No Judgement

 I was once arrested. Yes, I actually committed and confessed to a crime. 

There were two felony charges against me and I was set on doing my time.

Facing 25 years in prison, I knew that was the end for me.

But as I lay there in the holding cell, God came and comforted me. 

“They never read you your rights, watch what I do for you!”

So with every arraignment, I was polite and well dressed too. 

I showed up in suits, and I listened to it all. 

(How confidently the prosecutors spoke, because they knew they’d see my fall.)

Yet, just before my trial, the judge sat angrily, mad at what was done!

He couldn’t believe that they were apologizing, as if my whole case was dumb. 

The state spoke, admitting things were not as though they made them seem to be. 

I wasn’t the man, just haphazardly shooting dogs in the street.

For in the depositions, they learned that the witnesses were also victims so they advocated for my release.

They were attacked by the dogs, and since the dogs were gone, the neighborhood had known peace. 

Though they were witnesses, none of their stories seemed to agree.

So the only thing the cops could say was that when they arrived, “The one holding the gun was me.”

The judge called me to the stand and looked me up and down.

I approached nervously because I could see his scolding frown.

Son, I’m not mad at you, but you have to promise me one thing?

The words he spoke next made my heart sing! 

I’ve sat and watched you this whole time, you’ve truly been well poised. 

You shown up every time well dressed and remained calm through all of the noise.

You’ve signed the papers so you’ll have to go through the probation… 

But I’m withholding your adjudication, so don’t let me catch you in my courtroom again. 

So I’ve learned, no matter what life may bring your way

Stand tall and be respectful, in spite of what others may say. 

Because we serve a Righteous Judge, and He judges us with Grace. 

He will be more than fair with us when we meet Him face to face. 

Another Flower 🌹 🌺🌸

 “Sometimes I reflect on days gone by, And I wonder why:”

It was a line written by a friend of mine. 

I initially thought “okay you little poet, that’s nice. ☺️ 

But, the helper in me began to question “Why?”

Why were they contemplating this and what brought this about?

And could I help them stand tall, releasing their every doubt?

For sometimes in life, we’re heavily misunderstood by others. 

We’re misused by friends, & abused by our fathers and mothers. 

The ones we confide in may sometimes be a little judgmental, 

And cause us great distress because their answers aren’t so gentle.

But, to my friend, and to those who ponder the same question.

Please rest assured, and remember to be patient with yourself. 

For when you are in need, there is always someone who can help.

I will share a little tidbit that may give you food for thought.

Flowers grow in dirt, (things that seem negative to us) mud, and in clay pots.

They bloom even in the dry seasons, (for us, when uplifting words are in drought).

Yes, those with beautiful souls, sadly don’t always see…

They’re also a beautiful flower, but they may be trying to grow in the wrong spot. 

The Death Of Segree 💔

 I sometimes cry when I see the pictures, but I’m glad to have them so.

For they are a bitter reminder of what happens when it’s hard for anyone to just say “No.” 

Although I am proud to be courteous, empathetic, and sincere. 

It was just last January, that death tried to reveal itself, and take me away from here. 

I suffered a “diffuse axonal injury” (my brain had been twisted a bit in my skull).

I honestly can’t remember the last time my mind was that tranquil. 

The doctors tried to force me to stop and take it easy to allow myself a chance to heal.

But I was a bit stubborn, because I didn’t yet know how to give structure to my zeal. 

Yes, I was raised in ministry. I was taught how to be selfless and live Godly. 

I gained the knowledge needed to help others, but what I lacked were protecting boundaries. 

So those I held close always came to me with their requests;

I was altruistic yet naive, never really giving myself a chance to rest.

While looking back over my life this past year, I look at these pictures with sadness. 

Because I know others walked over me, and I see that some did it with gladness. 

Because in their request for help, they expressed the matter’s urgency.

I was too empathic to realize that to them, utilizing me was just a matter of expediency. 

My life is different now; I left rehab with a mindset anew. 

With Discretion as my compass, I am only close to a few.

And though the others still bring me their problems, I can definitely understand their plight, 

But it may be a while before they realize, that “Segree” was laid to rest that night. 

