not the same God – v3

It started with Abraham

with the sons he bore in his old age;

but the paths were different,

not worshiping the same God

It started with Abraham

but departing from Isaac;

Ishmael’s children

not Chosen, not of the Promise

It started with Abraham

but diverging from Jesus

the Chosen People

not seeing the Son alive

It started with Abraham

but we are grafted through Jesus,

New shoots on the vine

those who believe in Christ

====

edited January 5, 2016

not the same God – v3

(editing version 2)

edited October 27, 2015

starting with Abraham – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/starting-with-abraham-v2.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/starting-with-abraham-v2_27.html

edited October 22, 2015

Running for their lives – v7

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/running-for-their-lives-v7.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/running-for-their-lives-v7_22.html

(editing original)

October 22, 2015

we must follow Jesus

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/we-must-follow-jesus.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/we-must-follow-jesus_22.html

October 22, 2015

find your way to help

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/find-your-way-to-help.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/find-your-way-to-help_22.html

October 22, 2015

those people need us

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/those-people-need-us.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/those-people-need-us_22.html

October 22, 2015

displaced in place

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/displaced-in-place.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/displaced-in-place_22.html

October 22, 2015

they want to work

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/they-want-to-work.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/they-want-to-work_22.html

October 21, 2015

do something – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/do-something-v2.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/do-something-v2_21.html

October 21, 2015

do something – v1

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/do-something-v1.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/do-something-v1_21.html

October 21, 2015

our hope is in Jesus

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/our-hope-is-in-jesus.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/our-hope-is-in-jesus_21.html

October 20, 2015

what can we offer - 2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/what-can-we-offer-2.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/what-can-we-offer-2_20.html

edited/ name change October 20, 2015

He loves us without condition

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/he-loves-us-without-condition-there-is.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/he-loves-us-without-condition.html

October 20, 2015

He loved without condition

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/he-loved-us-without-condition.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/he-loved-us-without-condition_20.html

October 20, 2015

after Christ washed their feet

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/after-christ-washed-their-feet.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/after-christ-washed-their-feet_20.html

edited October 19, 2015

to all – v3

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/to-all-v3.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/to-all-v3_19.html

(editing version 2)

October 18, 2015

Love’s strainer

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/loves-strainer.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/loves-strainer_18.html

October 18, 2015

Love’s Filter

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/loves-filter-seeing-our-world-through.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/loves-filter.html

edited October 17, 2015

to all – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/to-all-v2.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/to-all-v2_17.html

October 17, 2015

to all

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/to-all.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/to-all_17.html

October 17, 2015

He wants us to reach out

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/he-wants-us-to-reach-out.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/he-wants-us-to-reach-out_17.html

October 17, 2015

He gave us grace

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/he-gave-us-grace.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/he-gave-us-grace_17.html

October 17, 2015

may we offer grace

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/may-we-offer-grace.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/may-we-offer-grace_17.html

October 17, 2015

God loves us first

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/god-loves-us-first.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/god-loves-us-first_17.html

October 17, 2015

God loves them the same

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/god-loves-them-same.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/god-loves-them-same_17.html

October 17, 2015

seeking only to be safe

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/seeking-only-to-be-safe.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/seeking-only-to-be-safe_17.html

October 17, 2015

we must offer our love

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/we-must-offer-our-love.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/we-must-offer-our-love_17.html

October 17, 2015

they are just like us

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/they-are-just-like-us_17.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/they-are-just-like-us.html

October 17, 2015

we are so lucky

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/we-are-so-lucky.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/we-are-so-lucky_17.html

October 17, 2015

we have so much

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/we-have-so-much.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/we-have-so-much_17.html

October 17, 2015

leaving

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/leaving.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/leaving_17.html

October 17, 2015

these are the least of these

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/these-are-least-of-these.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/these-are-least-of-these_17.html

October 17, 2015

unable to return

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/unable-to-return.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/unable-to-return_17.html

October 17, 2015

our nation has a responsibility

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/our-nation-has-responsibility.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/our-nation-has-responsibility_17.html

October 17, 2015

Asylum Seekers

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/asylum-seekers.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/asylum-seekers_17.html

October 17, 2015

today far worse

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/today-far-worse.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/today-far-worse_17.html

October 17, 2015

a canary in the mine

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/a-canary-in-mine.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/a-canary-in-mine_17.html

edited October 12, 2015

The Boy in the Surf – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-boy-in-surf-v2.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-boy-in-surf-v2_12.html

October 6, 2015

The Boy in the Surf

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-boy-in-surf.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-boy-in-surf_6.html

