Rise Up

When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him. John 11:17-29 

Rise Up

The dark water seems all around

swallowing all hope and breath

sometimes we want to give into the pull

exhausted and let go to be enfolded forever.

There is also buoyancy built in us

a lifting gentle constant reminder

softly we can lay on the surface like a bed

and be rocked to sleep in the waves.

Some days and seasons we are overcome

the undertow is fierce and cruelly laughing

we fight so hard to stay barely afloat

night and day seem so much alike.

There is life after this storm too remember

you who would let the dying happen

you who would turn and way with shame

to blame the ones who did not cause it.

This storm will end and life's ocean always gives

love and life to those who are willing to wade in deep

to struggle in the tumult and the waves to cling

to the love of God in darkness and in light.