POEMS & THOuGHTS SHARING

"I got up early one morning
And rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish
That I didn't have time to pray.
Problems just tumbled about me,
And heavier came each task;
'Why doesn't God help me?' I wondered.
He answered, 'You didn't ask.'
I wanted to see joy and beauty
But the day toiled on gray and bleak
I wondered why God didn't show me
He said, 'But you didn't seek',
I tried to come into God's presence;
I used all my keys in the lock.
God gently and lovingly chided,
'My child, you didn't knock.'
I woke up early this morning,
And paused before entering the day;
I had so much to accomplish
That I had to take time to pray."
-Author Unknown, The Difference

https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/prayers/10-morning-prayers-to-use-daily.htm

Below is John Piper’s latest poem,

Teaching As Tender Rain
A Meditation on
Deuteronomy 32:2–3

Like gentle rain it falls,
Day after day, unbroken, soft,
Unlike the thrashing whip
Of myriad liquid buckshot, swung
At angles like an ax
Against the tender daffodils.
No thunder, lightning, nor
A change, or slightest swing of wind.
Straight down it falls, each drop
A perfect plumb from heaven’s hand,
As if infinite care
We’re being taken there, for how
It falls and where it lands,
Until the middle of the night.

Then silence, moist, and deep,
And steeping tiny roots in brown
Life-giving broth, and by
Some holy spell transforming soil
Into a blade of grass,
Into a blade of greenest green.
And in the cloudless day—
Who knows if from the finished rain,
Or is it dew?—bright drops
Distilling all the broad blue sky
Ten thousand times into
As many globes, and every one
Encompassing the Name,
And shining out the glory, and
The greatness of our God.

'In the Garden of Faith, Hope & Love"

'Twas The Night Jesus Came

'Twas the night Jesus came and all through the house,
not a person was praying, not one in the house.
The Bible was left on the shelf without care,
for no one thought Jesus would come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
not once ever kneeling or bowing their head.
And Mom in the rocking chair with baby on her lap,
was watching the Late Show as I took a nap.

When out of the east there rose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what's the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
tore open the shutters and lifted the sash.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but Angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
The light of His face made me cover my head,
it was Jesus returning just like He'd said.

And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.
In the Book of Life that in which he held in his hand,
was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as he searched for my name,
when He said "it is not here" I hung my head in shame.

The peoples who's names had been written with love,
He gathered to take to his Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound,
while all the others were left standing around.

I fell to my knees but it was too late,
I waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight,
Oh, if only I'd know that this was the night.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear
The coming of Jesus is now drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call,
We'll find out that the Bible was true after all...

By: Audrey Patricia Woolverton

THOUGHT PROVOKING - INSPIRATIONAL

In Biblical times, one of the gates in the wall around ancient Jerusalem was known as the “eye of a needle” because of its diminutive size. Easily passable by a man on foot, it was nearly impossible for anything larger to maneuver. For example, if a man would arrive at that gate with a pack animal, such as a camel, the entire load which the camel was carrying would have to be unloaded. Then the camel would have to get down on its knees and crawl through the tiny opening.

In Matthew 19:24 Jesus says, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.” But He doesn't say that it is impossible. Not only a rich man, but all of us, need to unburden ourselves (get rid of all those things which seem valuable and important to us—but are just cluttering up our lives) and get down on our knees (pray) before we can expect to enter God's kingdom.

It's not easy to relinquish our hold on worldly things (or their hold on us) and submit to God's will. Getting down on our knees, either literally or symbolically, is an act of submission which is more difficult for some than for others. But it is necessary for achieving the fullness of life in God's kingdom here on earth.

…..Dorothy Dale (willardanddorothy@frontiernet.net) by way of “Christian Voices” (chistianvoices@att.net)

Life

I love the gift of life,
Dear God, with all its
Beauty everywhere:
Blue skies,
White fluffy clouds,
Green trees,
Open meadows,
Beautiful flowers,
All creatures great 
  and small, 
Rocky mountains,
The restless, timeless sea--
But most of all
I love dear friends,
And if you will,
Please give to me
A greater love for you--
My dearest friend of all.

