Life is hard but community strengthens

Here I write a sort of acrostic poem on the difficulty of work, the disappointments that we can experience in life, and, yet - the beauty in the struggle and the sustaining force of the hope that manifests from being in community - Genuine, authentic, real people-groups - wherein you can be seen, heard and lifted and so, in turn, can lift others through the simple acts of seeing, hearing, and holding each others burdens in the silence of being with each other...

Isn't it funny?

Isn't it funny...

My desires are like a candle on a birthday cake. Celebration! Yippee! You're alive - teeming with life, oozing with potential and beautifully lit, dazzling those that observe with the height and density of your flame. Maybe the hopes and dreams you have will come true - keep the flame shining strong, that'll do. Until, suddenly, someone blows your flame out, their wish, more pressing than yours... or, perhaps, your wax melts fast away and your wick is wetted by self doubt and burn out.

Sometimes life is bright, like the sun caressing rippling water on a lake somewhere nice, with mallard ducks, with geese and old Tom gaily rowing his boat gently along.

Too often, life is bright, but with heaps of sweat dripping down your back

Running down as you chase after those moments of tranquil scenery and

Upward motion toward those life goals you may have set.

Got to keep going.

Giving up is not the British way - stiff upper lip Young Jim! Stand tall young sally!

Lift your face out of the sand and carry on kids! Don't you know that...

If you persist, you build character... or a

Negative view of the world slaps. Yes, Slaps! Maybe worse - SMACKS - you in your determined, seemingly strong, yet naive face.

Get some friends around you dear friend... For to stay struggling alone is to accept defeat.

Share your burdens with each other, learn from me and from another.

Life is meant for you and me to live and thrive in community.

Author: Mark Dowling