Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13:8-13
I Was A Child, Back Then
by Effie Darlene Barba
I was a child, back then
And did not, could not understand
The pains she faced, the fears within
Her road of life throughout this land
But as I grew I came to see
The sacrifices that she made
Because of love she had for me
No matter what it did not fade
Whatever road our feet did trod
Her courage, faith deep within
Did hold her heart close to God
Protecting her from sin
The more I learned of God’s dear Grace
Throughout the years, I came to see
The trials, sorrows that we face
Transform our hearts that we might be
A shining beacon on a hill
To light the path in darkest night
That strangers then might find God’s will
The blinded might gain sight
Yet, each of us, God calls to be
A different beam of Glory’s light
And this in part the mystery
Of how God works, that He just might
Give one the gift to speak His word
Another sings His praise
While some it seems their voice unheard
Except by God. In prayer their voices raise
Each child who knows Christ as their Lord
God uses in His own sweet way
To each He gives a different sword
His Glory Honor to display
And so, I came to realize
The chains of pride that bound my heart
Were merely part of Satan’s guise
Sow bitter seeds, and then depart
I lay my “self” upon the cross
The cross where Jesus bled and died
That He might live, all else is loss
My pride He’s crucified
As I look back, I now can see
That it was Mom, God used to be
A beacon of humility
His beam of Grace to shine toward me
I did not, could not understand
The pains she faced, the fears within
Her road of life throughout this land
Because I was a child, back then
Concluding Thoughts
For it is pride that causes us to compare one Christian’s walk with our own, always trying to show that we are the greater Christian. Much like little children, bidding to be the one noticed by our parents as the best. Yet, God calls us to humility, just as Christ humbled Himself and was obedient to His Father’s will. Denying Himself, He died on the cross, that we might live. Such humility He displayed. And we too are called upon to die to self that He might live through us.
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.
ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?
If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here
Or if you would like to tell me your story or thoughts comment here
PREVIOUS POSTS TO CONSIDER:
Humility, How to Develop and Why it Matters
Other Poetry:
©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.