September 27, 2015

not people picking blueberries

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/09/not-people-picking-blueberries.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/09/not-people-picking-blueberries_27.html

September 27, 2015

refugees not migrants

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/09/refugees-not-migrants_27.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/09/refugees-not-migrants.html

Matthew 25:31-46

John 13:34-35

and sermonette, thoughts

about the international refugee crisis

and our calling as Christians

Part 1 of 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vk0S7Qs29E

Part 2 of 2 (with 4 minute gap in between)

https://www.facebook.com/174161846023512/videos/vb.174161846023512/729754077130950/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbdP8gKY3t0

by Sally Drew

https://www.facebook.com/sally.drew.35

https://www.facebook.com/174161846023512/photos/a.176724582433905.31513.174161846023512/729658460473845/

(Sally has the real-world experience of running

a refugee camp in Singapore.)

Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stetson-Memorial-United-Methodist-Church/174161846023512

Patten, ME

September 27, 2015

&

edited October 9, 2015

Running for their lives – v6

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/running-for-their-lives-v6.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/running-for-their-lives-v6_9.html

(editing version 2)

edited October 9, 2015

Running for their lives – v5

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/running-for-their-lives-v5.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/running-for-their-lives-v5_9.html

(editing original)

edited October 9, 2015

Running for their lives – v4

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/running-for-their-lives-v4.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/running-for-their-lives-v4_9.html

(editing version 3)

edited October 9, 2015

not the same God – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/not-same-god-v2.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/not-same-god-v2_9.html

renamed October 8, 2015

starting with Abraham

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/starting-with-abraham.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/starting-with-abraham_8.html

October 8, 2015

not the same God

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/not-same-god.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/not-same-god_8.html

Matthew 25:31-46

John 13:34-35

and sermonette, thoughts

about the international refugee crisis

and our calling as Christians

Part 1 of 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vk0S7Qs29E

Part 2 of 2 (with 4 minute gap in between)

https://www.facebook.com/174161846023512/videos/vb.174161846023512/729754077130950/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbdP8gKY3t0

by Sally Drew

https://www.facebook.com/sally.drew.35

(Sally has the real-world experience of running

a refugee camp in Singapore.)

Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stetson-Memorial-United-Methodist-Church/174161846023512

Patten, ME

September 27, 2015

&

edited September 15, 2015

Running for their lives – v3

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/09/running-for-their-lives-v3.html

(merging edits to original and version 2)

edited September 13, 2015

Running for their lives – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/09/running-for-their-lives-v2.html

September 13, 2015

Running for their lives

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/09/running-for-their-lives.html

refugees not migrants

fleeing the war in Syria

prayer concern lifted and

drafted at the Aroostook Cluster Meeting

Mars Hill United Methodist Church

September 12, 2015

&

NPR Ombudsman article

“'Refugee' Or 'Migrant': How To Refer To Those Fleeing Home”

http://www.npr.org/sections/ombudsman/2015/08/21/433493813/refugee-or-migrant-how-to-refer-to-those-fleeing-home

by Elizabeth Jensen

http://www.npr.org/people/384352444/elizabeth-jensen

https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.jensen.102

August 21, 2015

All of my poems and photographs are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 40,660+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

In What We Share - v2

All of us are mindful,

or so should we be,

charitable and gracious

to our neighbor;

there is more in what we share

than the things

the small divisions

that keep of us apart

So much of faith

the core of our beliefs

the same across religions,

denominations and creeds;

The Creator, Sustainer,

the love of the deity

all of us believing

in the same oneness of God

=============

edited October 26, 2015

In What We Share – v2

January 28, 2010

In What We Share

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/01/in-what-we-share-reposted-with-expanded.html

conversation with Deacon David Shrader,

of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church,

http://www.catholicnh.org/directory/index.cfm?intType=2&id=72

Allenstown, NH

at Suncook United Methodist Church,

Suncook, NH

about the work of Karen Armstrong,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_Armstrong

looking at the common ground of

the monotheistic religions of

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 39,770+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Can Isaac share – v3

Can Isaac share with Ishmael

a part of the blessing;

The brothers still fighting

over their inheritance.

Abraham’s sons still dying

struggling for the land;

There is hope in a cease fire

but is peace really at hand.

Two sons of the father

of Father Abraham,

faithful, rewarded

the fruit of his seed.

Still fighting for his blessing

for the Promised Land

for an inheritance worthy

of the patriarchs.

