i am, this egotistical self,Vain, vexed, and wanton;This idolatrous flaunt,Reckless, raucous, and rotten -How long shall the self striveTo put itself away?Each time the mind gives upTo flits of false display!The line between humility and prideIs almost invisible;The sinner and the broken manCan't almost part.I AM, Thou art O Merciful SaviorThe True Originator and Reason of all!Take this empty, vaunting selfAnd fill it with ThyselfConsuming its nothingnessWith Thy lig...
Soul & Spirit
"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Heb 4:12).There's a need for a division between soul and spirit in order to differentiate between the acts of human intellect and emotions and the revelation of the Spirit. Right action is that which follows the direction of the Spirit of God.Plato put the intellect over the hierarchy, but the limitations are evident; "man shall...
Welcome Speech: Graduation Ceremony 2009
Good morning everybody!We have assembled here this morning for an august occasion; to witness and participate in a grand celebration of a few bright, strong, vigorous, and promising men and women who finished a course, a race, and a learning episode. To some of us, this is a magnificent spectacle; to a few, it is intensely personal; because the laborer who brings home his wages knows the value of what he got by his sweat; and the laborers here are...
Tracings
Amidst these reeds of life's chaotic mazeMy aisle is dazed by my emotions.What worlds of intuitions arise out of fragmentsOf opinions we make of ourselves and of others!Lord, this morning I pray, hold together my paths,My passions, and desires within the contours of Your Grace!Enlighten my spirit, shield my heart, uplift my soul,In Your rejoicings alone! "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." (Ps. 119:1...
Protect Your Heart
Throw not a stone in the dirt,For it'll splatter back on your skirt.Wipe off the daily dust,And let not your iron rust.Do not let the despiser inside the gate;For his breath is a baited bait.Protect your heart with all precaution;For it alone first deserves your caution.(Proverbs 4:23)(c) Domenic Marbaniang, Oct 8, 2...
