I want to see you cry
see the tears in your eyes
and know that she mattered
to you
Feel the throb well up
in my own heart
because I loved her
too
I want to know
I’m not alone
in this darkness they call
grief
This pain dammed up
inside of me
your tears give me
relief
I want to see you cry
see the tears in your eyes
and feel that it is
true
That when you trust me
with your tears
my tears become safe
too
The people walking in darkness
walking in depression
walking in anxiety
walking in grief
walking in fear
lost and alone
Have seen a great light
a great hope
a great peace
a great joy
a great love
a Saviour
On those living in the land of deep darkness
the land ravaged by famine
the land torn by war
the land shattered by injustice
the land numbed by affluence
a broken and hurting world
A light has dawned
a hope has dawned
a peace has dawned
a joy has dawned
a love has dawned
God is with us
This Christmas I had the opportunity to write the material for a Christmas Prayer Journey, which invited people to a time of private reflection and prayer while walking around a beautiful acreage. This Christmas season has been hard for me, as I am sure it has been for many of us. Writing the poetry and reflections accompanying this prayer walk was a helpful and healing process for me, and I have heard such encouraging words from those who have been able to participate. I hope that you can be blessed by it too.
I knew that it was coming,
I knew that it was time.
That Christmas brought both joy and pain,
Is yours a bit like mine?
Let me stand beside you,
Place your hand in mine.
The ache of grief can find its voice
Within this love divine.
You look so tired and troubled—
Life’s storm is raging wild;
But for this moment sit and rest.
Simply be my child.
These tears are not forever,
In me your fears are gone.
Behold, I’m making all things new,
And joy shall be your song.
If you’d like to create a Christmas Walk for yourself, or just read through the booklet, you are welcome to download a copy for yourself. I hope that it blesses you this Christmas season!
“Dying Church” is a mixed media art piece that I completed several months ago, using acrylic paint, sand, newspaper, and beads. It was created as a multi-staged painting, with each stage accompanied by a short poem.
out of nothing
everything
brilliant light
a voice
among the tombstones
new light shining
don’t fear the end—
even stars must die
blood oozes, dripping
dying embrace, reaching
even us
it is finished
dust rises
choking out the light
lost and empty, staring
into nothing
For those who are interested, I shared a bit more about the story behind “Dying Church” on my personal blog, Adventures of a Wayfarer.
I recently shared a new poem on my personal blog. “Be Still, Little One” is an invitation to slow down and be present in this moment that God has given us. I wrote it last week as a part of a one day personal retreat and poetry-writing day. I’m so thankful for all of my supporters on Patreon who helped that happen for me!
An article of mine was recently featured on the Canadian Mennonite Magazine’s blog. Originally written several years ago, I think that the article is just as applicable today, challenging us to think about what it means to be hospitable and see Jesus in the face of those we meet.
Tribal villages, kidnapped children, a desperate hunt for an illusive mythical creature. Welcome to the world of Captives, a collaborative storytelling project that I had the privilege to be a part of. Captives features the work of several talented authors, with each contributor writing about the same events, but from the perspective of a different protagonist. I wrote the story of Anwen, a spirited girl from the windswept cliffs of a coastal fishing village. Check out the website to read the whole story!
I am so excited to be launching my new website, leanewinger.com! My website focuses on my writing – fiction, poetry, and stageplays. Here on the blog portion of the site, you will be able to find excepts from my work as well as updates on my writing and noteworthy publications, reviews, etc. I will also occasionally share about some of my other artistic work, including visual arts, songwriting, and directing! Have a look around, and welcome!
