My Friend In Silence
Jesus knows my deepest pain
In my life come sun or rain.
I’m so glad when comes the violence
Jesus is my friend in silence.
“Why does it hurt?” I asked the Lord.
My pain is so strong, my heart pierced with a sword.
Gently hold on to me—keep me now I pray.
My Lord, all this sorrow at your feet I lay.
It’s in the silence I feel my heart grasping for you.
It’s in the silence I speak, “Heal me and make me new.”
Lord grant me patience my life needs it so,
Lord grant me patience and help as I grow.
Thank you, my Lord, for I know you have heard.
You never left me alone while my life was disturbed.
Pain comes and goes In the paths I now trod,
But I’ll never face it alone, “Thank you, my friend, my God.”
Jesus knows my deepest pain
In my life come sun or rain.
I’m so glad when comes the violence
Jesus is my friend in silence.
R.K. Richardson
© 1992 R.K. Richardson. All rights reserved.
For God So Loved…
John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
I wrote this poem for my 9th grade English class which means it would have been sometime during the spring of 1979. I wanted to share this with you (grammatical errors in tact) to demonstrate that even a child of 14 can have a grasp of the goodness and fullness of God’s love. I hope it’s a blessing to you…
For God So Loved
It was Jesus Christ that came to earth one day,
To die for mankind, and for their sins He would pay.
While He was here many miracles He performed;
And to multitudes of people He was loved and adored.
As the days went by and the years past,
The Son of God knew the time of His death was coming fast.
Then one night, as in the garden He knelt,
Praying to God and telling Him how He felt.
The Roman soldiers came and arrested Him,
And Judas came quickly and kissed Him.
They mocked Him, tortured Him, and spit on His body.
And the crowd shouted, “Crucify Him,” each and everybody.
Well Jesus Christ gave His life on the cross
Because all mankind was deep in sin and was lost.
Alas! He was dead; and God turned His back toward Him.
The sun was blackened and the light was dim.
Now they laid Christ’s body down and put a seal on the grave.
But King Herod’s seal they could have saved.
Because after three days and nights, the angels proclaimed,
“Hallelujah, the Son of God is alive once again.”
I have written this story for one reason, and one reason only:
That you may know that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you because;
For God so loved…
(C) 1979 R.Keith Richardson. All rights reserved.
Just A Boy
Luke 2:41-49
41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem ; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem , seeking him.
46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
I wanted to write a song that would describe how Jesus felt on His first journey to Passover in Jerusalem. The Bible tells us He was about 12 years old and even though He was God, He was still filled with all the wonderment and horror of the sights He saw.
As He grew to manhood Jesus walked this entrance into Jerusalem many times, the same entry He would make during His passion. As God He foreknew all of this – I wonder what thoughts went through His mind each time He passed through the gates?
Here are the song lyrics, “Just A Boy.”
The days were dark in Israel then
The Romans held their grip.
It wasn’t safe for any Jew
To make the holy trip.
But to Jerusalem they came
In heed of God’s command;
To celebrate the Passover
They marched throughout the land.
It was a special year for Him
He’d waited oh, so long
The journey it was perilous
But His heart was filled with song.
And as they walked the Roman road
So many wonders seen;
They came upon a ghastly sight
That brought them to their knees.
What was going through His mind
As He looked up toward the sky?
He saw the suffering and the blood
Heard the crowd yell, “Crucify!”
As Jesus passed by on that day
Saw souls nailed to the tree
Knowing that in a short time
He’d die for you and me.
The travelers all were shaken
As they came near the town.
Men and women hung in death
No one dare take them down.
It was a dangerous, evil time
The soldiers merciless;
Jesus walked with parents close
As they continued their progress.
What was going through His mind
As He looked up toward the sky?
He saw the suffering and the blood
Heard the crowd yell, “Crucify!”
As Jesus passed by on that day
Saw souls nailed to the tree
Knowing that in a short time
He’d die for you and me.
He was just a boy
Still God of ages He
Love was stirring in His heart
As He neared Calvary . . .
As they came into the city
Down the same street He would trod.
Jesus bowed His head a bit
And spoke to Father God
It was quite a burden on that boy
Only He knew in His heart
Blood He’d spill on that old street
My salvation to impart.
What was going through His mind
As He looked up toward the sky?
He saw the suffering and the blood
Heard the crowd yell, “Crucify!”
