Even dirt
can take on the form
of diamond dust.

Any lie
can be well groomed
into the perfect cover story.

Many won’t be able to
decipher the difference.

But you know
when you are being
deliberately deceptive.

Sealed up
in a torture chamber.
Unable to crack.
Unshakable.
Undeniable brave.
The plan: endure to the end.
No matter what.

Should not live life
without trying.
The odds will be
stacked up against you.

The perfect life you want
will be anything but perfect.
Obstacles come and go.
Find your motivation.

Bury the drums in the sand.
Plant the guitar in the garden.
Drown the piano in the tank.
Toss the tambourine in the trash can.
Turn off the radio and the television.

Oh sing unto the Lord
a new song from your heart.
Sing with love and joy.

Retire those distracting instruments.
Forget those blasphemous pop songs
disguised as church music.
The world has been sleeping
comfortably in the church.

In his eyes,
he’s a good guy.
The problem is her.

In her eyes,
she’s a good gal.
The problem is him.

They cannot see eye to eye.
Their silly little insecurities
stands in the way.

Long before
I open my eyes
for the day,
I’m already
thinking about
events that have not
yet taken place.

It doesn’t dawn on me
that I’m already starting
my day off on the wrong foot.
Even after I’ve prayed,
my mind still diverts back
to where I left off.

Like vomit,
I want to spit you
out of my life.

I have been struggling with
anger and frustration
for a long time.

Just when I thought I was
over and done with it,
“here we go again”;
right back at it
with the temper tantrums.

Like a bad rash,
it just keeps flaring up.

My mind
complicates
even
the simplest thing.

I see your flaws
displayed on the outside
like a tattoo of regret.

You try so well
to cover up your imperfections.

I know what
ugly feels like too.

But more than anything,
I see your beauty
radiating from the inside
and it’s what really counts.

I deserve death
but God gives me life.

I am never alone,
for He is always with me.

When I mess up,
He reminds me to keep looking up.

Because He loves me,
I can face another day.