====

edited September 15, 2015

Can Isaac share – v3

(editing original)

edited July 1, 2015

the battle foreordained – v5

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/07/the-battle-foreordained-v5.html

(editing version 2)

edited June 30, 2015

Innocent Blood – v7

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/06/innocent-blood-v7.html

(editing version 5)

edited October 23, 2014

“Innocent Blood – v6

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/10/innocent-blood-v6.html

(editing version 5)

edited February 16, 2015

the battle foreordained – v4

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-battle-foreordained-v4.html

(merging edits to version 2 and version 3)

edited December 3, 2014

the battle foreordained – v3

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-battle-foreordained-v3.html

(editing original again)

edited July 10, 2014

the battle foreordained – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-battle-foreordained-v2.html

post of child in rage about the Israeli’s bulldozing his home

in the Gaza Strip

7/10/2014

https://twitter.com/6f338c4fbda048a/status/487351252963958785

new poem June 8, 2014

the battle foreordained

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-battle-foreordained.html

Daniel 7

and Men’s Bible Study

Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stetson-Memorial-United-Methodist-Church/174161846023512

Patten, ME

June 8, 2014

&

edited March 16, 2014

“Innocent Blood – v5”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/03/innocent-blood-v5.html

(editing version 3)

Edited November 26, 2012

“Innocent Blood – v4”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/11/innocent-blood-v4.html

after rereading original inspiration for the poem

Edited November 23, 2012

“Innocent Blood – v3”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/11/innocent-blood-v3.html

November 23, 2012

“Innocent Blood – v2”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/11/innocent-blood-v2.html

after writing several poems on this topic

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/search/label/Gaza

&

November 23, 2012

Can Isaac share, can Ishmael forgive

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/11/can-isaac-share-can-ishmael-forgive.html

November 22, 2012

Can Ishmael forgive him – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/11/can-ishmael-forgive-him-v2.html

November 22, 2012

Can Isaac share – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/11/can-isaac-share-v2.html

November 22, 2012

Can Ishmael forgive him

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/11/can-ishmael-forgive-him.html

November 22, 2012

Can Isaac share

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/11/can-isaac-share.html

announcement of a cease fire

between Gaza (Hamas) and Israel

November 21, 2012

&

the tragedy of the fighting in Gaza and Israel

and the source of the conflict

in the division of Ishmael and Isaac

the sons of Abraham

&

original poem

January 14 and 15, 2009

“Innocent Blood”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2009/01/innocent-blood.html

Matthew 2:13-23

and words of Bishop Peter Weaver,

in his Partners in Ministry email

1/14/09,

“♦    THE TERRIBLE VIOLENCE IN THE GAZA STRIP is deeply disturbing.  Hundreds of innocent civilians, including children are being caught in the crossfire. Last week, after we celebrated Epiphany (Jan. 6, the magi visiting Bethlehem) I thought about the rest of Matthew 2 where Herod sets out to kill all the "innocents" under two and Mary, Joseph and Jesus head for Egypt....probably through Gaza!  Both the Palestinians and Israelis fear and react to violence from the other side and to a long history of threats and actions that are indelibly etched in their memories.  Tragically, every additional death and injustice etches new memories in new generations who will grow up with even more hatred and determination to "win", no matter what the means of terrorism or oppression. "An eye for an eye, leaves everyone blind"

       How can peace with justice be found?

       A Quaker saying, based in the Gospel, points the way.  "There can be no peace without reconciliation.  There can be no reconciliation without forgiveness.  There can be no forgiveness without giving up the hope of a better yesterday."  In other words, holding on to the deeply etched bitterness of the past prevents us from embracing a new future of peace.  Nations do it.  Families do it.  Churches do it.  Pray that we might all become peacemakers.  Pray for the land we call "holy."”

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 39,260+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the battle foreordained – v5

the pain in their eyes

the rage in their fists

clenched against the bulldozers

the cage of this place

the battle foreordained

from the very beginning

the birth of the people

and human frailty

a fatal flaw, falling upon them,

sins of that one father

the father of faithfulness

but with human feet of clay

the divide of his children,

one son and the other,

sealing the fate of Mankind

in this Holy Land.

