As writers and poets we aim to show rather than tell.
Describe and entice. Provide and hold back.
To reveal something and conceal another.
“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass” ~ Anton Chekhov
To stir emotions. Leave a lingering essence to savour.
Draw the reader in and leave them wanting more.
Make space for senses to fill in the gaps.
For imagination to take over and inspiration to remain.
Yet in living out our faith in Christ we need both ‘show and tell’.
Demonstrate His hand at work in our lives.
Reveal His character and our need of Him.
Make as clear as we can those things which we know and understand.
Admit to a cloud of unknowing where we give way for mystery. What is now concealed will one day be revealed.
Share our testimony and share His story ~ the best news of all cries out for voices to declare it.
Such thoughts were in my mind as I wrote the poem below.
‘Show and tell’
Let your life reveal your faith in Me
Show forth My goodness and grace
in your character and face
Tell your healing testimony
to encourage others, bring Me glory
Tell My people I love them dearly
and ache for them to see it clearly
No matter what sorrows they go through
I have power to make all things new
Tell out My greatness among the nations
Reveal My kindness, proclaim My worth
Offering salvation with new birth
Give them hope of making a brand new start
as I transform their mind and heart
My arms reach out, My hand is ready
to save, protect, restore and steady
Urge them now to yield and to Come
to listen and trust in Jesus, My Son
©JoyLenton2014
Linking here with Kate and other brave souls for #fiveminutefriday as we all write bold and free, share our stories and encourage one another. You are very welcome and warmly invited to join in.
Poetry Joy 
I love your poetry Joy! Your words are always beautiful, descriptive and impactful.
I especially like this, “Yet in living out our faith in Christ we need both ‘show and tell’.” So true. Thank you for your poetry. It’s easy to see Jesus in you 🙂
Thank you, Caryn! I am so pleased this has spoken to you, and I’m humbled by your kind encouragement. Bless you, friend. 🙂 x
Such beauty and truth in your words! I especially loved “My arms reach out, My hand is ready to save, protect, restore and steady”, reminding me that even when I am unsure and unsteady, our God is not. Blessed to have read your work today. Thank you!
Yes, it is such reassurance for us to know that “even when I am unsure or unsteady, our God is not.” I’m blessed by your visit, Tris. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Hi Joy! I love your poem, it just says everything that I would like to be too. You really have a way of expressing universal truth in your words.
And I really like that Anton Chekov quote. I never heard that before, and it makes a lot of sense.
Happy Monday!
Ceil
Hi Ceil. Thank you for your lovely comment. You really have a way of bringing a smile to my face each time you drop by! Happy Wednesday to you, my friend. 🙂 x