-- Dick Innes ©
More of Dick's printed poems, beautifully presented
(framed or unframed), are available for purchase on the
ACTS online store at http://tinyurl.com/392ak6

Every Moment

If God brings you to it,
He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God.

-- Unknown

I Asked for Strength

I asked for Strength
And God gave me Difficulties to make me strong.
I asked for Wisdom
And God gave me Problems to solve.
I asked for Prosperity
And God gave me Brain and Brawn to work.
I asked for Courage
And God gave me Danger to overcome.
I asked for Love
And God gave me Troubled People to help.
I asked for Favor
And God gave me Opportunities.
I got nothing I wanted.
But I received everything I needed.

-- Unknown

"EXCUSES"
Excuses, excuses, you'll hear them every day.
And the Devil he'll supply them, if the church you stay away.
When people come to know the Lord, the Devil always loses
So to keep them folks away from church, he offers them excuses.
In the summer it's too hot. And, in the winter, it's too cold.
In the spring time when the weather's just right,
you find some place else to go.
Well, it's up to the mountains or down to the beach
or to visit some old friend.
Or, to just stay home and kinda relax and hope that
some of the kin folks will start dropping in.
Well, the church benches are too hard. And, that choir sings way too loud.
Boy, you know how nervous you get when you're sitting in a great big crowd.
The doctor told you, "Now,
you better watch them crowds. They'll set you back."
But, you go to that old ball game because you say "it helps you to relax."
Well, a headache Sunday morning and a backache Sunday night.
But by worktime Monday morning, you're feeling quite alright.
While one of the children has a cold, "Pneumonia, do you suppose?"
Why the whole family had to stay home, just to blow that poor kid's nose.
Excuses, excuses, you'll hear them every day.
And the Devil he'll supply them if the church you stay away.
When people come to know the Lord, the Devil always loses
So to keep them folks away from church, he offers them excuses.
Well, the preacher he's too young. And, maybe he's too old.
The sermons they're not hard enough. And, maybe they're too bold.
His voice is much too quiet-like. Sometimes he gets too loud.
He needs to have more dignity. Or, else he's way too proud.
Well, the sermons they're too long. And, maybe they're too short.
He ought to preach the word with dignity instead of "stomp and snort."
Well, that preacher we've got must be "the world's most stuck up man."
Well, one of the lady's told me the other day,
"Well, he didn't even shake my hand."
Excuses, excuses, you'll hear them every day.
And the Devil he'll supply them if the church you stay away.
When people come to know the Lord, the Devil always loses
So to keep them folks away from church, he offers them excuses.
So to keep them folks away from church, he offers them excuses.
Well, the sermons they're too long. And, maybe they're too short.
He ought to preach the word with dignity instead of "stomp and snort."
Well, that preacher we've got must be "the world's most stuck up man."
Well, one of the lady's told me the other day,
"Well, he didn't even shake my hand."
Excuses, excuses, you'll hear them every day.
And the Devil he'll supply them if the church you stay away.
When people come to know the Lord, the Devil always loses
So to keep them folks away from church, he offers them excuses.
So to keep them folks away from church, he offers them excuses.
(The Kingsmen)

POEM
Looking For Jesus

I find my LORD in the Bible

Wherever I chance to look,

HE is the theme of the Bible

The center and heart of the Book;

HE is the Rose of Sharon,

HE is the Lily fair,

Wherever I open my Bible

The LORD of the Book is there.

HE, at the Book's beginning,

Gave to the earth its form,

HE is the Ark of shelter

Bearing the brunt of the storm,

The Burning Bush of the desert,

The budding of Aaron's Rod,

Wherever I look in the Bible

I see the Son of God.

The Ram upon Mt. Moriah,

The Ladder from earth to sky,

The Scarlet Cord in the window,

And the Serpent lifted high,

The Smitten Rock in the desert,

The Shepherd with staff and crook,

The face of my Lord I discover

Wherever I open the Book.

HE is the Seed of the Woman,

The Savior Virgin-born;

HE is the Son of David,

Whom men rejected with scorn,

HIS garments of grace and beauty

The stately Aaron deck,

Yet HE is the Priest forever,

For HE is Melchizedek.

