A number of years back, during a time of worship and sharing around our living room with a gathering of the saints, we noticed our teenage son, Evan, off in a corner intently writing in a notebook. We weren’t quite sure what he was up to, but he was certainly focused on whatever it was, and it wasn’t a distraction in the relaxed family atmosphere of the gathering. Near the end of our time together, he very simply asked if he could share something. He proceeded to read a poem he had just composed. That poem is what I’m sharing in this post.
Not only do I think you will be wonderfully blessed by this poem, as we were, I share it also as an encouragement and example of what the Lord will do when He is given the “reins” of our gatherings, and each person is free to contribute their unique gifts for the edification of the body… even our teenagers/children! May we recapture this way of meeting under Christ’s headship once again!
Enjoy!
~ ~ ~“The Image We Bear”
by Evan BoltonNothing but this single stone on which to stand
As I look out upon this dry and broken land
But clothed in nakedness, I feel nothing but the eyes on me
Nothing but the broken shards of the image we were created to be
The life you intended, abandonness, beauty, love and trust
Have been taken captive by, drunkenness, hate, violence and lust
The waves that once lapped upon the distant shores
Are ripped and torn from memories of battle and wars
But what is this? Is this beauty in disguise?
This glimmer that appears in the distant skies
The moon, the stars, and the song they sing
The hope, the peace, the love you bring
Yet all who live are beaten and battered
The image we bear all but shattered
But what is that feature that sits in flight?
Its beating wings all painted white
What is this thing, this gentle bird?
Being chased by a barbaric hoard
Yet it continues to fly without any care
With all the land burned and bare
Except for one splintered tree
Broken and twisted into a simple T
The dove finds it the perfect place on which to sit
And right then something pulled the demonic bit
The dark hoard scattered and flew
For through the dove all was made new
What is this, this mended mirror?
And what is the image that reappears?
~ ~ ~
Please see, Poems of Evan Bolton, for more poems that Evan wrote while in his late teens and early twenties. I think you will be richly blessed!
Related:
Holding Fast to the Head
The Headship of Christ in the Gathering of the Church
The Church Gathering Simply in the Name of Christ and Under His Headship – A Historical Account by C.H. Mackintosh
Christ-Centered Christianity 
I think this is quite magnificent for a number of reasons: the remarkable gifts given to Evan, his commitment to Jesus, the spontaneity of it all, the acceptance and participation of children and youth as ‘the church of the present’ and not some vague ‘church of the future,’ the reflection of what has been built into Evan’s life by his parents, siblings (?) and fellow-believers over years, and a revelation of the glory and grace of the Lord…
All I can say is WOW! This is the potential of Christ-controlled, organic fellowship groups all over the world.
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This is quite beautiful.
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David, thanks for sharing. The intertwining of the truth of the gospel, the ministry of the Spirit at that meeting, and Evan’s gifting (from Jesus) is beautiful.
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ERROLL – Thank you for your encouraging comment and the things you expressed! It is a blessing when the church begins to function naturally under Christ’s headship and the latent gifts in the body begin to be stirred and come out. There is a richness and fullness that cannot be compared! I’m glad that this is your experience in South Africa as well. Blessings!
CHERYL at breadforthebride – Thank you, my sister! As one who writes beautiful prophetic poetry, yourself, I’m glad this was a blessing to you! Cheers!
TRAVIS – Thank you for your comment and the three aspects you mentioned. I think you summed it up perfectly as to why this blesses me as well! Good to hear from you, my friend!
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Wow this is great! I knew that Evan had this gift, but he is really good at poetry! Thank you for sharing this with me, it encouraged me a whole lot. Keep up the good work. I want to share this poem with CIU, but I’d need evan’s permission first.
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Hannah, so good to hear from you. I’m glad you were blessed by this. I’m sure Evan wouldn’t mind you sharing the poem. I’ll pass on the word and have him get in touch with you about it.
Love to all!
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Well…it warrants repeating, the observation I made years ago, concerning Evan. He is quiet, but he certainly is not shy. Praise God!
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Yes, that is so true. Still waters run deep…and strong! Thanks, bro.
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