Tuesday, November 11, 2008

A Day to Remember

My sister has a blog called Wendalyn Loves to Write. Today I am taking my idea from her.

My great grandfather died at the battle of Vimy Ridge, so I never knew him. But he wrote faithfully to his family which has given me access to some parts of his character. The poem I want to share gives me the best part of all as it reveals his faith. Actually I am going to share two poems. The first is written by a soldier who is wondering 'is there a God who cares?' My great grandfather answers that question for him, in a second poem.

Is there a God Who Cares?

At the battle front where cannons roar,
Midst the screaming shells as they upward soar
Ere they reach the trench where our loved ones are,
Is there a God who cares?

The toll they gather as they burst and bite,
In dug-out and trench in the fading light,
Hearts sicken and groan at the awful sight,
Is there a God who cares?

On the virgin soil where man meets man,
With flashing steel till the red blood ran
And crimsoned the ground where both did stand,
Is there a God who cares?

The wearying pain as the eyes grow dim,
The loss of life, the loss of limb,
Is a world of anguish nothing to Him?
Is there a God who cares?

Are breaking hearts, the mother's tears,
The childrens' wails, the widows' fears,
The empty chair; the love of years,
Is there a God who cares?

by Corp. W. Wright

My great grandfather Pt. Frank Tamblyn answers:
Ah yes; God cares, He loves us every one,
To bless and save us He gave His only Son,
But man forgets God's will must be done,

There is a God who cares.
He sees the sparrows fall; He counts them one by one,
Knows every pain, and hears the dying groan,
Delights in Mercy through His beloved Son,
There is a God who cares.

In this mad strife, it's ours to trust and pray,
That right prevails and wrong be put away,
"Vengeance is mine" saith God, "I will repay",
There is a God who cares.

So now dear loved ones while I'm far away
In the clang of battle just watch and pray,
For peace to reign in God's own way,
For there is a God who cares.

Today I thank all those who have been willing to fight for our freedom and remember the sacrifices they and their families made.
Thank you.
Rhondi xo

13 comments:

  1. How wonderful! My grandfather wrote poetry too and it is precious to me. I love your grandfathers poem:>)

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  2. Oh Rhondi...

    What lovely poems.

    If you don't mind...I'm going to link this post to my Come to Jesus and Pray post today.

    ~Blessings,
    Jan

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  3. Rhondi,
    That is beautiful. You should get it to a military museum someplace. What a good day to reflect on our family who have served.
    Nancy

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  4. Your post today is outstanding. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  5. Dear Rhondi,
    What a precious gift you've been given, the legacy of a great-grandfather who believed in the Lord who loves and is merciful. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful poem.
    Holley

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  6. Hi Rhondi -
    Thank you so much for sharing from the legacy your grandfather left for you and your sister. You are so blessed to have had a grandfather who was a man of deep faith. What a treasure you have in his poem. It says so much about him.
    ~Adrienne~

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  7. Thanks so much for sharing that Rhondi, its really important to remember !!

    ~ Hugs ~ Cynthia

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  8. What a wonderful post. Thank you so much for sharing your grandfather's poem. What a perfect day to tell us about him. laurie

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  9. Wow! What a great poem! Your father sounds like he was a wonderful man. I'm so sorry you didn't get to know him. At least you have his words!

    Kady

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  10. Good morning Rhondi.... so true, and heartfelt post....

    You always have the nicest blog banner, and I love coming here.... have a great day my friend.

    cielo

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  11. Hi, Rhondi! Thanks so much for stopping by to see me...it has been a while for us both! ;o) Love your new banner and wallpaper--so pretty, and always your elegant taste. This post is especially moving, thank you for sharing it. May we always remember...((HUGS))

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  12. Hi Rhondi,
    Thanks for stopping by to see me and leaving comments. I loved your post about your great-grandfather and his poems. It brought tears to my eyes as I read it--we all experience those feelings in our lives at one time or another, and it was very moving to read something written from a previous generation. Thanks for sharing.

    Hugs, Rosemary

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  13. What a special way to know who your great grandfather was. The poems go so perfectly together.

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Hi
Thanks so very much for taking the time to leave a comment. I always read every one. I am glad you stopped by for a visit. Hope you'll come again!
Rhondi