Monday 11 November 2013

A Singer's Lament

November 10, 2013

 A Singer's Lament

I thought I'd be more pleasing
to my God if I refrained
from singing songs more secular
that's how I have explained

my choice to never sing again
except about His Name
my ego never settled
and I've never been the same

I envy all the others
who are "old" but singing still
If I had kept on singing
would I not be "in His will?"

To sing of love and friendship
of rainbows and the rain
how could that be so sinful
when I quit what did I gain
 
"Brownie points in heaven"
I doubt I do have any
regrets that I don't sing at all
oh, yes, I do have many

The songs I sang were happy
and some were soulful...sad
and singing was a medicine
whenever I felt bad

Now it's too late...I had my chance
I gave it up...by choice
oh what a foolish thing I did
to throw away my voice

"Send in the Clowns" to cheer me
for "Here's That Rainy Day"
The sun won't come out "Tomorrow"
Nothing is coming "My Way"  

"It's my (pity)party"
If I want to I can cry
but I'd rather sing my songs again
and I'm asking God just why

I thought I'd be more "HOLY"
If I didn't sing anymore
Though I put away His Gift to me
I'm a sinner...just like before

It didn't make a difference
and I doubt it mattered at all
No "ministry" ever followed
there never has been a "CALL"

I miss being out performing
hearing laughter and seeing smiles
I might have been a blessing
and traveled many miles

If I'd kept singing and acting
and sharing a heart full of cheer
Oh, how I long for what's lost now
But it's lost forever...I fear

(Twenty years ago I was a Christian Radio host/interviewer...when I gave up my secular singing and acting career...thinking it was inappropriate to continue singing anything but inspirational/gospel music. I have since realized how I imposed on myself something God did require of me. This "Lament" is about the loss of the joy of singing and making people laugh)
  
 

Sunday 10 November 2013

It's Not about ME!

POEM FOR THE WEEK
 
"IT'S NOT ABOUT ME!"
 
Passed over by some
to some you're a "gem"
ignored by many
don't worry 'bout them
 
God who made you
knows your worth
if they can't see it
carry on with mirth
 
Keep smiling and singing
and dance a bit too
celebrate often
the Gifts HE gave you
 
Give them away
often as you can
for that is exactly
what's in His Plan
 
Every good gift
is meant to be shared
we're not to count up
how many have cared
 
What a relief
when I can see
It really is not
at all about ME
 
Like a circus dog
I performed in the ring
and looked for approval
my songs I'd sing
 
Waiting to hear
compliments and applause
I know I was driven
and I know the cause
 
It's time to relax
and simply "be"
now that I know
It's NOT about ME
 
(by Jana Lapel for the book "Under the Makeup It's Me!")
c November 8, 2013

Saturday 16 March 2013

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH ME NOW, LORD?

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH ME NOW, LORD?

What can you do with me now, Lord?
I threw my pearls before swine
What can you do with me now, Lord?
You hear when I murmur and whine

What can you do with me now, Lord?
I am old and I've wasted my times
I've sung all my songs for the worldly
Now I'm left with my empty rhymes

What can you do with me now, Lord?
Your gifts...my talents ill-used
My heart is broken, I'm all alone
The ones that I trusted abused

What can you do with me now, Lord?
The love of my life passed away
You blessed us together so richly
but it ended too soon on THAT DAY

What can you do with me now, Lord?
You called me to travel first class
But I took the path called MY WAY
And now...look what's come to pass

What can you do with me now, Lord?
I ignored what You'd planned for years
Are there any small pearls left inside me
Kept preserved by the salt in my tears?

What can you do with me now, Lord?
Is my vision too cloudy to see...
I want to believe there is something
Some reason for me to be

What can you do with me now, Lord?
Are there any more songs I can sing
I long just to be Your witness
and to soften the sorrow, the sting

What will you do with me now, Lord?
You're the ONE who rescues the lost
You offer Your Grace to the wretched
Gave Your Son to die for the cost

What have you done with me now, Lord?
...brought me back to the future again
from the bittersweet life I've been living
It's a new day...with YOU...I begin