Eric Nunnally• Show poetry

Previously known as Mandaean and Domo.

I have heard that one never knows when God is going to bestow a blessing. I wonder. If God is indeed faithful aren’t our blessings perpetual? And if it is true that the sun shines on both the righteous and the wicked, aren’t His blessings ever present?

Does our obedience enable us to better appreciate that which we receive?
Perhaps it is, as in the parable of the talents, not that we are blessed, but how we utilize those blessings. It reminds me of the saying that our blessings are God’s gift to us, but what we do with them is our gift to God.

Pleasant surprises – good things happening when you least expect them to – are wonderful little gems we sometimes find along our path in life. To be sure, we should be thankful for them – but even more, to be thankful for the mind that allows us to recognize them; for isn’t there a scripture that warns against casting pearls to swine? Thank God for those moments when you are not a pig! Because, truth be told, sometimes you are (smile)

For waking me up to your consciousness, thank you Lord. For the blessing of being able to see life through your eyes and hear your word, thank you. Though I am not perfect, I thank you for still knowing right from wrong – that you have given me a standard and a goal that is unwavering, solid, and true. Where I err, I will not excuse myself because I am imperfect, but hold myself accountable and responsible with the integrity modeled for me by my eldest brother, Emmanuel.

Let me not take your mercy for granted… ever; though you are a forgiving God, let me not misunderstand that to mean that I am exempt from justice or responsibility. Because you are an understanding God, let me not misunderstand that I am excused from growth, progress and maturation. I understand that Your love is not unconditional, contrary to popular belief, and that its reality is predicated on my choice – a gift of responsibility from You.

Let me never assume, because of the wealth of blessings I have received, that I am privileged and thereby above reproach or chastisement. Even Samson had to pay his price.

In my weakness and selfishness I have sinned against myself, desecrating this temple and polluting your temple. Cleanse me, I beseech thee. I have become an addict of lies, deception, and illusion. Clear my mind, Lord, and let me hear your voice of wisdom, truth and love.

May my decisions reflect my faith and that faith the commitment to a standard. The universe wasn’t designed haphazardly. The laws of physics are precise. So too must be my thinking, subscribing to real, not assumed value. Beauty must be defined by truth, not illusion. I will no longer be in awe of, impressed by, or seen emulating the deceivers, magicians, and counterfeiters. I know that if one lies with dogs, he gets up with fleas. I will choose my relationships carefully.

I thank you for another day to get it together. It’s hard as hell, but I believe it can and will be done.

In remembering the serenity prayer, let me understand the power in it – that it is not for me to accept all things – that there are things within my power to change and that I should always seek your wisdom before engaging in any battle. Broaden my mind like the camel’s foot which keeps it sinking in the sand, but not like the way to hell; I understand that discrimination is an essential quality in life – that everything is not meant to be consumed.

Let me always be an instrument of Your will, and I will continue to train and improve myself to be of greater service to You. I understand that, as I grow in You, others will see and be inspired and grow as well. I understand that I am not required to give for the sake of giving. You have taught that to give a man a fish is not as valuable as teaching a man to fish. Let me understand and practice the wisdom in giving discriminately: To each according to his ability, not his need.

Keep me strong in my relationship with You that the weak may pick up their mats and walk with you as well. Keep my mind on You such that the words I speak are Yours. Let me be a beacon for those who are lost, understanding that not everyone who is lost wishes to be found – and that some will even seek to destroy me for showing them the way, the truth and the light. Let me be a defender of justice and a protector of the disarmed. In my humility, let me recognize the potential in everyone without being deceived by the intentions of looters, murderers and destroyers – those who want something for nothing and more of it if it’s yours.

In praying for peace, let me remember that, if peace is wanted, one must prepare for war. I pray that those I care for, the society they live in, and the world at large, will learn to live within one’s means, learn the ways of love, and, once they have learned to truly love themselves, see themselves in everyone they meet.

I know that there is nothing more powerful than truth, that truth is love and love is You. Let the world bow before you, giving you the glory that is yours, beginning with me.

What am I when I have the capacity for reason but settle for excuses? What am I when I know what needs to be done, but take the road of the coward? What am I when the truth is right in front of my face, but I pretend not to see it? Dear Lord, when reason eludes me, grant me wisdom. When the way is clear, grant me courage. When I see, let me witness fully and truly.

You have blessed me with so much I do not deserve. In my comfort I have taken my blessings for granted. I have softened myself before the world, partaking of its iniquities with tolerance, betraying my values and your glory. I have prayed for strength to, while in the world, not be of it; but I have made exceptions and given in to my weakness.

Re-tool my mind for Your purpose. Guide my feet and chastise me lovingly. Beat me to death, if you have to. Just straighten me out (smile)

Amen.

- November 1999