As Jesus passed by on that day
Saw souls nailed to the tree
Knowing that in a short time
He’d die for you and me.
(C) 2008 R. Keith Richardson. All rights reserved.
Time To Shine
Psalm 127:3-5
3 Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
If you want to get me choked up really fast, just ask me about my kids. I have three of the most beautiful and talented kids to ever walk the earth! I wanted to write a song that would express what I felt as I watched these dear little ones grow up into mature young adults. Although they are making their way in this life as God leads them, I still fondly recall the moment each one of them took their first breath.
Here are the song lyrics to “Time To Shine.”
So many years ago
Or was it just yesterday
A bundle of joy
First came my way.
A little blue bonnet
And blanket wrapped tight
My whole world had changed
As I kissed him goodnight.
Tiny kisses
Tiny toes
Tiny faces
With eyes aglow.
All grow up
With speed and haste
Soon the years
Become a chase.
O what wonders
The future holds
Pain and joy
Memories of gold.
Glory to this
Son of mine.
For now it is
His time to shine.
My tears joined with his
As together we grew
One day at a time
Filled with promises so true.
First talking – then walking
Every moment a surprise.
First haircut first tooth
First bad words and first lies.
Tiny kisses
Tiny toes
Tiny faces
With eyes aglow.
All grow up
With speed and haste
Soon the years
Become a chase.
O what wonders
The future holds
Pain and joy
Memories of gold.
Glory to this
Son of mine.
For now it is
His time to shine.
The years all rolled by
As fast as the wind
Riding bicycles and skates
Always on the mend.
School projects – girlfriends
Staying up way too late.
Football practice – crazy loud music
And then finally . . . a date.
Tiny kisses
Tiny toes
Tiny faces
With eyes aglow.
All grow up
With speed and haste
Soon the years
Become a chase.
O what wonders
The future holds
Pain and joy
Memories of gold.
Glory to this
Son of mine.
For now it is
His time to shine.
In a vapor of smoke
It happened so fast
O dear God he’s a man
Now his childhood is past.
Tiny kisses
Tiny toes
Tiny faces
With eyes aglow.
All grow up
With speed and haste
Soon the years
Become a chase.
Filled with pride
I see the man
That once I held
Within my hands.
Glory to this
Son of mine.
For now it is
His time to shine.
(C) 2008 R. Keith Richardson. All rights reserved.
My Love, My America
Matthew 22:17-22
17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.
20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
21 They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.
While our passage today deals with money and taxes specifically, I’m going to take a little lattitude and apply it to patriotism as a whole. So we’ll take the word “tribute” and consider the question, “How loyal should a Christian be to their country?”
Many people feel that a Christian’s loyalties should be to heaven and the Kingdom of God only. But I disagree with that. It is true that our citizenship is in heaven, but we must realize that we live on earth. Being loyal to one’s country and government is not only the right thing to do, I believe that God blesses those who hold their country in respect and honor. (See also Romans 13).
I am an American. I was born in the United States and have lived here all my life. I believe it is the greatest country on earth. I am loyal to her and feel pride and patriotism towards her. I wrote the following for a Fourth of July celebration a few years ago. It helps to demonstrate some of my feelings about my homeland. I hope it is a blessing to you today.
My Love, My America
How can I begin to express my innermost feelings concerning this beautiful young woman named America. She is my freedom, my liberty, my obsession. She fills me with passion when I hear her songs whispered delicately in my ears and celebrate her milestones with wild bombs bursting. I am immersed with sadness and pride as I remember her fighting patriot lovers selflessly offering their finest for her sovereignty.
How can mere words convey the feelings I have for this Madonna this Princess, the love of my life, the keeper of my torch. I trembled as I stood on lofty mountain top and looked beneath at her peaceful and serene valleys. I stared with silent admiration at her peaceful streams. I blush with pride as I see her cities standing tall and proud, her commerce unmatched, her will and determination unfettered as she stands alone many times against all others. I watch with envy as new ones flood her harbors and terminals eager to live just a glimpse of her glory. I am overwhelmed to see her government even at its worst greater than any other place on God’s earth.
I weep painfully, as though I had an opened wound when I see her banner burned , mistreated, disgraced. I see within the eyes of her tormentors the burning envy to know what every American knows – to feel and live and taste and breath as an American. Yet within my own heart I know the pride, I know the passion of being an American, one of hers, free to express those innermost thoughts that I’m unable to put words to.
