This poem Praying for Relief was penned by Nancy Callaham on June 6, 2011. I'm sharing it here with her permission. It requires no explanation or commentary, and exhibits the strength of Nancy's continuing ministry shared with all of us.
God of the Sea,
Who meets us at the waters edge;
Rolling waves of pain come at us;
Tight tendons, sore muscles immobilize our bodies and make us stiff;
Upset stomachs, varying reactions foster discomfort and make us sick;
Heightened anxiety, nervous tension, give us unwanted stress;
Many people suffer from disease and illness,
We ask you to bring them relief at the waters edge;
You led Moses to water when the Israelites lips were parched and split;
You blessed people through Baptism with the healing water to cleanse;
You calmed the roaring sea for the disciples
With a command from Jesus for the wind to cease;
In the midst of a sea of raw emotion
You are mighty and full of compassion;
To those who live with pain,
We pray for relief to come at the waters edge;
The Rev. Nancy Callaham
June 6, 2011
June 6, 2011