Concrete Expressions of God's Love

Having been brought up with a lot of brokenness,
Our family only said I love you over the phone or through a letter.
Mama had the most influence in my life.
Good memories of my tatang stopped 15 years ago.

Whenever I made overseas calls, tatang was never home.
About 11 months being separated, we never conversed.
Till I saw no need to ask for him to get on the phone,
And we became even more absent in each other's lives.

A recent heartbreak caused me to go down on my knees.
Life away from home has been really rough for me.
All I could do is pray to the mountains,
I need concrete expressions of Your love for me.

Tatang was grieving a close relative's death.
But what saddened me is news about his health which is failing.
I called home and amazingly heard tatang's voice in the background.
Once he heard it was I on the phone, he grabbed the receiver.

In a gruff voice, he said "Hi baby!"
I could not believe the change in his voice, tatang is aging.
We talked a little, but it was a good memory.
The Father's love, I could see.

He was grieving, I was lonely.
Though we did not talk about it, it was enough.
God used a significant man in my life to show me I mattered.
My father (in heaven and on earth) loves me.

God is the Faithful One

You said, “You are the answer to my prayers.”
I will take care of you.
You had no money, only had love to offer.
Your honesty won my heart.

We made plans for the future.
You gave me about a day a week.
An extra day was a treat.
My love grew as much as our dreams.

One day, you started giving less.
I asked for time, you said you’d work on it.
You fell many times, I was quick to forget.
Cu’z you said everything will be all right.

You hurt me. Little by little, you left me.
You promised you’d change.
'Guess you never meant a word.
Still the same mistake, I lost count.

Lies, secrets, lost time and accountability.
You hid from me like I was an angry mob.
I could have had some dignity left.
You could have just asked me to go away.

The Lord said "I will count your tears.
I will love you even when no one does."
I pray, "Give me, Lord, your heavenly strength."
Or I beg you, just make the pain go away."

The favors of the Lord are not exhausted, his mercies are not spent; They are renewed each morning, so great is his faithfulness. - La 3:22-23

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed. - Ps 34:19