Sarah couldn’t wait for the school day to be over. She looked forward to seeing David after school. She had told her mother that she had joined an after-school club and was taking the late bus home, afraid that her mother might disapprove of her friendship with her neighbor. Her father and mother had commented in the past that they considered him an educated idiot who lived in a big house and must think that he was better than everyone else. Sarah couldn’t risk losing the time she spent with David. Instead, she would risk the lie.

Today, when Sarah started to sip her tea, David asked her if she had read any of the passages in the Bible he had given her. Her face twisted. She had not but didn’t want to admit that to David.

David noticed her uncertainty. “It is full of wonderful stories! Read the New Testament first, but, you might really like the book of Psalms. They are poetry you know.”

When Sarah got home she took the Book out of her dresser drawer. She had hidden it there knowing her parents would be angry if they saw it. They always talked bad about the churchgoers on Sunday. They called them all hypocrites. Sarah held the Bible in her hands, feeling a mixture of curiosity and intrigue. She had never considered the Bible as a book of poetry before, and the thought of discovering new verses and stories intrigued her. With David’s encouraging words, she decided to give it a chance.

That evening, Sarah opened the pages of the Bible to the New Testament, as David had suggested. As she read the stories of Jesus’ life, teachings, and messages of love and hope, she found herself captivated by the wisdom and compassion they conveyed. She marveled at the beauty of the language and the depth of the emotions expressed in the words.

Driven by her love for poetry, Sarah was particularly drawn to the book of Psalms. She dove into the verses, immersing herself in the heartfelt prayers, praises, and expressions of faith. The poetic nature of the Psalms resonated deeply within her, and she discovered a new avenue for expressing her own thoughts and emotions through this ancient form of poetry.

As days turned into weeks, Sarah’s uncertainty transformed into a sense of wonder and awe. She realized that the Bible was more than just a collection of stories or teachings; it held a profound message of love, redemption, and hope. It became a source of inspiration for her own writing, as she found solace and guidance within its pages.

Sarah continued to meet with David, sharing her newfound appreciation for the Bible and the impact it had on her creative expression. They would discuss various passages, analyze the poetic elements, and explore the deeper meanings behind the verses. Their conversations opened up a world of spiritual exploration for Sarah, nurturing her curiosity and thirst for knowledge.

Through her encounters with the Bible and the guidance of David, Sarah began to develop her own understanding of God and faith. She learned that God was not merely an abstract concept or a distant deity, but a living presence who cared deeply for every individual. She discovered that her prayers were not just empty words, but a genuine connection to a loving and compassionate God who listened and provided comfort.

With time, Sarah’s writing blossomed, infused with a newfound depth and spirituality. She incorporated elements of her faith into her poetry, crafting verses that reflected her evolving relationship with God and her journey of self-discovery. The Bible became a constant companion, offering guidance, strength, and a wellspring of inspiration for her creative endeavors.

As Sarah embarked on her path of faith, she found solace and purpose in her connection with God. She realized that the gift David had given her was more than just a book; it was a gateway to a deeper understanding of herself and the world around her. And with every page she turned, Sarah’s heart overflowed with gratitude for the friendship and wisdom of her dear poet-neighbor, David, who had introduced her to the profound power of the written word and the wonders of faith.

Who are you, Jesus?

A name I often hear,

In stories and in songs,

But sometimes it’s not clear.

They say you walked on water,

And made the blind to see.

They say you healed the sick,

And set the captives free.

Are you a mighty king,

With a crown upon your head?

Or are you a gentle shepherd,

Guiding sheep that you have led?

I see your picture on the wall,

With arms outstretched so wide.

They say you died for us,

On a cross, they crucified.

But why did you have to go,

And leave us all behind?

Do you still hear our prayers,

In the silence, can you find?

Are you the one who listens,

When I cry myself to sleep?

Do you see the tears I shed,

When the world feels cold and deep?

I have so many questions,

As a child, I need to know.

Who are you, Jesus?

Please, help me understand and grow.

In my heart, I feel your presence,

A warmth I cannot explain.

Even though I cannot see you,

I know you’re here, I feel your pain.

You are the light in the darkness,

A friend who’s always near.

You love me unconditionally,

And wipe away each tear.

Though I may not understand it all,

I trust in you, Jesus, so kind.

For in your love and grace,

A child like me will always find.

A comforting embrace,

A guiding hand, so true.

You are my Savior, Jesus,

And I believe in you.