Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Matchless (10/24/24)
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TITLE: Shadow’s Bones | Previous Challenge Entry
By Dave Mudford
10/29/24 -
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Recently I viewed some disturbing photos taken during the holocaust which occurred during World War 2. The pictures displayed piles of dead bodies in a room. You could tell they were half starved before they were killed. They were stacked quite neatly but somehow you could tell that it was done to fit more in than to show any kind of respect or care. It seemed to me just to be bones upon bones!
This horror and the scene captured by these vivid pictures should never be forgotten or ignored. In some ways I wish I could have turned abruptly away so the impact would not be so immense. However, compassion is demanding that I dwell on the images for a moment. A moment so my heart can be transformed and challenged, a moment so I can hear their voice and so their lives will not leave without me comprehending their stories. I have read of the amazing courage and love that was displayed in the midst of all this hate as the victims cared for each other. Stories of grace and forgiveness, of bravery in the face of death.
I wish I could say the events that occurred during this time are a matchless disgrace. Unfortunately, before and even today, mankind’s cruelty continues often without thought or remorse. Hidden by our indifference and comfort; left to meander on history’s pages somewhere in the back of our minds.
When God saw the pictures of what I have done I am glad he did not abruptly turn His gaze away. Instead, he allowed his heart to be moved in a way that inspired his matchless love and grace. We can learn a lot from the audacity of what he was prepared to do for us. The God beyond compare prepared to sacrifice all for love and intimacy. Showing love so deep and wide that it cannot be measured or fully understood – but it can be experienced!
So let us take another look, not just at the pictures of the holocaust but also of our Savior hanging on a cross. Let us dwell for a moment, for in that moment God may transform our hearts. In doing so our thoughts and actions may be challenged, inspired and changed. No longer settled, but compelled to have the compassion needed to care in ways - that are so much more than words! Prepared to have the courage to sacrifice ourselves for others.
SHADOW'S BONES
bones upon bones
arranged without remorse;
aligned by their hatred
dismissed by our indifference,
their story will not be silenced
by the death of flesh.
cruelty without equal
dignity abused amongst their ashes;
matchless courage they displayed,
death confronting every heart beat
for each breath they grapple,
shadow upon shadow.
starved of recognition
not just food and life;
beaten, raped and bruised
buried without a care,
hope’s carcass begins decay,
bones upon bones…
can you hear the whisper
coming from the darkest shadow;
love blooms amidst the hatred,
life screams despite the scars,
souls caring through the pain,
grit upon grit.
may we hear their story
may we heed the lessons
in the support we give today;
not silenced by our indifference
but strengthened in God’s grace,
compassion upon compassion.
learning mercy from our Saviour
as His flesh is nailed to the tree;
matchless love, standing above all noise,
audacity without compare
kindness shown through His boldness,
courage upon courage.
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