LORD of eternal glory

Whom John, the Apostle saw;

Light of the Golden City,

Lamb without spot or flaw,

Bridegroom coming at midnight,

For whom the Virgins look.

Wherever I open my Bible,

I find my LORD in the Book
Author Unknown

Cheerful Giver
 
On one particular Sunday, the pastor was emphasizing the importance of everyone giving their tithes and offerings.  He went on to challenge the people to give enthusiastically because II Corinthians 9:7 says in it that "God loves a cheerful giver."
 
As the plate was passed a little boy in the second pew quickly slipped off his neck tie and placed it
Into the offering plate.

His mother, absolutely mortified, asked him what in the world he thought he was doing.
 
The boy replied, "The pastor said put your ties in the offering plate and do it joyfully. I love that man!"

…..Doc’s Daily Chuckle  (docsdailychuckle@associate.com) by way of “Christian Voices” (ChristianVoices@att.net)

. Life Is Mostly What We Make of It 

To those who see with loving eyes, life is beautiful.
To those who speak with tender voices, life is
peaceful. To those who help with gentle hands, life is
full. And to those who care with compassionate hearts,
life is good beyond all measure.

  -- Author Unknown

Overheard in an Orchard 

Said the Robin to the Sparrow:
"I should really like to know
Why these anxious human beings
Rush about and worry so?"

Said the Sparrow to the Robin:
"Friend, I think that it must be
That they have no Heavenly Father
Such as cares for you and me."

    -- Elizabeth Cheney

  

Reaching Upwards 

Like the trees of the forest,
may you find nourishment
in rain as well as sunshine;
Bend with the winds of misfortune
without breaking;
Give of yourself to others
to provide shade from
the blistering heat;
Grow old gracefully and not
become rigid or unbending;
And above all--
may you keep reaching upwards
towards heaven and to God.

  -- Dick Innes
    © Copyright

NOTE: Click on http://tinyurl.com/qj2u22d to see and
purchase an 8" x 10" high quality printed copy.

"I Heard Him"

I heard the great Creator's voice speak softly in the breeze. 
I heard HIm when He rustled all the branches in the trees.

I heard Him in the patter of a cool, refreshing shower, 
And in the mighty river's boom I heard Him speak with power.

I heard Him in the chatter of a squirrel all dressed in fur, 
And in the sweet contentment of a fuzzy kitten's purr.

I heard Him in the cricket's chirp one starry summer night, 
And when the saucy rooster crowed announcing morning's light.

I heard Him in a waterfall and in a singing creek, 
And in the whisper of the pines, I'm sure I heard Him speak.

I felt the great Creator near in all His wondrous ways 
And then I paused to bow my head in gratitude and praise.

~Eleanor Lyons Culver~

Christmas
Christmas is sharing your gifts, not purchasing gifts;
It's not wrapping presents, its being present
and wrapping your arms around the ones you love;
It's not getting Christmas cards out on time,
It's sending any card, anytime, at the right time;
It's not having the biggest and best Christmas light
display,
It's displaying the Christ light that comes from your
heart;
It's not Santa coming down the chimney,
It's Jesus coming down from heaven,
and giving us the gift of eternal life."

- Anonymous

Shaping Down Here ... 

His grief was multiplied by the sudden death of his
precious wife. The only thing he had left was his
faith, and it was weakening.

One day he was combing the neighborhood looking for
work. He stopped to watch some men who were doing the
stonework on a church building. One of those men was
skillfully chiseling a triangular piece of rock. Not
seeing a spot where it would fit, he asked, "Where are
you going to put that?"

The man pointed toward the top of the building and
said. "See that little opening up there near the
spire? That's where it goes. I'm shaping it down here
so it will fit up there.

Tears filled this good man's eyes as he walked away.
"Shaping it down here so it will fit up there" gave
new meaning in his difficult situation.

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

On a starry night long ago
Was born to the world a Savior –
The Beloved Child of God –
On whom God showed His favor.

A new tradition was also born –
To celebrate this Blessed Christ Child,
By sharing the story with everyone
Of the love that made God smile.

