Chris Woolnough

THE COURAGE TO COPE

In my lowest moment I sat down to cry,
In a field of heartache, just wanting to die.
I’ve lived through the war, but cannot find peace.
Going on will be harder than death’s sweet release.

Filled with great sorrow, confusion and doubt,
Suicide seemed to be my only way out.
Then before me a vision appeared in the night,
As the Lord spoke without words and showed me the light.

“I walked with you in combat; I stood by your side,
And watched through your eyes as your countrymen died.
Though you may suffer, there’s a reason you’re here,
As a messenger of God, your purpose is clear.

Often you will stand alone, with a foresight they can’t know,
And the war may seem to follow, everywhere you go.
These insights I give you will be a gift and a curse,
As the world that you live in will only get worse.”

He showed me the Earth filled with maggots galore,
And said, “Use your voice son to try and stop the next war.”
“Forgive me dear Father.” I begged in His name.
He replied “Take the wisdom that you’re not to blame

For the lives that you took, or were unable to save.”
Then the Son of our Father in His mercy forgave.
“For the rest of your days, you’ll carry the burden of war,
But I promise one day we’ll be together once more.

I will not pretend to offer false hope,
But through salvation you’ll find, the courage to cope.
And though misery and suffering may seem your reward,
Always remember my soldier, that you walk with the Lord.”