To life, to liberty, to the pursuit of happiness and the evolution of her glory . . .America the beautiful, love of my heart, pearl of my passion, rapture of my soul, the definition of my very essence, my home sweet home.
(C) 2000 R. Keith Richardson. All rights reserved.
I hope that this meditation encourages you in a special way today. May God richly bless you!
The Toughest Question Ever Asked
Psalm 144:3-4
3 Lord, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!
4 Man is like to vanity : his days are as a shadow that passeth away.
If you stop and take a few moments to consider death, it is an awesome and fearful topic indeed. Even for the believer, death is still a great unknown. Thanks be to God who gives us confidence, in that, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
Though we leave this world as we came into it, our Savior is waiting on the other side of death’s chilling waters to welcome us into a new home with Him forever.
I wrote this a few years ago as I sat by the bedside of a dying friend. Such times demand reflection upon ones own soul, the frailty of life, and the cruel certainty of death. Although unpleasant, I want to encourage you to consider “your time.” Are you ready to meet the Lord or do you need more time to “put tings in order?”
As I sit here in the quiet of a dying woman’s hospital room, I am full of contemplation and sorrow. Here lies a beautiful lady with such a rich and colorful history, slowly parting. Her battle with the cancer has been long and brave, but the inevitable is at hand.
Softly in the background I hear Rod Stewart singing the oldies. I recognize the melody of “Someone To Watch Over Me” and ponder about my own mortality. When I meet my end will there be someone to sit by my side and watch over me?
I feel so inadequate. There is nothing I can do except offer the fullest kindness I know. I am so empty at the thought I didn’t really get to know her, not like I would have wanted to. I am sorry for her that a stranger such as myself is the one holding her hand in such a time of need and despair.
Earlier this morning the doctor came in and said the words no one wants to hear, “You have at most about two weeks to live.” My mind is overwhelmed at hearing this pronouncement. Its as though God has revealed that the sands of time are about to run out.
What goes through a person’s mind when they hear these words? What can you say, how can you answer? What visions of life run through the memory circuits in your brain? What simple words in the English language could lower the heartstrings more?
I think about life. All the aspirations. All the dreams and hopes. All the people a person loves. The reality of my own little world where every hurt and joy is so personal. And the thought of it all coming to end is monumental. Death – even the word is mesmerizing. Finality.
Although I acknowledge the afterlife and believe most strongly in God and heaven, it is so untouchable to our human minds. We think in such finite terms, limited by our eyes and ears. Death demands we think with our hearts. It is a crossing over place we only know through faith. It is the greatest unknown country and fear can overwhelm us knowing we must travel there alone.
She is not in pain and sleeps a lot now. God, I am so thankful for that. When it is time to die, can one ask for more than to sleep in painless slumber? Is there truly a good “way to die” verses a bad. As I contemplate death I would say no. Life has become too precious. Events, though personal to me, are me. My family and my loved ones are who I live for, the ones I pursue the dreams for.
Yes, yes, I’m sure of it – mortality is overrated. So to life. Live it to the fullest. I know she has so much more to give, so much more to experience. Why do we think of death as a robber? Perhaps because it takes us without warning or consent.
Nevertheless, death is real. Its as much a part of life as birth. And so the cycle continues. As for my sweet friend, sleep well. I have you for a while longer, and that’s just the way I want it. No need to make any decisions right now. Just sleep, in peace . . .
(C)2006 R. Keith Richardson. All rights reserved.
I hope that this meditation encourages you in a special way today. May God richly bless you!
Bring Her Back To Me
2 Chronicles 7:14
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Growing up in America is the greatest experience a person can enjoy. Just the thought of all the potential and possibilities that are avaiable – God has truly blessed this nation.
But I must admit I am not proud of the America I see today. Things have changed through the years. Many have lost that “special heart” that Americans used to demonstrate so clearly. Our government has become corrupt and sin is allowed to run without challenge throughout our streets and neighborhoods.
With a heavy heart I wrote the following, “Bring Her Back To Me.” I hope and pray that this will cause you to ponder the state of our beautiful country and to beseech God, on her behalf, to forgive her sins and heal her land.
It’s my America, the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Just hearing the sound of that phrase brings warm remembrances of parades, cub scouts, and learning to honor the red, white, and blue with dignity and respect. I grew up as an American, something to be proud of, something to cause my head to be held a little higher.