Generations have continued the tradition,
With friends and family far and near.
Even random acts of kindness
Can spread a little Christmas cheer.

Amidst the joy and happiness
Might come an urge to shed a tear,
Especially when circumstances
Make for a difficult year.

Experiencing the loss of a loved one –
Whether expected or unforeseen –
Can cast shadows on celebrations –
No matter how joyful the scene.

That's when God sends special angels
To remind us of memories gone by.
Cherish your happy times together,
And know that it's okay to cry.

Christmas is the season of giving
And spreading love all around,
And that Bright Star also sends peace,
While reminding that hope can be found.

So, as 2015 comes to an end,
Hold close to each work of God's art –
And take comfort in each memory –
For they'll always be in your heart.
 
…..Copyright 2013 Jan Humphrey (Permission is granted to send this to others, with attribution, but not for commercial purposes.) by way of “Christian Voices” (christianvoices@att.net)

Alabama Judge

Some of you may be wondering what Judge Roy Moore has
been doing since he was removed from the bench for
refusing to remove the Ten Commandments from his
courtroom wall. Please read the poem he wrote. 

The following is a poem written by Judge Roy Moore from
Alabama. Judge Moore was sued by the ACLU for
displaying the Ten Commandments in his courtroom foyer.
He has been stripped of his judgeship and now they are
trying to strip his right to practice law in Alabama!
The judge's poem sums it up quite well.

America? the beautiful,
or so you used to be.
Land of the Pilgrims' pride;
I'm glad they'll never see.

Babies piled in dumpster's,
Abortion on demand,
Oh, sweet land of liberty;
your house is on the sand.

Our children wander aimlessly
poisoned by cocaine
choosing to indulge their lusts,
when God has said abstain.

From sea to shining sea,
our Nation turns away
From the teaching of God's love
and a need to always pray.

We've kept God in our
temples, how callous we have grown.
When earth is but His footstool,
and Heaven is His throne.

We've voted in a government
that's rotting at the core,
Appointing Godless Judges;
who throw reason out the door.

Too soft to place a killer
in a well deserved tomb,
But brave enough to kill a baby
before he leaves the womb.

You think that God's not
angry, that our land's a moral slum?
How much longer will He wait
before His judgment comes?

How are we to face our God,
from Whom we cannot hide?
What then is left for us to do,
but stem this evil tide?

If we who are His children,
will humbly turn and pray;
Seek His holy face
and mend our evil way.

Then God will hear from Heaven;
and forgive us of our sins,
He'll heal our sickly land
and those who live within.

But, America the Beautiful,
If you don't--then you will see,
A sad but Holy God
withdraw His hand from Thee. 

  - Judge Roy Moore

A Poem from my friend June, 


 "There were ninety and nine that safely
lay in the shelter of the fold,
But one was out on the hills away,
Far from the gates of gold,
Away on the mountains wild and bare,
Away from the tender Shepherd's care.
 
Lord, Thou hast here Thy ninety and nine,
Are they not enough for Thee?
But the Shepherd made answer, 'This of
mine has wandered away from Me,'
And although the road be rough and steep,
I go to the desert to find My sheep.
 
But none of the ransomed ever knew
How deep were the waters crossed,
Nor how dark was the night that the
Lord passed through
'Ere He found His sheep that was lost
Out in the desert He heard its cry
Sick and helpless and ready to die.
 
Lord whence are those blood drops all the way,
That mark out the mountain's track
They were shed for one who had gone
astray 'ere the Shepherd could bring Him back,
Lord whence are Thy hands so rent and torn?
They're pierced tonight by many a thorn.
 
But all through the mountains thunder riven,
And up from the rocky steep.
There arose a glad cry to the gate of heaven,
'Rejoice I have found my sheep!'
And the angels echoed around the throne,
'Rejoice for the Lord brings back His own."

A Crabby Old Woman
 
When an old lady died in the geriatric ward of a small hospital near Dundee, Scotland, it was felt that she had nothing left of any value. Later, when the nurses were going through her meager possessions, they found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital. One nurse took her copy to Ireland. The old lady's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas edition of the News Magazine of the North Ireland Association for Mental Health.
 