=====

edited July 1, 2015

the battle foreordained – v5

(editing version 2)

edited June 30, 2015

Innocent Blood – v7

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/06/innocent-blood-v7.html

(editing version 5)

edited October 23, 2014

“Innocent Blood – v6

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/10/innocent-blood-v6.html

(editing version 5)

edited February 16, 2015

the battle foreordained – v4

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-battle-foreordained-v4.html

(merging edits to version 2 and version 3)

edited December 3, 2014

the battle foreordained – v3

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-battle-foreordained-v3.html

(editing original again)

edited July 10, 2014

the battle foreordained – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-battle-foreordained-v2.html

post of child in rage about the Israeli’s bulldozing his home

in the Gaza Strip

7/10/2014

https://twitter.com/6f338c4fbda048a/status/487351252963958785

new poem June 8, 2014

the battle foreordained

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-battle-foreordained.html

Daniel 7

and Men’s Bible Study

Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stetson-Memorial-United-Methodist-Church/174161846023512

Patten, ME

June 8, 2014

&

edited March 16, 2014

“Innocent Blood – v5”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/03/innocent-blood-v5.html

(editing version 3)

Edited November 26, 2012

“Innocent Blood – v4”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/11/innocent-blood-v4.html

after rereading original inspiration for the poem

Edited November 23, 2012

“Innocent Blood – v3”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/11/innocent-blood-v3.html

November 23, 2012

“Innocent Blood – v2”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/11/innocent-blood-v2.html

after writing several poems on this topic

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/search/label/Gaza

&

announcement of a cease fire

between Gaza (Hamas) and Israel

November 21, 2012

&

the tragedy of the fighting in Gaza and Israel

and the source of the conflict

in the division of Ishmael and Isaac

the sons of Abraham

&

original poem

January 14 and 15, 2009

“Innocent Blood”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2009/01/innocent-blood.html

Matthew 2:13-23

and words of Bishop Peter Weaver,

in his Partners in Ministry email

1/14/09,

“♦    THE TERRIBLE VIOLENCE IN THE GAZA STRIP is deeply disturbing.  Hundreds of innocent civilians, including children are being caught in the crossfire. Last week, after we celebrated Epiphany (Jan. 6, the magi visiting Bethlehem) I thought about the rest of Matthew 2 where Herod sets out to kill all the "innocents" under two and Mary, Joseph and Jesus head for Egypt....probably through Gaza!  Both the Palestinians and Israelis fear and react to violence from the other side and to a long history of threats and actions that are indelibly etched in their memories.  Tragically, every additional death and injustice etches new memories in new generations who will grow up with even more hatred and determination to "win", no matter what the means of terrorism or oppression. "An eye for an eye, leaves everyone blind"

       How can peace with justice be found?

       A Quaker saying, based in the Gospel, points the way.  "There can be no peace without reconciliation.  There can be no reconciliation without forgiveness.  There can be no forgiveness without giving up the hope of a better yesterday."  In other words, holding on to the deeply etched bitterness of the past prevents us from embracing a new future of peace.  Nations do it.  Families do it.  Churches do it.  Pray that we might all become peacemakers.  Pray for the land we call "holy."”

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 38,070+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Innocent Blood – v7

Father Abraham hear us

see what you have done,

what you have wrought;

he was found by God to be faithful,

but he loosed war within

That troubled land, torn and split apart

knowing war, strife, far too long

for four thousand years

for some escape through there, to a land

once of oppression, now of refuge

Once of hope, now of struggle,

back into that land, give and take

the struggle of the brothers,

of Ishmael and Isaac,

your sons, Father Abraham

Locked in bitter conflict

over their father’s inheritance

unresolved for all these centuries;

innocent blood shed; in the stories,

in the news, innocents in the cross-fire

Forever under threat, indiscriminate

rage and fury, power, authority, nations and people

land of the saints, of the martyrs, ancient, tribal;

never finding peace, on this earth

this land of synagogues and mosques

In that rich land of promise, of love,

yet brothers in bitter struggle;

innocent blood, spilled,

crying out from the ground

for God, for Allah

to you, Father Abraham

=====

edited June 30, 2015

Innocent Blood – v7

(editing version 5)

edited October 23, 2014

“Innocent Blood – v6

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/10/innocent-blood-v6.html

(editing version 5)

edited March 16, 2014

“Innocent Blood – v5”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/03/innocent-blood-v5.html

(editing version 3)

Edited November 26, 2012

“Innocent Blood – v4”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/11/innocent-blood-v4.html

after rereading original inspiration for the poem

Edited November 23, 2012

“Innocent Blood – v3”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/11/innocent-blood-v3.html

November 23, 2012

“Innocent Blood – v2”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/11/innocent-blood-v2.html

after writing several poems on this topic

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/search/label/Gaza

&

announcement of a cease fire

between Gaza (Hamas) and Israel

November 21, 2012

&

the tragedy of the fighting in Gaza and Israel

and the source of the conflict

in the division of Ishmael and Isaac

the sons of Abraham

&

original poem

January 14 and 15, 2009

“Innocent Blood”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2009/01/innocent-blood.html

