one of my other books.  You can find a link at: Book Resources.

featured Photo by Copyright : John C Panella Jr and used by permission https://www.123rf.com/

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

 

 

President Donald J Trump

By Effie Darlene Barba

 

For those who still say they don’t understand

Why we chose Donald J Trump to lead this land

So, listen real close as I try to explain

How we gladly did board the Donald Trump train

 

For me it began nearly a year ago

When I turned on the news, abandoning shows

Up until then with my head in the sand

Accepting in silence the sorrows at hand

 

At first as I watched and heard CNN

They laughed and they said, he never can win

They would pick out a word, a thought, a phrase

And talk of none else for days and days

 

The more that they said, “He doesn’t belong.”

Bigger and Bigger was growing his throng.

As a person who wanted to know what was true

A search for the truth I then did pursue

 

By listening close to each entire speech

I rejected their “truth”- the medias breach

For when I did hear all that he said

I understood then what had been in his head

 

I watched as he listened to each person he met

Wanting to know the fears that beset

His heart did transform, his wisdom did grow

He gave of his heart, his hope to bestow

 

To all the forgotten, the broken, the lost

The victims of rhetoric who bore the cost

Of a social agenda that cut deep our souls

Forgetting all hope, forsaking our goals

 

He took all the arrows the others could throw

And still stood up strong, letting us know

He was willing to sacrifice all that he had

Because his desire was to make our hearts glad

 

American pride is what he did give

A hope that in freedom we all can live

He took the time to reach out his hand

To risk everything to then take a stand

 

It was his heart that drew us all in

To believe in a hope that we all could win

It was his strength, his love, his spirit he gave

America, the land of the free and the brave

TEARS OF JOY, PRIDE, HOPE AND RELIEF

Today Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 45th President.  As I watched on YouTube His arrival into Washington, suddenly; I wept tears of pride, joy, hope, and relief.  It was as though our Commander and Chief had arrived.  Everything might not be perfect; but, it was going to be OK.  In fear and silence, we had prayed.  Attacked from every side with anger, we were told what we were to think or to speak.  We were bullied into quiet submission or told that we had no voice.  As patriots to this nation, we respected and honored our leaders even when we disagreed; because we loved our country and all its rich heritage.  We knew the heart and soul of America were good people with generous hearts.

THE FORGOTTEN

We are the single mothers who work two or three jobs to care for our families, the fathers who are not too proud to take the humblest job to feed his children, and the same ones who would gladly give our dinner to a stranger who is hungry.  The forgotten laborers of this land, the soldiers who believe America is worth fighting for, and the police who willingly risk their lives that we might be safe.  We are not the rich or the elite; we are the working heart and soul of this country who believe that good people can make a difference.

THE LONELY

As I left work, rather late and very tired on Tuesday; I headed toward the bus that would take to my car.  There was a man with slumped shoulders carrying a garbage bag of clothes and a backpack that had stopped to say something to the bus driver before going on.  When I got on the bus, the bus driver told me that the man had said he wanted to kill himself.  As I gazed across the street, I saw his figure sitting on the bench.  I called the VA police to see if they would help; but, they said it wasn’t their jurisdiction since he had crossed the street and they called the University Police.  Then, I watched him enter the University ER and I thought it would be ok; but, I got off the bus to go make certain.  By the time I reached the ER door, he was exiting and said, “Nobody cares and nobody believes me.”

Not entirely true, sir.  I am here.  God sent me and I want to help.  And that bus driver over there–he cares too. Sadly he replied, “Mam, it is a lonely world when no one cares no matter how many people you have tried to help.”  I knew in an instant by his saying, “Mam” that he was most likely a Veteran.  So, I said come with me and I walked him back to the ER at the VA.  As we sat and waited for help, I told him: “Listen to me.  No matter what happens tonight; promise me you won’t take your life. If you don’t get the help come back here and tell the desk over there to find Effie.  I am the only Effie who works here.  He promised.

OUR VOICE

We, the heartland of the United States of America, are not concerned with having a polished politician or lawyer who always chooses their words carefully.  We want a man who is willing with all his heart to listen.  If he has changed on policy ideas, it is because he has heard the voices of the forsaken, the silent voices wanting to be heard.   He is like the rest of us who have had our words at times misunderstood and must spend days explaining what we meant.  Finally, the words of this veteran continue to sound in my heart because it is the cries of my own heart.