... And now this little old Scottish lady, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this simple, yet eloquent, poem traveling the world by Internet. Goes to show that we all leave "SOME footprints in time".....
 
An Old Lady's Poem

What do you see, nurses, what do you see?
What are you thinking when you're looking at me?
A crabby old woman, not very wise,
Uncertain of habit, with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles her food and makes no reply
When you say in a loud voice, "I do wish you'd try!"
Who seems not to notice the things that you do,
And forever is losing a stocking or shoe.....
Who, resisting or not, lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding, the long day to fill....
Is that what you're thinking? Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse; you're not looking at me.

I'll tell you who I am as I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of ten ...with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters, who love one another.
A young girl of sixteen, with wings on her feet,
Dreaming that soon now a lover she'll meet.
A bride soon at twenty -- my heart gives a leap,
Remembering the vows that I promised to keep.
At twenty-five now, I have young of my own,
Who need me to guide and a secure happy home.
A woman of thirty, my young now grown fast,
Bound to each other with ties that should last.
At forty, my young sons have grown and are gone,
But my man's beside me to see I don't mourn.
At fifty once more, babies play round my knee,
Again we know children, my loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead;
I look at the future, I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing young of their own,
And I think of the years and the love that I've known.

I'm now an old woman ...and nature is cruel;
'Tis jest to make old age look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles, grace and vigor depart,
There is now a stone where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass a young girl still dwells,
And now and again my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys, I remember the pain,
And I'm loving and living life over again.
I think of the years ....all too few, gone too fast,
And accept the stark fact that nothing can last.

So open your eyes, nurses, open and see,
...Not a crabby old woman; look closer ...see ME!!

 
Remember this poem when you next meet an old person who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within....... We will one day be there, too!
 
…..Anonymous by way of “Christian Voices” (ChristianVoices@att.net)


If I Go Before You
 
If I go before you
Please don't be sad
If I'm not by your side
Please don't hide away
 
Think of the beautiful memories that we have gone through
At that time I'm with you
Intimately under the blue sky
When our love become one
 
If you go before me
Will I have to live unhappy?
If you are not by my side
Will I be disappointed?
 
I believe you are always by my side
Even I can't feel you physically
Wherever you are
My love will never fail
 
Under the Casuarina tree engraved my love for you
The moon smile and shining
The softly falling leaves drop on your hair
Welcoming the beautiful surrounding
 
Below the moonlighting my promises was made
If I go before you
If I go before you
I will be waiting for you at the heaven's gate

…..http://mylee-may.blogspot.com/2008/04/if-i-go-before-you.html by way of “Christian Voices” (ChristianVoices@att.net)

Should You Go First

Should you go first and I remain,
To walk the road alone,
I'll live in memory's garden, dear,
With happy days we've known.

In Spring I'll wait for roses red,
When fades the lilac blue,
In early Fall when brown leaves call
I'll catch a glimpse of you.

Should you go first and I remain,
For battles to be fought,
Each thing you've touched along the way
Will be a hallowed spot.

I'll hear your voice, I'll see your smile,
Though blindly I may grope,
The memory of your helping hand
Will buoy me on with hope.

Should you go first and I remain,
To finish with the scroll,
No length'ning shadows shall creep in
To make this life seem droll.


We've known so much of happiness,
We've had our cup of joy,
And memory is one gift of God
That death cannot destroy.

Should you go first and I remain,
One thing I'd have you do:
Walk slowly down that long, lone path,
For soon I'll follow you.

I'll want to know each step you take
That I may walk the same,
For some day down that lonely road
You'll hear me call your name.

…..Albert Kennedy "Rosey" Rowswell by way of “Christian Voices” (ChristianVoices@att.net)


(The following was received just this past week – great timing!)
 
Don’t Put Old Folks Out to Pasture
 
Aged and unproductive farm animals were often “put out to pasture” when their days of usefulness ended.  They no longer had responsibilities but just grazed on the land becoming receivers rather than being givers.

One of the greatest needs of Christian senior adults is to have a purpose for living. Many of these saints still desire to be used by, and for, God.  Their various skills, talents, gifts, and abilities can make immense contributions which benefit the entire Body of Christ.  Age is on their side, too, since they bring experience, maturity, and wisdom to any situation.