 

Being gracious with myself

I love how everything in life I must go through, leads me back to Him,

Even in the midst of my trials, His grace and mercy causes me to break out in melodious hymns. 

Now that I have “awakened”, I see that He alone is truly righteous, loving, and fair.

And in His desire to help me, He works out my every care. 

I’m aware now more than ever, how forgiving He is to me. 

But I see how, in contrast, others use fear to try to enslave me. 

And yet, with a heart free of malice, envy, and strife

I will show everyone the mindset that will carry me through the rest of my life…

It matters not the form of manipulation, 

Nor the lies against me, that harms my reputation. 

It matters not who may secretly envy me, 

And seem to support me while they spread false speculations. 

It matters not who thinks they’re better than me, 

Nor those who try to control me through intimidation. 

For I see now, how much time it cost me

Trying to prove that I wasn’t the man in their projections. 

What matters is my heart! And how pure God has willed it to be.

It matters how I handle every trial,

(Waiting patiently for God to step in and make everything worthwhile). 

I have decided to live rightfully, being peaceable with all men.

For it has been 19 years since God called my name, and chose me to be His friend. 

I will walk humbly before Him, in submission to His will.

But boundaries must be made to protect myself against those that overtax me because of my skills. 

Yes I’ve been walked over, by some of the ones I’ve loved most. 

Because I was “green” & “naive”! I was altruistic to the utmost. 

I have learned how to be respectful, without taking on another’s responsibilities 

I understand that it’s okay to say “No” at times though I am known for my docility. 

Some may not like to hear that word from me, for I’ve simply said “Yes.” For so many years..

But I must protect myself from those, who disregard my limits and my tears. 

This feels so new to me, to actually think in this way…

To allow myself grace, self love ❤️, and peace of mind each day!

God’s Unending Mercy

 “For He knoweth our frame, He remembereth that we are dust.”

I have fallen in love with God’s Grace; all of His other benefits are a beautiful plus!

I stand on every promise, knowing He’s true to His Word. 

He will NEVER fail me! I patiently wait on Him, knowing my hope is never deferred!

He comforts me when I’m worried, letting me know everything will be okay.

He forgives me when I fail Him, though I may fail Him each and every day. 

He is not slack concerning His promise! He desires that my soul not be lost.

He paid the price for us all, when He hung His head on the cross. 

He allows me to come boldly and cast my every care upon Him.

He lifts every heavy load with ease, causing my heart to sing forth beautiful hymns.

He is more gracious to me than my fellow man!

He picks me up when I fall, He rescues me from the sinking sands.

He asks me speak to myself, and say that "I am strong." when I feel weak.

He renews His mercies for me every morning! He protects me throughout the week.

He is my God, my King, my Comforter, and my dearest Friend. 

He forever reminds me that He's here, and He'll continue guiding me even until the end! 

Integrity (Haiku)

 It matters not who

Lies to you, nor against you,

Just live uprightly! ✝️🙏🏾

The Awakening

Damaged on 01/‘25, yet so many questions were unanswered until 01/‘26.

My body, though traumatically broken, still harbors a will that doesn’t know how to quit.

I spoke to the one who rescued me. He was excited and happy to hear me doing so well again!

God’s grace (shown by the adrenaline rushing through him that night) allowed me to be pulled from my car before the flames began again.

I lay there on the cold ground, still, and wrapped like a baby boy.

He checked my pulse and breathing; though weak, his heart leaped for joy! 

“Man, we are connected by Spirit!… I’ll never forget your name!”

After an hour of listening to him recall the events of that fateful night, Mr. Mark, for me the sentiment is the same! 

Educated, well-versed, always optimistic, and seldom blue. 

Yet, as I was unbearably naive, I was overtaxed and overworked, yes, more than I knew! 

But now my eyes are beginning to open, and wisdom guides me in every decision. 

Discernment and discretion preserve me, they help me see through the manipulation!

So, as a son of God I walk tall, my life secured in His hands!

Just as that collision didn’t stop me! Doubt and worry doesn’t stand a chance! 

My future is still bright; and the healing process still continues!

For now, I know to rest in God’s love, embraced by His virtues!