"Passing the Valley of Baca"

"a reflection after reading Psalm 84:11"

To live in this valley is to sorrow

where the poor knows no tomorrow.

Everyday seems like a burden

Their painful sigh, in torment dies

a slow death of despair.

 

When the sun shines so fiercely

Dries the land where a poor man toils.

Like beggars they crave

Begging for a cup of water

Selling their souls

for a piece of bread.

 

Passing the Valley of Baca

I hear the mourning throng

Their cries of anguish

cuts my heart and pierce

the center of my soul.

 

Passing the Valley of Baca

I remember your promise

that even in this valley

of poverty and strife

your hope will shine

like a morning light.

 

Passing the Valley of Baca

Let me lift my face

Let my heart be struck

with a new found faith

of your mercy unending

and faithful grace.

 

In compassion

let me share my power

to the needy,

the least of those

who are in bondage

of whatever "powers that be."

 

 

Amen.