[bctt tweet=”It is a lonely world when no one cares no matter how many people you have tried to help.” username=”effiedarlene”]

CONCLUSION

[bctt tweet=”In Donald J Trump, we saw a man who was willing to risk it all to be our voice.” username=”effiedarlene”]

[bctt tweet=”It was his heart that drew us all in To believe in a hope that we all could win” username=”effiedarlene”]

 

[bctt tweet=”It was his strength, his love, his spirit he gaveAmerica, the land of the free and the brave” username=”effiedarlene”]

 

Because of all this, President Donald J Trump: I want to say Thank You.  I am so proud to call you our President, a President for all the people.  My prayers remain with you every day of your Presidency that all the people will come to see your heart as we have.

Let this be my prayer verse for you today:

I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. Psalm 18:1-3

 

Photo by permission: Editorial credit: Evan El-Amin / Shutterstock, Inc.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

 

I wanted to share once more a song I wrote last fall just before the election.  There is so much to love about this our beloved country.  Throughout my lifetime I have been amazed by how as a nation we stood strong and proud to be citizens of the USA.  Together we could overcome all the obstacles thrown at us.  Yet, over the years I have watched that which makes us strong; our diversity be transformed by the media and constant “talk, talk talk” of division become that which stands between us.  What happened to us?  When did we stop speaking to each other and started shouting at each other?  Perhaps, I am so naive as to believe and see always the good in another; wanting to build upon that.  Without losing my own faith or convictions; I have embraced many people, even debating lovingly with Muslims, Hindu, and Atheist as well as Christians.

A DIFFERENT VIEW OF LIFE

Was it the simplistic life of growing up on a farm that allows me to see the world differently?  My father, was a giant of a man; though, uneducated who also saw the world as all men equal before God.  Respect, dignity and honor were some of the attributes I learned from my father.  Then, as an adult; I lived for a time in Mexico and came to love the courage, humility, and diligence of the Mexican people.  During those years,  I learned to embrace a culture as well as a people.

BATTLES FOUGHT AND WON

I have faced abuse and watched as the love of my life battled against a bipolar disorder.  He lost the battle on earth; but, gained heaven because he found Christ 6 months before his tragic death.  That was 22 1/2 years ago.  Since then I faced defeat at times, struggles at times; I conquered a cancer that I should not have survived.  I have watched my children grow into amazing young men and women.  Battling a lot of illnesses, surgeries and financial distress; I was each time able to rise above it all in part because I live in this wonderful land of opportunity and hope.  God has been there every step of the way.

MINISTRIES OF HOPE

God has always provided a way; perhaps, that is why I am compelled to volunteer in jail ministries to reach those whom others might cast aside, or the children’s ministries.  God’s grace is why I write these posts to reach a world whom I may never meet.

A NEW PRESIDENT AND A NEW ERA

With all that being said, I am saddened by the anger, the lies, the division that I see in this the land that I love.  I am proud to be an American.  Yes, I voted for Donald Trump and next week I have a special poem for you that explains why.  For now, I will continue to pray for him, for our nation, and for President Obama everyday.

America Great Again

by Effie Darlene Barba

In dark of night I heard the cries

The moans of the oppressed

Corruption rampant, woeful lies

While truth was ne’er addressed

Our leaders filled with prideful lust

Seeking power to control

Spewed lies of hate, mistrust

That pierced our very soul

BRIDGE:

With no remorse

They set their course

And cried You’re all to blame

Deplorable

Irredeemable

They tried to cause us shame

And right before their final blow

The truth we came to know

CHORUS:

Arising then I heard the sound

That rose from shore to shore

Shouts of hope that did abound

As all believed once more

We are a nation built on truth

A bond that holds us tight

The pride of which we taught our youth

It is our strength and might

Awakened now our hearts to sing

Afresh our song of love

As freedom’s bell begins to ring

Our flag waves high above

We, the people of this land

Diverse in many ways

As one unite to take a stand

Our minds and hearts ablaze

We slumbered, which was our mistake

Repentant of our sin

Together, hand in hand we’ll make

America Great Again

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.