PERFECT MAY NOT BE BEST

 “Perfection's what you MUST achieve? You're gonna hurt yourself, I do believe! No, please, pick out a gentler, kinder way, and patience, that's what wiser ones display.”

Copyright 2016 Stephen Cromwell Gifford

WE NEED YOUR LOVE

 “How often we get harmed by things we've done, as though it were ourselves that we'd destroy. So recklessly toward trouble, people run – I started, back when I was but a boy. Lord, grant your mercy, guide us every day, we human beings need your wisdom so. You really are the Truth, the Life, the Way; your Love, dear Lord, is what we need ta know.”

Copyright 2016 Stephen Cromwell Gifford

LETTER TO A FUNDAMENTALIST WHO'S SCHIZOPHRENIC

 “May You imagine, mostly, Lovely things! Foreseeing dangers also can be wise. But if it's bad ta which your thinking clings, you've missed the grace which truly satisfies! Religion just might help, and just might harm, it all depends on what it helps ya do. 'Cause if ya Live in terrified alarm, it might be what you're thinking isn't true.”

Copyright 2016 Stephen Cromwell Gifford

DON'T GIVE UP ON ME!

 “To harm a person's very, very wrong, by reckless word or deed, neglect, or hate. Why don't we pray fer patience deep and long, instead of hastening ta judgment, wait? Like me, I've surely done some cruel things, and I have Loved the mercy I've been shown. It's Heaven's love from which that mercy springs, and we all need it, 'cause we're error-prone. So, Buddha, please do not give Up on me, 'cause I'm a work in progress, day by day. Your light of Truth, I always need ta see, so please enlighten me, dear Lord, I pray!”

Copyright 2016 by Stephen Cromwell Gifford

PROTECTION

“Lord, Guide my steps… ta What is Good for me, without my harming anybody else. Lord, wise and careful ‘s What I gotta Be; all Heaven, Help me not ta harm my Self!”

Copyright 2016 by Stephen C. Gifford