Bombs bursting in air, bike riding in the park, rockets red glare, playing catch with Dad on the weekends. It is the outrageous Americana that we all grew up with. The fourth of July lived out daily across the waves of amber grain.
Give me your tired, your, poor . . . the Lady represented us well. Even in my young mind I conjured up visions of poor, starving immigrants rushing to the side rail of a transport ship to catch their first glance of her—Liberty—freedom incarnate. What unexplainable joy must have filled their being as they looked at her, memorizing each and every detail. What a remarkable picture they made as they stood there united, making a collection of sights and sounds and smells that would last a lifetime.
Many traveled with the knowledge that they’d never see family, friends, and home again. There was so much opportunity ahead and so much freedom to explore. There were so many obstacles overcome, and yet many still standing in the way. But it didn’t matter. It was America!
But as I’ve grown to manhood I’ve learned this is not my America at all.
My America is full of burdens, injustices, and depravation of liberties.
Somewhere in my heart I am ripped asunder by the reality of my America. The understanding of her shortcomings is a marring violation to my soul. It’s not the same as discovering that Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny are mere fables. It goes deeper than that – down to the embodiment of my pride and allegiance.
The once honest hustle and bustle of city life (men and women scurrying about to commerce etc.) has given way to dark and unspeakable deeds done in broad daylight. Even in the rural nucleus of my great land people spit upon the very essence of what I hold so dear and continue under the guise and protection of freedom and sweet liberty.
Her borders are now essentially closed—the ships are turned away. The harsh reality of a burgeoning economy and welfare class. The unthinkable cruelty of modern politicians feathering their nests and forgetting the fundamental representations they proclaimed so loudly on Election Day. So who cares about the ones who struggle for freedom from tyranny and injustice? Certainly not them.
Yes, I am disallusioned with my America. My dear God far removed, the very sanctity for life robbed from the cradle. The beauty of God’s blessed union dragged through the trenches of hell.
Yes, I am cynical. I am exasperated with the whole mess.
I want my America back. The same America I grew up with. The same America that welcomed the impoverished with open arms. The same America where I proudly gave two-fingered salutes to the passing “Old Glory.” I want to see the streets scrubbed clean with the hearts of men and women, boys and girls who love this land as I do. I want to see and read about my God in all the old familiar places. I want to hear the children speak his name before they begin their work each day.
Where has my beloved gone to? And whence can she return? Do not your eyes run fast with tears of pity as you look on dear Lady Liberty, scarred, tainted, stained with the excrement of her own inhabitants?
Enough, I cry. Polish her skin, light her torch. Bring back the glory that once was held in freedom’s cry. And let her children, her many children, be born without fear or trembling even of existence but rather come forth with resounding patriotism—I AM AN AMERICAN! I am free. I live in the home of the brave.
Please . . . bring back my America once again. Allow me to look into her eyes and behold her beauty one more time before I too perish.
(C) 2000 R. Keith Richardson. All rights reserved.
I hope that this meditation encourages you in a special way today. May God richly bless you!
Sweet Solace
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
The time we spend alone with God is very special and should never become routine or something done out of habit. Our dear Father loves to fellowship with us and enjoys it so much when we clear our minds of the heavy traffic of daily life and commune with Him.
I wrote a poem about this time a few years ago entitled “Sweet Solace” and I’d like to share it with you now. The word solace means “comfort in sorrow, misfortune, or trouble; alleviation of distress or discomfort” and is a fitting description of the work of the Holy Spirit in a person’s heart when they open their soul and talk with God.
Sweet Solace
“Where do I find solace?”
I asked myself one day.
“It’s in the quiet times with God,
In my secret hideaway.”
A friend, closer than brother
The Lord, He is to me.
And when in private that we speak
My soul feels liberty.
He often finds me failing
It seems my course in life.
But He quickly rushes close to me
To wipe away all strife.
As His sweet grace surrounds me
My eyes are opened wide
I understand His love for me
When under His wings I hide.
And as I linger there a while
Dear friends, they come to mind.
I share their pain with my dear Lord
Blest be the tie that binds.
Each passing moment is so frail
The time so swiftly flows.
He stills my spirit, calms my life
Sweet rest His voice bestows.
And when at last it’s time to close
I hate to end it now.
But I promise, Lord, Your solace seek
‘Twill be to You my vow.
R. Keith Richardson (1993)
