Spring 2011 Poetry Written by Survivors

I Am Starting Over

I am starting over—           
each day God’s mercies            
are new every morning.

These mercies that I receive each day
can be given to those
who pass my way.

I can start each day looking up            
at the Creator and Sustainer
Keeper of my life

and ask, “how may I serve today?”—

While waiting on instructions
from the Maker            
of all things

I receive a new and very interesting day
to share love, compassion,
hope- encouragement            
and let His light shine
through all encounters            
as I start out—                        
step by step and
person to person                        
spirit to spirit

It is a witness of this life
that has started out.                          
- Janice Moss

Affirmations

I courageously lean into my next step.
I must press on—            
to lean backwards
could cause defeat
or make no progress

I must            
be courageous and
greet each day            
leaning on God
Who gives me strength
and directs my paths and steps-

God’s grace—            
Grace goes before me,
preparing the way.

His Presence makes me a beacon
of love, light, and peace.
-Janice Moss    

I Am Starting Over

I’m starting over—  

No longer do I take control of my life-
my decisions-
my ins and my outs.  

I’m starting over—
Got a new lease on life.  

Realizing God’s hand
should have been
could have been
in control all the while.  

Yes, I’m starting over—
Giving up my reign on life
Turning it over to the Master
In complete sacrifice.  

Yes, Yes, I’m starting over.                          
- Andrea Brown Buford    

Affirmations

I surrender my will to Divine will.
My affirmation     
is also my confirmation,
letting me know that my decision
to release my control over to God        
is right.            

This is an affirmation
that I’ve dealt with for some years
and now that I’ve got my confirmation      
I will act on it, 
knowing God is pleased with my decision.       
-Andrea Brown Buford                    

I Am Starting Over

I’m starting over!
I’m so grateful for life.
I feel extremely blessed.
I have four beautiful children.
My parents are both alive and well.
My siblings are well.
I thank God for his grace and his mercy. 
And at the end of the day I desire PEACE!  

Some days I have barriers to overcome.
But I know with the grace of God
I can do all things
through Christ who strengthens me.  

I know that God
has not brought me this far to leave me!  

That’s why I love giving to a God
That gives me everything!                                                            
-Leslie McGraw