Matthew 2:13-23

and words of Bishop Peter Weaver,

in his Partners in Ministry email

1/14/09,

“♦    THE TERRIBLE VIOLENCE IN THE GAZA STRIP is deeply disturbing.  Hundreds of innocent civilians, including children are being caught in the crossfire. Last week, after we celebrated Epiphany (Jan. 6, the magi visiting Bethlehem) I thought about the rest of Matthew 2 where Herod sets out to kill all the "innocents" under two and Mary, Joseph and Jesus head for Egypt....probably through Gaza!  Both the Palestinians and Israelis fear and react to violence from the other side and to a long history of threats and actions that are indelibly etched in their memories.  Tragically, every additional death and injustice etches new memories in new generations who will grow up with even more hatred and determination to "win", no matter what the means of terrorism or oppression. "An eye for an eye, leaves everyone blind"

       How can peace with justice be found?

       A Quaker saying, based in the Gospel, points the way.  "There can be no peace without reconciliation.  There can be no reconciliation without forgiveness.  There can be no forgiveness without giving up the hope of a better yesterday."  In other words, holding on to the deeply etched bitterness of the past prevents us from embracing a new future of peace.  Nations do it.  Families do it.  Churches do it.  Pray that we might all become peacemakers.  Pray for the land we call "holy."”

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 38,060+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

does it matter who started this – v2

stop, please stop, please listen,

even if only for a moment,

does it matter who started this

an eye for an eye

in the bible, ancient

a blight for all time

an eye for an eye

meant to be a limit

a measured response

to avoid this chaos

does it really matter in this moment

who started this

the carnage, the bloodshed

too many innocents lost

now is time to end this

for all our sakes;

Lord bring peace quickly

to Your holy space.

=====

edited June 24, 2015

does it matter who started this – v2

edited July 11, 2014

does it matter who started this

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/07/does-it-matter-who-started-this.html

edited July 11, 2014

fish in a barrel, fish with weapons

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/07/fish-in-barrel-fish-with-weapons.html

edited July 10, 2014

Israel’s Future

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/07/israels-future.html

post of child in rage about the Israeli’s bulldozing his home

in the Gaza Strip

7/10/2014

https://twitter.com/6f338c4fbda048a/status/487351252963958785

edited July 10, 2014

the battle foreordained – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-battle-foreordained-v2.html

new poem June 8, 2014

the battle foreordained

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-battle-foreordained.html

Daniel 7

and Men’s Bible Study

Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stetson-Memorial-United-Methodist-Church/174161846023512

Patten, ME

June 8, 2014

&

edited March 16, 2014

“Innocent Blood – v5”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/03/innocent-blood-v5.html

(editing version 3)

Edited November 26, 2012

“Innocent Blood – v4”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/11/innocent-blood-v4.html

after rereading original inspiration for the poem

Edited November 23, 2012

“Innocent Blood – v3”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/11/innocent-blood-v3.html

November 23, 2012

“Innocent Blood – v2”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/11/innocent-blood-v2.html

after writing several poems on this topic

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/search/label/Gaza

&

announcement of a cease fire

between Gaza (Hamas) and Israel

November 21, 2012

&

the tragedy of the fighting in Gaza and Israel

and the source of the conflict

in the division of Ishmael and Isaac

the sons of Abraham

&

original poem

January 14 and 15, 2009

“Innocent Blood”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2009/01/innocent-blood.html

Matthew 2:13-23

and words of Bishop Peter Weaver,

in his Partners in Ministry email

1/14/09,

“♦    THE TERRIBLE VIOLENCE IN THE GAZA STRIP is deeply disturbing.  Hundreds of innocent civilians, including children are being caught in the crossfire. Last week, after we celebrated Epiphany (Jan. 6, the magi visiting Bethlehem) I thought about the rest of Matthew 2 where Herod sets out to kill all the "innocents" under two and Mary, Joseph and Jesus head for Egypt....probably through Gaza!  Both the Palestinians and Israelis fear and react to violence from the other side and to a long history of threats and actions that are indelibly etched in their memories.  Tragically, every additional death and injustice etches new memories in new generations who will grow up with even more hatred and determination to "win", no matter what the means of terrorism or oppression. "An eye for an eye, leaves everyone blind"

       How can peace with justice be found?

       A Quaker saying, based in the Gospel, points the way.  "There can be no peace without reconciliation.  There can be no reconciliation without forgiveness.  There can be no forgiveness without giving up the hope of a better yesterday."  In other words, holding on to the deeply etched bitterness of the past prevents us from embracing a new future of peace.  Nations do it.  Families do it.  Churches do it.  Pray that we might all become peacemakers.  Pray for the land we call "holy."” 

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 38,020+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.