TO GET YOUR LANTERN LIT

 “Please, sit and Focus on a simple Thing, such As your Breathing, letting Thoughts all pass. Ta pay attention Blessedness will Bring; you'll find that Spirit overflows your Glass. And Everything is gonna be all Right, no need ta fear, nor worry, not one bit. His yoke is easy, friend, his burden light, and He will help ya Keep your lantern Lit!”

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

KINDHEARTED GAL

 “Kindhearted Gal, you're very good ta me, and I appreciate the love ya show. And by your side, I'm very glad ta be, you're nice, you're sweet, you're kind, all this I know. Please, don't believe in every scary thought, 'cause crazy thoughts can overtake a mind. And Truth can't be possessed, it must be sought, and pride in knowledge makes a person blind. Conceit is certainly a nasty trap, self-righteousness corrupts a foolish heart, and lies the strength of any mind can Sap, but kindly, helpful truths make people smart!”

Copyright 2016 Stephen Cromwell Gifford