The Endless Grip of Longing

Deep longing
Unfulfilled

Never goes away
It remains in the heart
Perhaps held at bay
Only to surface
On another dark day
The journey to wholeness
May seem endless
When you’re feeling hopeless
Lost and forgotten
Your dreams have escaped you
What now is your purpose?

Deep longing
Unfulfilled

Be gentle with yourself
When in its grip
Be kind
Take your time
And try to understand
This pain will guide you
To a new place and time
Where a light is hiding
Waiting to be found
It was placed in you at your birth
It is the expression
Of your beauty
Your gift
Your true worth

Deep longing
Unfulfilled

Grief and sorrow over what is lost
Must be honored first
Whatever the cost
The tide of emotions
Inevitable pain
Creates a void
Leaves a space
For something else
To take its place
Trust that the answers will come
Filling that space
That hole in your soul
Your Godself awaits
Joy and passion
Will find expression
Igniting the light
That’s been hiding within

Deep longing
Unfulfilled

Always remember
The emptiness inside
Make a vow right now
To never forget
Not to dwell
Or stay in the darkness
But to find compassion
And share your light
When others are held
In its endless grip

Deep longing
Unfulfilled

Comes full circle
Its purpose revealed
When Love is shared
Given away
This Gift of self
Dims the pain
Glowing heartspace
Returns to you
Sustained by Love’s everlasting embrace
Its promise yields

Deep longing...
Fulfilled

07/11/10
Copyright © 2010 by Charlene Burgess

"One thing I've learned, as a good friend once told me, 'God doesn't waste a hurt.' I don't believe God causes hurtful things to happen to us; in fact, I believe He's right there with us in our darkest hour crying as deeply as we are over our pain and suffering. I do believe God provides opportunities for us to find and receive His Love in the midst of our deepest sorrow. And He also brings us to healing solutions and discovering ways we can use our experience to help others." ~ C. Burgess

Someone to Hold

Truth be told
I long for someone to hold when the day is through
God has led me to you
I speak softly your name
Sweet and smooth on my lips
Will you remain?
The wind whispers…yes!
Come drink from the well of my love, my bliss

A gift from the heavens, bright star to call my own
God’s grace and forgiveness leading me home
Riches beyond measure are found in thee
Your soul is the treasure offered to me

The colors of your love
Like a rainbow rich and true
Invite me into your open arms
To forever be with you

With courage to be vulnerable once again
Trusting in you, I place my heart in your hands
Please handle with care
Gently and tenderly leading me where
The promise is captured
Heaven’s reward… oh, sweet rapture!

A love for all time flows like a stream
Over and under, around my being
Embracing my soul, washing away
The heartache and pain
With joy leading the way

You are my someone to hold while dreaming at night
You comfort, cajole, relieve my fright
Cooing like a dove
I’m safe and secure in the arms of love
And when I awake, you whisper at dawn
Gentle as a fawn

 O Gift Divine

Your light a stunning reflection
Beautiful as the moon
Resplendent as the sun
God lets me know you are The One

A thousand years and more
I am you and you are me
Seems we’ve been here before
That it was always meant to be

My sweet bird, my soul
You speak the language of we
I am ready to go, my love
Wherever you lead

In your arms I’ve dreamed an eternity away
Lived a lifetime I’ll never forget
You’ve always been there it seems
With a love that’s here to stay

You captured my heart, offered yours for free
That’s why I’m in this for all time, don’t you see?
You’ve gained my trust, taught me to be bold
Therefore I must be
Your someone to hold
Forever more


04/01/10
Copyright © 2010 by Charlene Burgess

Remember The Gift

As we begin this season of waiting to celebrate the birth of Jesus, I would like to offer a series of poems and reflections based on the weekly themes of Advent - the first theme being HOPE. The following poem was published in an Advent devotional booklet for my church this year which was written entirely by its members. I am pleased to share it with you here. I fully respect and honor the diversity of beliefs that make up our colorful world - a world that is filled with beautiful and unique individuals, all a part of God’s magnificent Creation. No matter what your beliefs, I think most will agree that there is a power which is greater than ourselves at work in the universe - a power grounded in a great love. My heart extends its warmest wishes to you during this season of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love!

Remember the Gift
Holy Spirit come, fill me with your love
wash over me, enlighten me, strengthen my belief in Thee
I need discipline to travel, this mystery of life to unravel
I vow to give my best, take time to nurture my faith
let it simmer while I wait
‘til Your guidance reveals which path to take

God of love and compassion
through my trials you have been my constant companion
but my patience is tested when it’s time for a rest
in my prayers I seek answers to my questions
You don’t always lead where I want to go
Your timing is not always mine
please give me the courage to believe what you know 

 

My Creator,

You gave me fire in my spirit

then said, don’t fear it!

be bold, be brave, share the love which I gave you

it is true, it is right

it’s your beauty, your passion, your own special light!

So, why must I wait, this flame to embrace?

Remember the Gift, the sweet Kiss of Love

Magical Child sent to earth from above

your soul to save from its own mistakes

His arms outstretched, ready to embrace

awaiting your surrender to God’s amazing grace!

The Gift accepted, my soul awakens

this waiting, this nurturing reveals the message

Peace, Love and Hope abide within each soul

the Gift cannot be denied

I must strive to be God’s Glow

a voice of Hope to a world in need of Love

11/21/10

Copyright © 2010 by Charlene Burgess