A practical way seniors can be useful is to volunteer their services possibly eliminating some expenses in the church budget.  Depending on the needs of individual congregations and the expertise of members, avenues of ministry might include:
 
·         Answering  the telephone and performing other secretarial duties at the church
·         Maintaining the grounds and building
·         Preparing meals for church functions
·         Attending the nursery during worship services, Mother’s Day Out programs, Vacation Bible School, and other events held at the church
·         Conducting Bible studies and conferences
·         Serving as wedding consultant and/or coordinator
·         Playing musical instruments or offering vocal renditions
·         Facilitating various support groups
·         Helping in the church library
·         Coaching recreational and sports leagues
·         Mentoring children, teens, and younger adults
·         Assisting with food pantry and clothes closet ministries
·         Volunteering for media ministries—writing newsletters, monitoring the sound system, photographing new members and church events
·         Offering information technology (IT) assistance
·         Providing bereavement ministry
·         Visiting members who are homebound; hospitalized; or residing in nursing facilities, assisted-living centers, and prisons
 
Serving in the church also affords senior adults an opportunity to socialize with others, thereby lessening the likelihood of loneliness and depression.  Establishing a telephone prayer ministry to contact those who live alone could prove valuable in exhibiting love, bearing one another’s burdens, and preventing isolation.

Personalities among the elderly differ.  While certain people might eagerly offer their services without being asked, the nominating committee could consider additional members and ask them to assist in areas of need.  With a little nudge and encouragement to let them know they are wanted, others can likely be brought into the ranks of service.   

God used some of the biblical characters well past their prime in life!  Isaac was born to elderly parents with Sarah being 90 years old and Abraham 100 at the time of his birth.
Adam fathered Seth when he was 130.  Although God didn’t allow Moses himself to enter the Promised Land, he was 80 at the beginning of his trek through the wilderness and 120 when the Children of Israel reached their destination.  The Bible says Moses was strong and had good eyesight even at that ripe old age.  Caleb was sent out as a spy when he was 40; yet, at 85, he testified he had as much strength as he had had forty-five years earlier.  Anna, a prophetess and widow of about 84, served God with “fastings and prayers” in the temple day and night.  

Age is not a hindrance in the hand of God to use seniors surrendered to His will.  God, Whose years are endless, equips His servants to accomplish His Kingdom’s work.  Therefore, may the Church of Jesus Christ never be guilty of shelving seasoned saints or “putting them out to pasture!”
                   
“Serve the Lord with gladness…We are His people and the sheep of His pasture”
(Psalm 100: 2-3, NKJV)
 
…..Dr. Pat Otwell (patotwell@hotmail.com) by way of “Christian Voices” (ChristianVoices@att.net)  Dr. Otwell is the author of Guide to Ministering to Alzheimer’s Patients and Their Families published by Taylor & Francis in 2008.

. The Little Things 

  by Mary Dawson Hughes

  It really is the little things 
  That mean the most of all... 
  The "let me help you with that" things 
  That may seem very small. 
  The "I'll be glad to do it" things 
  That make your cares much lighter, 
  The "laugh with me, it's funny" things 
  That make your outlook brighter... 

  The "never mind the trouble" things, 
  The "yes, I understand," 
  The interest and encouragement 
  In everything you've planned. 
  It really is the little things, 
  The friendly word or smile, 
  That add such happiness to life 
  And make it more worthwhile. 

  Source: Inspiration Peak at: 
    http://www.inspirationpeak.com/

LIGHT & JOY
Risk
Poet: William Arthur Ward

To laugh is to risk appearing a fool,
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out to another is to risk involvement,
To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.
To place your ideas and dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss
To love is to risk not being loved in return,
To hope is to risk despair,
To try is to risk failure.

But risks must be taken because
the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
The person who risks nothing,
does nothing, has nothing, is nothing.
He may avoid suffering and sorrow,
But he cannot learn, feel, change, grow or live.
Chained by his servitude he is a slave
who has forfeited all freedom.
Only a person who risks is free.