MAN OF CLAY ~ MAN OF GLORY – STORY & ART PRINT by Joseph James
Looked into the mirror, this morning, I did,
Not sure what I saw, could it be me;
Some kind of clay, a shadowy thing,
Rose up from within and then covered me!
As I pondered, being somewhat perplexed,
I heard this voice, then turned my ear;
“My son,” He said, “this is not you,
But merely man’s covering, please don’t fear!”
“I formed you in perfection, in your mother’s womb,
And placed you in a body fashioned just for you;
I gave charge to others, to help guide you through,
To help you discover, all the treasures I hid in you!”
“But many were jealous, they wanted yours too,
They molded your clay to accomplish their dream;
They wanted My glory, they wanted your life,
To lift themselves up, to My place of esteem!”
“You have not yet become, that which you will,
Let Me rain on you, again and again;
I’ll freshen this rigid clay, with My love, so true,
And renew it again, to its original skin!”
“You are My child and if you will,
I’ll take your pain, and heal you again.
You’ll soar higher, on the wings of My love,
And I’ll show you the treasures, I’ve hidden within!”
“I’ve given all you need, yet this journey is long,
Don’t look to others, I’ve placed it within;
Take My hand and walk with Me,
I’ll show you some new things, as we begin!”
“Together we’ll bless others, and you will see,
Even those who’ve hurt you, including your friends;
It wasn’t for gain, you were placed in their hands,
But to extend mercy and a love that never ends!”
“Love without forgiveness, is no love at all,
Just as mercy without grace, can never finish this race;
So, walk in your freedom, using treasures within,
Sharing with others, helping them find their place!”
Looking into the mirror, this morning I did,
Not sure what I see, could it be me;
Gazing into my eyes, seeing His glory,
Then noticed, it was beaming through me!
In an instant and yet through the years,
His hands gently changing my inner space.
Gone are the scars, and healing’s replaced,
Even feel a freedom, to soar and to race!
All of those things, I thought were my own,
Even some friends, now fleeing away;
I found that their armor and their way of life,
At best only bound and hindered my way!
Looking again at this old ‘mirror on the wall’,
I wonder how my friends and others will find;
This hidden treasure, that’s deep in my heart,
Then look inside theirs, and not journey blind!
Oh, how I pray and how my soul longs,
That each precious soul will grasp this line;
To discover the jewels, nestled deep within,
And let Him reshape and free them to shine!
My Father’s the Master, I am the clay,
Lord, mold me and make me, do as You may;
To be a vessel of honor, one who carries Your Name,
To all who are lost and filled with dismay!
Let Your glory so shine, may Your Kingdom, now come,
Expose all the lies, let them fall to the ground;
Your ways are simple, Your wisdom is sure,
Your way is freedom, let this message resound!
Joseph James
12.24.2010
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