Pexels via Canva Pro

Photo courtesy of Pexels via Canva Pro

Passed On

From One Tear to Another . . .

I stand at the edge of a watery reflection,
And close my eyes to the rhythmic sound.
The gentle lap of the river releases the tears,
And allows heartbreak’s sorrow to pound.

My escape has always been with the current,
Finding peace walking where the water does run.
But this day brings news so overwhelming,
Even in sanctuary the pardon does not come.

Time had frozen the moment she said it,
A mighty tower taken by quick sinking sand.
What was infallible now lies deserted,
A redeemed heart returned to God’s hand.

Some question how greatness is measured.
In the honor of man or God or both?
But I have seen what it looks like to find it.
I have felt the resolve that gives hope.

You gifted me resolution and mercy,
taught the example of loyalty and hard work.
You were kindness enveloped in silence,
Never a need for so many words.

With humility, grace, and respect,
You made Jesus more than just talk.
You loved while here with all you had,
You did as you said, you walked the walk.

Your actions spoke your intentions,
Your character shined for the world.
Your heart given in a moment of decision,
That changed the life of this young girl.

You could have passed on the ask and said no,
No one would have thought about it twice.
But you took the chance and gave it your all,
In order to change someone’s life.

Now I stand here praying I told you enough,
How your wisdom and words changed it all.
I would never have made it without you,
And your example when I would fall.

I can never repay what you gave me,
But your lessons with me I keep.
I can cherish the chance that you offered,
I can pass on hope to those like me.

Because life slips through our hands like this water,
But upstream we will find all is right.
I stand thankful steadfast for what time we had,
Until the day you return to my sight.

Life for Stock via freepik

Just a Thought

True story. Like most of my poems, this one also was born from a life experience that reached my core. The loss of my foster father in October of 2022 sent me barreling to my place of safety and peace, the comfort of water, which held the same beautiful combination of power and gentleness that he did.

As I stood staring as the river passed me by, I knew my grief was only transformed to hope with the knowing I had a chance to pass on what he gave me, through both my life and my words. I pray I do that every day.

My Favorite Heartbeats

Just for You

“The song is ended but the melody lingers on.”

Irving Berlin

VP GRAVATAR TWO 500

Shannon Leach is a slice-of-life encouragement writer and the owner of A Repurposed Heart and ARH Inspirations. Her authentic stories and books about leadership, life, and loving people focus on encouraging others and reminding them they are not alone. Her work can also be found in Guideposts and multiple Chicken Soup for the Soul books. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and is the co-founder of the nonprofit The Fostered Gift.

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Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.comThe “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

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